In this episode, speak with Baptiste Wicht, creator of The Poor Swiss blog, to explore the journey toward financial independence and how to optimize wealth while living in Switzerland. Baptiste shares practical advice on frugality, budgeting, and investing, providing listeners with actionable tips to take control of their finances.

Expect to learn about Baptiste's top frugality strategies, his favorite budgeting tools, and why he believes the traditional advice of keeping a 3-6 month cash reserve might not always apply. We also dive into investment strategies, his approach to portfolio diversification, and his views on real estate vs. stocks as investment options. Lastly, we talk about the growth of The Poor Swiss blog, how Baptiste balances it with his full-time job, and how he manages to stay objective despite sponsorship opportunities.

ABOUT BAPTISTE

Baptiste Wicht is the mind behind The Poor Swiss, a blog dedicated to simplifying personal finance for Swiss residents. Known for his practical advice and objective product reviews, Baptiste has become a trusted voice in Switzerland’s financial space. His mission is to help others gain financial clarity and achieve their money goals through frugality, smart investments, and thoughtful planning.

TRANSCRIPT

https://howitticks.ch/podcast/personal-finance-the-poor-swiss/

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Starting the Financial Journey

(03:00) From Saving 10% to 50%: How Baptiste Did It

(08:30) Budgeting Made Simple: Tools and Strategies

(15:00) Setting Financial Goals: Tailoring to Your Lifestyle

(21:00) Emergency Funds: How Much Do You Really Need?

(25:30) Investment Strategies: ETFs and Swiss Market Bias

(31:00) Digital Banking in Switzerland: The Landscape and Challenges

(38:00) The Evolution of “The Poor Swiss”: From Blog to LLC

(46:00) Managing Growth: Balancing Work, Blog, and Personal Life

(51:00) Future Aspirations for “The Poor Swiss”