Episode 39 - Financial Education Made Simple: Interview with Maja Križan

✔️Summary:

In this episode, I interviewed Maja Križan, a finance teacher, who recounted her entry into financial education, spurred by the 2008 economic crisis. This experience, which involved significant financial loss and a diminished trust in financial advisors, led her to educate herself and others on effective money management and crisis preparedness.

Maja highlighted the necessity of distinguishing wants from needs, the importance of effective budgeting, and the value of investing. As a working mother with a limited income, she learned the importance of prioritizing long-term financial goals over short-term desires. Her financial teachings are centered on simplicity and focus on fundamental investment strategies, particularly in index funds like S&P 500 and NASDAQ.

One of Maja's key messages is the importance of developing a habit of saving, regardless of the amount, to foster a wealth-building mindset. She differentiates trading in volatile markets like cryptocurrencies from more stable long-term investment strategies.

Despite not being a financial specialist by training, Maja's background in entrepreneurship and marketing aids her in demystifying complex financial concepts for her clients. She has successfully guided various individuals, including athletes, through their financial journeys and also imparts financial literacy lessons to her children.

The conversation with Maja covered a range of topics including budgeting, understanding and managing expenses, the criticality of early investing, and managing debts. She also shared her thoughts on the evolving financial world, her perspectives on cryptocurrencies and gold, and the vital role of financial education for younger generations. Maja concluded by expressing her aim to assist individuals in enhancing their financial well-being and offered a free strategy session to those interested in learning more.

⭐️About Maja:

Raised in Slovenia, Maja Križan grew up with entrepreneurial parents, inspiring her to become her own boss. Despite starting with traditional jobs post-university, Maja's goal wasn't to inherit the family business but to forge her own path. She ventured into diverse businesses, from importing Ayurvedic cosmetics to real estate and Amazon sales. However, her true success began with mastering money management and mindset. Also an Iyengar yoga practitioner, Maja balances work, self-care, and family as a mother of three. Today, she empowers women to achieve financial freedom through effective money management and investing. Outside work, she enjoys traveling and creating memorable experiences with her family and friends. Maja's journey exemplifies the transformation from overwhelm to financial independence, a path she believes is attainable for all women.

💜 Where to find Maja:

► Start a conversation with Maja: https://calendly.com/maja-krizan/45min

☞ Maja's Book Recommendation:

► Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki: https://amzn.to/3SV0iuh