As a child, visiting the local bank was a small ritual. One experience shaped me deeply: I proudly deposited 10 DM – only to see the same bill paid out at the next counter. A shock for me as a child. Today I can laugh about it, but back then it shook my trust in money and banks.

Later, through pocket money, patience, and savings goals, I learned how important it is to handle money consciously.

With my first apprentice salary, I bought a notebook – I thought it was an investment. Today I know: an investment is something else. But everyone starts somewhere.

During my training, I began saving money in daily and fixed‑term accounts. Later came insurance and retirement planning – topics many avoid, but which are extremely important.

In 2012, I received my first “financial advice”. Looking back, much of it was exaggerated and commission‑driven. I invested in a fund, later sold it without profit, and began studying stocks on my own.

Between 2015 and 2018 things went well – until one wrong decision wiped out my gains. I trusted others’ opinions too much and market phases and fundamentals too little.

After that, I analyzed stocks myself, cleaned up my portfolio, and completed a distance learning program in stock trading. Today I rely on ETFs, solid strategies, and long‑term thinking. My most important insight: Time is my greatest ally.

In conversations with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, I noticed again and again: Most people don’t really know how much money is left at the end of the month or where their money goes.

My spreadsheets helped me – but not everyone wants to work with Excel. So I asked myself: How can I help others without forcing them to use complicated tools?

That’s how Tebbs‑Finance was born: a budget book that systematically tracks income and expenses, works independently of banks, and integrates easily into everyday life.