My Journey to Financial Independence – The Things No One Taught Me in University

When I started studying finance, I believed that my degree would automatically prepare me for the world of money. I thought that if I knew what NPV, ROI, and effective interest rates were, I would be ready to manage my finances and build a stable future.

The reality? The things that truly helped me grow as a financial expert weren’t in the textbooks.

It turned out that financial independence isn’t just about theory it requires a mindset, discipline, and real action. That’s why I want to share three of the most important lessons I learned outside of university that completely changed the way I see money and my career.

1. Your Salary won’t Make You Rich

When I got my first job, I was excited. I was finally earning a decent income, and I thought it was the start of my financial stability. The problem? The more I earned, the more I spent.

The truth is, your financial situation isn’t determined by how much you make, but by how you manage your money.

This simple rule made a huge difference in how I manage my money.

2. Investing Is More Important Than Saving

I always thought that the key to financial security was to save as much as possible. But then I realized that inflation could slowly “eat away” my savings if they just sat in my bank account.

That’s when I started investing at first in index funds, then in stocks, and now I’m exploring cryptocurrencies. The most important lesson here is: you don’t need to be an expert to start. What matters is taking the first step.

3. Networking Is Worth More Than Any Bank Balance

This was the biggest surprise for me. I always believed that if I just worked hard and focused on finance, success would come naturally. But the truth is that the connections you build can bring you more opportunities than any other resource.

I joined various financial and entrepreneurial communities, started talking to people who had already walked my path, and discovered that sharing ideas and experiences accelerates success.

Final Thought: Money Is a Tool, Not a Goal

Today, I don’t just study finance - I live it. I work with people who want to build a financially stable future, and I see the same mistake in many of them: they see money as the ultimate goal, rather than as a means to achieve something greater.