So this seems to be a very common misunderstanding.
In order to complete and objective that requires you to spend something (Resources, Influence, Trade Goods, etc…), you must spend those at the moment you are fulfilling the Objective IN ORDER to complete the Objective and for no other reason.
So “building ships” would be spending the resources on building ships.
“Erect a Monument” means spending 8 resources at the time you are fulfilling the objective to score a Victory point.
I’m not trying to come across angry/mean/annoyed or anything, but a bunch of other players have had this same misunderstanding. I’m hoping that everyone understands now how this works? Otherwise it will be impossible for you to complete most of the Objectives (since you’ll be spending your resources/influence/Trade Goods on your turn doing other things and therefore won’t have them available to score the objective).



