Marianna’s money lesson: invest in yourself

Investing isn’t about having all the answers from day one. It’s about taking that first step and growing in confidence over time.

Some of the most meaningful financial lessons come from personal experience. That’s why I’ve been speaking to colleagues in our Wealth Management service about the moments that shaped them, the routes they’ve followed, and the insights they’ve gained along the way.

Here’s Marianna Nezhivaya's letter - and the lessons she’d share with her younger self.

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Dear Marianna,

It’s funny how the things that shape us in childhood can take us down paths we don’t always expect. Born in Geneva to a diplomat and his wife, you’ve already observed a lot when it comes to managing relationships. In the diplomatic community in New York, where you’re being brought up, greeting people cordially is second nature.

Talking about money, though? That’s definitely not something you’re used to. Your parents were raised in an environment where money just wasn’t a subject that was discussed at home.

When you grow up and learn about saving and investing, you’ll decide it’s important to educate children about money from an early age. Normalising the subject and teaching kids to respect money, without putting it on a pedestal, makes a real difference. After all, money can buy you security. And it’s always good to have some of that, given you can never be too sure how life will turn out.

The first time you start earning money will be while studying at an American University in Switzerland on a scholarship. Arriving in the Swiss Alps with just 300 US dollars in your pocket, you’ll make ends meet by working in a student cafeteria and then as a babysitter. Later, you’ll be recruited by a local company that provides project management support. Your first pay cheque - for two thousand Swiss Francs - will seem like a fortune to you. And you’ll use some of it to buy your first business jacket at the local Emporio Armani store.

I mention this purchase because it has real significance. (It’s still hanging in the closet, after all this time) To you, the Jacket will be a symbol of the power of your potential, and of investing in yourself professionally. An outward reflection of your professionalism and desire to learn from everything that goes on around you.

While that enthusiasm has never dulled, one of the things I wish I could go back and tell you is to please cut yourself a bit of slack during those early years of your career. Being passionate about your work doesn’t have to mean pushing yourself so hard that it causes you sleepless nights.

After completing an MBA in London, you’ll work in private banking for a decade, looking after some ultra-high net worth clients. But while you’ll delight in their successes, it’s only later on, when you start working at Fidelity, that you’ll begin to learn about how to invest for yourself. Fidelity focuses a lot on financial education, publishing incredibly valuable articles about how to invest, and how to think like an investor. You’ll also learn a great deal from your conversations with colleagues and clients.

When you start putting that knowledge into practice, be prepared to make some mistakes. You can’t expect to get it all right from the start. Just be proud of what you learn. As with everything else, it’s a process, and you’ll get there eventually. In the meantime, don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

Love,

Marianna.

About Marianna

Important information - investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice.