Defining Worth

In the journey towards financial literacy, there comes a pivotal moment when one must confront the question: What is worth? Milestone 6 of our contest delves deep into this inquiry, urging you to explore your intrinsic value and its correlation with financial decisions. Understanding one's worth transcends mere monetary objectives; it encompasses self-awareness, principles, and aspirations.

Essence of "Know Your Worth"

"Know your worth" isn't just a catchphrase. It means recognizing your capabilities, talents, and uniqueness. It's about acknowledging your strengths and leveraging them to achieve financial stability and fulfillment. But worth isn't solely defined by bank account balances or material possessions. It encompasses integrity, dignity, and purpose.

For some, knowing their worth might mean negotiating fair compensation for their skills and expertise. For others, it could involve investing in personal growth and education to enhance their value in the job market. Ultimately, it's about aligning financial decisions with a profound understanding of one's worth, both professionally and personally.

Insights from our Esteemed Jury Members

To inspire participants on their journey of self-discovery and financial empowerment, we've sought the perspectives of our prestigious jury members on what "Know your Worth" means to them. You can find the statements of our finance experts  Florence Schnydrig Moser of Zürcher Kantonalbank and Enzo Piccolo of Swissquote in the videos above.

Professor Dr. Thorsten Hens of University of Zurich

1.     Which values do you prioritise when investing?

For me, asset growth comes first. I am not afraid of risks. On the contrary, if you invest well, you can profit from setbacks. Of course, you have to be careful not to invest in things that have no future. Then you won't recover after setbacks and you'll burn money buying more. This includes so-called "stranded assets", e.g. investments in commodities such as oil, which are a discontinued model in the long term. It is best to buy an index that excludes such assets and rebalance after setbacks.

2.     What does investing mean to you?

I give the money that I have earned to people who have good ideas so that they can use it productively for their company and therefore also for society - both aspects have to be right. If I donate money, only the second aspect is right. If I invest in non-sustainable companies, only the first aspect is right. 

3.     How do you follow your values when you invest?

I only make well-considered investment decisions - as a professor, you like to think. You also have to rethink your portfolio from time to time. The world is constantly changing. You have to be on your guard.

As we approach the end of Milestone 6 of our financial literacy contest, let us remember that knowing our worth is not just about numbers; it's about recognizing our intrinsic value and aligning our financial decisions with our principles and aspirations. By understanding our worth, we empower ourselves to make informed choices that lead to financial well-being and personal fulfillment.