You don't need to blow the bank on financial planners and stockbrokers to build a nest egg - do it yourself by putting a little away on a regular basis and making a range of quality investments. Here are 10 things you can do to help build wealth.

1. Have a plan

Put together an outline of your investment goals. Are you trying to save for a house deposit or for retirement? Do you want access to the money in a year or two, or are you investing for the long term? Do you want high-risk investments? The answers to these questions will help narrow down your investment options.

2. Cut debt

Before you invest spare cash, pay off your debts. Some credit cards charge more than 20 per cent interest, so paying off these debts gives you a pretty good return.

3. Educate yourself

Start taking an interest in money. Read books and websites about investing, learn about investment terms and products, or read the business section of the newspaper.

4. Get good advice

Speak with your bank's financial planner. They offer free advice on how to build savings and wisely invest them, though they may be biased to the bank's products. Independent financial planners will only see you when you have substantial savings to invest.

5. Save a little regularly

The way to build a nest egg is to save a small amount on a regular basis and invest the money. If you're starting from scratch, open an online savings account - they pay high interest and charge low fees. Transfer a set amount to this account every payday until you've put aside enough money to invest in things such as managed funds.

6. Buy quality

Once you have some money saved, shop around for wise entry-level investments. Stay away from high-risk investments that promise the earth. If you're keen to play the stock market, start with a managed fund. This way, you can let experts pool your money with other investors and buy and sell stocks on your behalf.

7. Don't panic

Stock and property prices will go up and down. Don't panic and sell at any sign of trouble - investing is for the long haul. If you have a good, balanced portfolio you should ride out the lows and enjoy the highs.

8. Diversify

Make sure you spread your risk. Balanced portfolios buy stocks in different sectors and invest money in lower-risk alternatives.

9. Reinvest earnings

When your investments start making returns, reinvest the money. Earning on your returns will multiply your money in the long-term.

10. Keep track of your investments

Don't go crazy looking up share prices on a daily basis, but do keep up to speed on company news and market trends, follow managed fund returns, and monitor gains and losses in property. Ask yourself - are my investments working hard enough for me?

Click here for more life and style articles