Investment Beginnings: The First €50,000 Was the Most Difficult
By Richard Golian6 July 2024 Castellano Slovenčina
I often wonder if sharing my financial journey and investment strategies publicly is worthwhile. After all, my experiences are unique, and my methods might be challenging for many to replicate. But I'll try anyway.
Investing 50% of My Income: Seven Years of Low-Cost Living in Prague
Since 2016, the year I started college and relocated to Prague, until 2023, I've managed to invest 50% of my income in the stock market. This might lead to assumptions of a high salary, but that wasn't the reality. My working hours were constrained by my academic commitments, typically between 40 and 80 hours monthly. I only started crossing the 100-hour mark after 2021. My hourly rate was above average for Prague university students, but it wasn't extreme. The main reason for my high investment rate was maintaining a modest lifestyle while gradually increasing my work hours over seven years.
I resided in a university dormitory, cooking basic meals and rarely purchasing new clothes. My schedule was dominated by academics, work, and self-education, leaving minimal time and inclination to spend money.
After university, I lived for a while in my hometown in Slovakia, which did not represent any additional costs for me, and for a while in company accommodation, until the fall of 2023.
A Mistake: Delaying Investments Until 2022
If I could go back to 2016, I would tell my younger self one thing: start investing immediately. I saved money for years but only began investing in 2022.
Read more about: How to start investing in an index ETF
A New Phase: Investing 30% of My Income Since Autumn 2023
In the fall of 2023, I moved to a new place, which increased my living expenses. As a result, I now invest only 30% of my income. Despite this, I believe it was the right decision as it provides me with the space and environment to focus on further self-development and education, which I consider an investment in myself.
In the following articles, I discuss investing in more detail. By sharing my journey, I hope to offer valuable insights and inspiration.