Not every one of us is destined to be an investment guru like Dennis Gartman. The man is one of Canada's top stock and investment advisors, and of course has the fortune to prove that his advice is sound. To get to that level, you not only need the right amount of education, you need the instincts to get by in the industry in the first place.

On the other hand, most of us have enough financial acumen to be safe from having to get cash for scrap gold we find in our jewelry boxes. The problem is often getting started; how does one start building a financial portfolio that will ensure comfort in lean times ahead, particularly in today's market?

The first thing you have to do is invest in yourself. That investment means sitting down and determining where your gifts like, and how you can use that knowledge to start earning an income. Many times, particularly today, that can mean going through some kind of training. It might mean earning a college or university degree, or taking a course in Ontario commercial real estate sales. Whether you're good at trades, working with people, or writing, there will be some job which suits you. You just have to take the time to find it and prepare for it.

Once you do that, you'll start earning a decent income, and that means it's time to start investing some of that money into your future. When you begin to earn a paycheck, make a commitment to putting away a percentage of that check every time towards some kind of savings and investment scenario. Ten percent is not an unreasonable amount.

We say savings and investment, because the two are not the same thing. A trade mark Canadian financial advisor saying is that putting money away into savings will gain you nothing. Banks won't pay you the interest to make it worth your while. It's better to find some kind of investment scenario where you can still access your money, where it is relatively safe, and yet still earning a higher percentage than the different options governments and banks will give you (because if nothing else, both bodies proved in the latest meltdown they know little about actual finances!).

Now, that is only the savings portion of your deductions each check. The other portion should be invested in a diverse portfolio which includes safe investments such as gold mutual funds as well as riskier things like stocks and bonds. To find the best options, make sure to talk to a qualified financial advisor.