Building Financial Futures Through Smart Education

We started Fivarn because too many people feel lost when it comes to investing. Our mission is simple: make budget investing accessible, understandable, and genuinely helpful for everyday people across Belgium.

How We Started

Back in 2019, I was sitting in a café in Brussels listening to a friend explain how she'd been putting money into a savings account for fifteen years. The interest rate was practically zero, and inflation was eating away at her purchasing power every year.

That conversation stuck with me. Here was someone intelligent, hardworking, and responsible with money – but she'd never learned about investing because it seemed too complicated and risky. She wasn't alone.

I realized that most financial education was either too basic or overwhelmingly complex. People needed something in between – practical guidance that respected their intelligence while acknowledging their real concerns about risk and complexity.

So we built Fivarn to fill that gap. We focus specifically on budget investing because that's where most people actually start, and we teach it in a way that makes sense for real life.

Financial planning discussion in modern office setting

What We Believe

Our approach to financial education is built on principles we've developed through years of helping people navigate their first investments and build sustainable financial habits.

Start Where You Are

You don't need thousands of euros to begin investing. We teach strategies that work with small amounts because that's how most wealth-building actually begins.

Understand Before You Invest

We never recommend something we can't explain clearly. Every strategy we teach comes with real examples and honest discussions about both opportunities and risks.

Long-term Thinking

Get-rich-quick schemes don't work. We focus on building sustainable habits and strategies that compound over years, not months.

Our Teaching Method

We've learned that people don't just need information – they need context, examples, and a clear path forward. Our approach combines practical exercises with real market examples to build both knowledge and confidence.

Students engaged in interactive financial learning session

Build the Foundation

We start with the fundamentals that actually matter. Not abstract theory, but practical concepts like risk tolerance, diversification, and how compound growth works in real portfolios.

Practice with Real Examples

Students work through actual investment scenarios using current market data. We analyze real companies, real index funds, and real portfolio allocations that fit different budgets.

Develop Your Strategy

By the end of our programs, you'll have a personalized investment approach that fits your budget, timeline, and comfort level. No cookie-cutter solutions.

Ongoing Support

Markets change and questions come up. We provide resources and guidance to help you adapt your strategy as your situation evolves.

Meet Our Lead Educator

Our team combines academic knowledge with practical experience. We've all been where you are – trying to figure out how to invest responsibly without making expensive mistakes.

Astrid Vanderstraeten

Lead Financial Educator

Astrid spent eight years as a portfolio analyst before transitioning to education. She specializes in helping people understand index fund investing and building diversified portfolios on limited budgets.

Our Areas of Focus

Index Fund Strategies

Low-cost diversification approaches that work for small investors

Risk Assessment

Practical methods for understanding and managing investment risk

Portfolio Building

Step-by-step guidance for creating balanced investment portfolios

Tax-Efficient Investing

Strategies specific to Belgian tax regulations and investment accounts

Looking Forward

Financial literacy shouldn't be a luxury. We're working to make quality investment education accessible to anyone who wants to build long-term wealth, regardless of their starting point.

Our upcoming programs for 2025 will expand into retirement planning and tax-advantaged investing strategies. We're also developing partnerships with local community centers to reach people who might not otherwise have access to this kind of education.

Clear, honest communication about both opportunities and risks
Education that leads to confident, independent decision-making
Ongoing support as markets and personal situations change
Accessibility for people across different income levels and backgrounds

Collaborative learning environment with financial planning materials