Investment Beginnings: The First €50,000 Was the Most Difficult

I’ve often wondered whether it makes sense to publicly share my financial journey and investment strategies. My experience is unique, and my methods might be difficult for many to replicate.

Still, I’ve decided to give it a try.

Investing 50% of My Income: Seven Years of Low-Cost Living in Prague

From 2016, when I started university and moved to Prague, until 2023, I managed to invest 50% of my income in the stock market. That might sound like I had a high salary, but the reality was quite different. My time for work and earning was limited by my academic obligations. I usually worked around 40 to 80 hours per month. It wasn’t until after 2021 that I began crossing the 100-hour mark. My hourly wage was above average for a student in Prague, but nothing extreme.

The real reason behind my high investment rate was a modest lifestyle. I gradually increased my working hours while keeping my expenses low.

I lived in a university dorm, cooked simple meals, and rarely bought new clothes. Most of my time went into studying, working, and self-education. I had neither the time nor the urge to spend money.

Here’s a glimpse of what my student life looked like—I found a few photos.

My desk in the dormitory at Charles University

View from the dormitory window at Charles University

Looking back, it never really felt like I was depriving myself. Back then and even now, most things I consider important—and especially the truly essential ones—can’t be bought with money.

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