Everyone starts out with a dream, a passion, an idea. It might be to become a famous rock star who just happens to own a clothing line or two, or the scientist that discovers a cheap, simple cure to cancer. Maybe it’s to be the first astronaut to land on Pluto, or an interior designer that every celebrity wants to design their homes. No matter which dream is yours, it’s going to involve two things: investment and work.

One of the hardest things you’ll ever do is get started, that’s a bit hunk of work right there because everyone will be skeptical, you need to prove yourself whether it be the bank for your student loan, or to Mom and Dad for the very same thing.

Your investment might be to forego that hot vehicle you’ve been eyeing and instead buy into a business—or buy the business whole. Newspapers usually will have a section in the classifieds for businesses that are considering selling. You’ll need to have a sturdy outline for what you want to do with it, how you plan to improve it, and a solid credit history.

Maybe all the paperwork involved with a business just isn’t your cup of tea. Maybe you’ve already made your big investment: a place to live. Unfortunately, it’s starting to get lonely in a new neighborhood with new people and new places. The answer: a pet! When it comes to buying animals, make sure you’ve thought things through. Puppies from a breeder might look prettier, but try your local SPCA too. They can be just as pure, and probably a lot cheaper too. And desperate for a loving home that you can provide.

Or perhaps you haven’t gotten to that stage yet and are still troubling over your first vehicle. The number one tip: be patient! Just because the salesman says that it’ll be gone within the week because of it’s excellent condition, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be. Number two tip: read the fine print! There’s a reason you’ve heard that so many times. Previous taxis, rented cars, or ones that have been in serious accidents won’t be advertised as such.

Whatever you dream is, whether it’s wining a Nobel Peace Prize or getting drugs legalized, your investment should represent it so that no matter what you spend the rest of your life doing, you’ll love every minute of it.