Building Financial Foundations Before Chasing Returns - Financial Planning That Actually Makes Sense with Nadine Hunkeler
- Julia Tatje
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The One Where Financial Planning Stops Being About Products
Most people think financial planning starts with investing.
An ETF. A pension buy-in. A Pillar 3a account. Maybe even a conversation about retirement.
But what if that's actually the roof of the house?
In this episode, Julia Tatje sits down with Nadine Hunkeler, founder and CEO of Finance Phoenix, certified financial planner, educator, and passionate advocate for financial literacy in Switzerland.
Together, they explore why financial planning is often misunderstood, why so many people postpone it, and why true financial security starts long before investment decisions enter the picture.
Nadine shares her own journey of learning financial planning the hard way, despite growing up in a family deeply rooted in banking and finance. Through personal experience, professional expertise, and years of advising clients, she developed a holistic approach that combines education, risk management, financial planning, and practical implementation.
The conversation moves far beyond investments and tax deductions.
It explores the foundations that protect people when life doesn't go according to plan.
In This Episode
Why financial planning is about personal risk management, not just investments
The biggest mistake people make: delaying financial planning altogether
Why even financially successful professionals often don't understand their own financial situation
The three major financial risks everyone should consider: disability, death, and retirement
Why disability is often the most overlooked financial risk in Switzerland
How pension funds, insurance, taxes, and investments interact as one system
The importance of emergency funds, legal documents, and financial awareness
Common misconceptions about Pillar 3a accounts and pension planning
Why financial decisions should always be tailored to individual circumstances
The difference between working for money and letting money work for you
Why international professionals often face unique financial planning challenges in Switzerland
How financial planning creates confidence, clarity, and long-term peace of mind
The Bottom Line
If you're waiting until retirement to think about financial planning: You're starting far too late. Good financial planning begins with protecting yourself today.
If you think investing is the first step: It isn't. Foundations come first: liquidity, protection, pension planning, legal safeguards, and awareness.
If you're relying on someone else to handle your finances: Understanding your own situation remains your responsibility.
If you keep postponing financial decisions: Time is often the most valuable asset in financial planning. Delays can become expensive.
For everyone: Financial planning isn't about predicting the future. It's about building enough clarity and protection to navigate whatever the future brings.
Host and Guest
Julia Tatje – Swiss tax specialist for internationals and founder of taxum AG.
Nadine Hunkeler – Founder and CEO of Finance Phoenix, Certified Financial Planner, financial educator and consultant specialising in financial planning and personal risk management in Switzerland. Through a combination of education, expert advice, and personalised financial planning, Nadine helps individuals, couples and families build long-term financial security and make confident financial decisions.
Finance Phoenix focuses particularly on helping people understand the interaction between financial risks, pension planning, taxes, liquidity, and investments so they can create a sustainable financial strategy aligned with their life goals.
Website: https://www.financephoenix.ch/
Listen and Connect
→ Website: https://www.taxum.ch/
→ LinkedIn: Julia Tatje - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-tatje/
→ Blog "Tax and the City": https://www.taxum.ch/blog
→ Podcast "Tax and the City": https://youtube.com/@tax_and_the_city?si=YE6SgrVTCu4pBUsc
→ Contact Julia: https://www.taxum.ch/kontakt
→ Finance Phoenix: https://www.financephoenix.ch/
→ Finance Phoenix: https://www.financephoenix.ch/workshop
→ LinkedIn: Nadine Hunkeler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-hunkeler/
Song: InRp - Golden Hour Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link: InRp - Golden Hour (Vlog No Copyright Music)
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
