I was already a language enthusiast and keen traveler at school, and I knew I really wanted to go abroad. So I started looking for international degree programmes - and Export-oriented Management was the perfect combination for me: business, English as the language of study, two other languages (Spanish and Russian) and the opportunity to spend a year abroad. I knew that this was exactly what I was looking for and I am still very happy to have studied at IMC.
The birth of the enthusiasm for financial topics
I found the lectures on micro- and macroeconomics at the IMC particularly exciting, especially the content on interest rate policy. However, my enthusiasm for finance only really came later - a few years ago, while preparing for a salary negotiation, I came across the topic of investing - and it has stayed with me ever since.
There are many exciting aspects to the topic of finance. Firstly, money is something very emotional. We learn how to deal with money primarily from our parents and there are often very deep, emotional beliefs behind this. For example, if every cent had to be turned over in childhood, even as an adult you can still have the feeling that there is never enough money, even though you earn well. I also believe that a responsible and self-determined approach to finances is one of the most important levers for an independent life. Because if we have an overview of how much money comes in and goes out and we understand what we use our money for (and invest it wisely), we can decide for ourselves how we want to shape our lives.
Creating financial impulses
FINpulse stands for financial impulses and also includes part of my surname. This is the name I use on social media for my work as a trainer, business coach and podcaster for financial education. FINpulse is all about guiding women step by step to become self-determined, independent investors and to build a happier relationship with money and finance, in line with their values. My approach is 100 per cent self-determination. I provide financial content and not advice, because I believe that you can only become financially independent if you make and understand your own financial decisions.
Focus on women
I deliberately focus on women in my work because they are far too often financially disadvantaged. The gender pay gap in Austria alone is 18 per cent and the pension gap is around 42 per cent. This means that men in Austria receive an average of 42 per cent more pension than women. And these figures are disastrous - many women are dependent on jobs and men that are often not good for them and end up in poverty with a low pension that they can't even use to pay their rent. In addition, there is often the prejudice that women are not interested in finance. I highly disagree! Because with the right approach, women can be just as enthusiastic about it - and studies show that women are often better investors than men - because they invest with more foresight and are more risk-averse.
Investing has to be learnt
The best way to learn about finance is to start step by step. It is also important to follow the sequence here - investing should only be step 10 of 10. Firstly, you should get an overview of your money management. How much money is coming in, how much is going out? What am I spending my money on? Also consider the emotional aspects of money. After that, it is crucial to save up a nest egg - you should set aside three to six months' salary for this, which you can access in an emergency (e.g. if you lose your job or your car breaks down). Set yourself long-term financial goals, calculate your pension gap and find out how the stock market works. Only once you've determined your risk capacity, set a strategy, have a nest egg on the side and understand the investments you're planning, you are ready to invest.
There are a lot of great financial education resources out there. YouTube channels, books and podcasts (including my own called "Moneyküre") are great for mastering your finances step by step. Coaching can be useful if you want support in really getting to grips with the topic.
Financial tips for students and new alumni
It is particularly important for students to get an overview of their budget. How much money do you receive and how much do you have left? What do you spend your money on? It often helps to set up a “fun account”. You can set a fixed monthly amount that you can spend every month on fun (parties, shopping and much more) without feeling guilty. Also be careful not to accumulate consumer debt. Be particularly careful when paying with Klarna! This is because you often pay very high interest rates and debt can also have long-term consequences (e.g. poor credit rating if you want to buy a property later).
One of my favorite tips is "pay yourself first" - save right at the beginning of the month, so you have this done and can control exactly how much you pay towards your financial goals each month. It's also important to remember that the earlier you start looking at your finances and investing, the better. This is because the biggest lever for building wealth is the compound interest effect. The longer you invest, the more money you will have at your disposal in the end.
Sustainable investing
In the midst of the climate crisis, sustainable investing is playing an increasingly important role. Money is an important lever for driving change. With sustainable investments, you have the opportunity to make the world a better place. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of greenwashing in sustainable investments, as there is no standardized definition of "green investments". It is therefore even more important to take a close look at what you are investing in and to find your own definition of sustainability in order to act and invest accordingly.
Anyone can invest!
You don't need a lot of capital to start investing! On the contrary, you can start investing with as little as €25 per month. Savings plans that invest automatically and, above all, in a broadly diversified way for you every month are suitable for this. However, it is very important that you only invest money that you don't need at the moment and won't need in the next 10-15 years. Also follow the principle "Never invest in something you don't understand".
TO THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAMME
