In the beginning it was difficult, but the hard work paid off

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Stoyne Vasilev and I am the founder of SmartMoney.bg. This is a platform for training and consultations in the field of financial literacy and investments. We offer courses for both adults and children and teenagers.

How many years have you been with the company? How do you feel about it and what does this stage mean for you?

14 years ago my wife Adriana and I started the company and created the first comprehensive course on personal finance in Bulgaria. At that time, we were both working at other places, and we realized this project in our free time. When we saw that there was potential for this activity in our country, I left my corporate job and dedicated myself 100% to helping Bulgarians improve their financial literacy and start investing.

Now I feel very good in the company, but the beginning was difficult. I was used to all the corporate social benefits, and now I had to first think about revenues and only then assess what we could afford and what we couldn't.

What are the most memorable moments or achievements from your time here so far?

I can't forget our first training that we organized. It was very difficult to gather a group of about 15 participants who trusted us, even though they knew nothing about us, and the topic was new to Bulgaria.

The publication of my book “Smart Money,” which became one of the best-selling in Bulgaria, is another moment I will remember.

During this period, I also fulfilled a dream that was over 20 years old. From the very first time I learned about the format of TED, I wanted to stand next to people like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk one day. I had the honor and pleasure to be on the stage of TEDx events twice – in 2021 and 2023.

What motivates you to stay and develop in this organization?

When we started the company, I gave myself a deadline of 1 year to see if there was potential in what we were doing. If people in our country did not want someone to teach them financial literacy and investing, I was ready to close the company and find a job with another employer.

The hard work paid off and things started to improve. Although we faced various obstacles and challenges over these 14 years, I never once thought about changing this field. In the future, that may happen, but for now, I am motivated to continue helping people in our country improve their financial literacy.

How has your professional path changed from day one until now – and what has it taught you?

In a small organization, there are no specific positions. Both my wife and I have been managers, drivers, movers, IT specialists, marketing experts, designers, event organizers, and many other roles. Similarly, the people in the team have not been responsible for just one thing.

At first glance, it seems that I have taken a step back in my professional development because my last position was manager in a large Bulgarian holding, but I do not think so. Starting and developing a business in our country is quite challenging and teaches you many things about real life.

What are your aspirations moving forward – both for yourself and for the team or company you are a part of?

Recently, the new and revised edition of my book was released, which I hope will surpass the first version in interest and sales. Together with partners, we created a platform for video courses on personal finance and investing, which we have been successfully developing for over 5 years and plan to enter foreign markets. We continue to enhance the courses for children and teenagers, as interest in them is growing.

Our big goal has not changed – to help 1,000,000 Bulgarians manage their personal finances more wisely, invest, and live better.