stages in a man's financial life

Here's a newspaper clip that got my attention:

"There are three stages in a man's financial life - man at work, man and money at work, and money at work." Unfortunately many never pass the second stage. Thus, many cannot stop working even after their retirement because they do not have enough to sustain them for their old age. The author says the key is to save and to put one's money where it will grow.

Very good advice right? At my age I realized I have been unconsciously thinking of ways to get to the second stage then to the third. Haha I have so many plans in my mind of what business would be profitable; what investment would be worthwhile, etc., but I don't think that's quite possible at the moment. With often no money in my pockets, dependent upon my poor parents for support in almost all my basic needs, I am so far not going any stages. With my previous job gone, no paycheck to expect - that basically leaves me keeping myself at home most of the time. Good though since I get to study for exams.