Here, financial freedom does not necessarily mean never having to work again. It can begin much more simply: being able to absorb an unexpected expense, no longer feeling overwhelmed by every financial decision, having some breathing room, and gradually creating more choices for your future.
In reality, a solid financial path can absolutely begin with no savings, no assets, and sometimes even debts to repay. What matters is not only where you start, but how you move forward from there.
What does “starting from zero” really mean?
No savings, no assets, and sometimes debt
Starting from zero is a very real situation for many people: little or no available savings, no investments, and sometimes consumer debt or a recurring overdraft. This is neither something to be ashamed of nor a personal failure. It is simply one starting point among many. Acknowledging your situation without judging yourself is the first step, and often one of the most difficult psychologically, even before looking at the numbers.
What it does not mean
Starting from zero financially does not mean starting without resources. Time, the ability to learn, and consistency are far more powerful assets than many people realise. A 25-year-old with no savings still has one valuable advantage: time. Several decades can allow them to gradually build their financial organisation, savings, and, when they are ready, their investments.
The first steps, in the right order
First, look at your situation as it really is
Before saving or investing anything, it is useful to take an honest look at your current situation: income, fixed expenses, variable expenses, and any existing debts. Not to judge yourself, but to create an accurate picture of reality.
That is exactly the purpose of the Academy’s Financial Diagnostic, which helps you get a clearer view of your current situation in just a few minutes before deciding what your next steps should be.
Prioritise high-cost debt
If you have high-cost debt, such as certain consumer loans or outstanding credit card balances, paying it down will generally deserve priority before you begin investing.
At the same time, keeping or building a small financial buffer can help prevent a new unexpected expense from pushing you back into debt. The cost of debt is known and contractual, while the future return of an investment is uncertain.
For that reason, keeping very expensive debt solely in the hope of achieving a higher return through investing is generally not a sensible approach. In Switzerland, cantonal debt counselling services can support people who are struggling and help them establish a realistic debt repayment budget. The official ch.ch website provides information on the steps available when you are having difficulty paying your bills.
Build a minimum emergency fund
Once expensive debt is under control, the next priority is to build a small financial safety cushion. Even an initial CHF 500 buffer can already help cover certain unexpected expenses without immediately relying on credit. It may not be a complete emergency fund, but it is a first step. Your emergency fund should remain separate from money intended for investing. It needs to be immediately accessible rather than invested in financial markets.
Build progressively, even with small amounts
Consistency matters just as much as your starting point
Starting with CHF 20, CHF 50, or CHF 100 per month may seem modest. Yet the value of this first step is not only the amount you accumulate. It is also the habit you build. Automating your savings gradually turns a decision you have to make every month into a system.
Over the long term, the outcome will naturally depend on how much you contribute, how long you save or invest for, and, where investing is involved, the returns achieved. But consistency can already help create a solid foundation.
Automating transfers as soon as your salary arrives, even for small amounts, helps build this system without relying on motivation every month. One commonly used guideline is the 50-30-20 rule, which divides income between essential needs, discretionary spending, and savings or debt repayment. It is only a guideline and should be adapted to each individual situation, but it can help simplify a decision that often feels complicated.
Start learning while you are still building
You do not need to wait until you have money saved before learning how to make it work for you later. Understanding the basics what a budget is, how saving works, and the key principles of investing can start today and does not have to cost anything.
That is exactly the philosophy behind the Academy’s foundations program: six free resources designed to help you build strong financial foundations without waiting until you have “enough” money to start paying attention. Financial education is not something that comes after wealth. It is part of what helps you gradually build a stronger financial situation in the first place.
The mindset that makes the difference
Accept that the beginning can feel slow
The first few years of building your finances can feel relatively unspectacular. The amounts may remain modest and progress may feel slow, but that is normal. You are building foundations, not chasing immediate results. This stage deserves patience rather than discouragement, because it is precisely during this period that the habits that can make a real difference over ten or twenty years begin to take shape.
Every decision matters, even the small ones
A financial path is generally not built through one major decision alone. It develops through a series of choices repeated over time. Cancelling an unnecessary subscription, automating a CHF 50 transfer, or deciding not to take out consumer credit for a purchase that can wait may seem insignificant on their own. Repeated consistently over time, these small decisions can help build genuine financial freedom.
Conclusion
Starting from zero does not prevent you from building a solid financial situation.
What makes a difference over time is your ability to look at your situation as it really is, deal with priorities in the right order, and move forward progressively.
Paying off a debt, saving your first CHF 100, understanding your budget, or automating a small monthly transfer are already meaningful steps.
You do not need to wait for perfect conditions before you begin.
The foundations program is a free first step to help you assess your situation and gradually build your financial foundations.
FAQ
How can I save when I have almost nothing left?
At the beginning, the goal is less about finding the “perfect” amount and more about choosing a realistic amount you can maintain over time. Saving CHF 20 or CHF 50 per month can already help you build the habit, as long as that amount remains compatible with your essential expenses and overall financial situation.
Can I invest without starting capital?
Yes. Some solutions allow you to begin with small, regular amounts rather than a large lump sum. However, investing is not necessarily the first priority when you are starting from zero. It is generally preferable to first understand your budget, deal with expensive debt, and build an emergency reserve that is appropriate for your situation.
Where should I start if I have debt?
Start by looking at high-interest debt, such as credit card balances or consumer loans.
The cost of this debt is known and may be high, whereas the future return of an investment is uncertain. Swiss debt counselling services are available to help people establish a realistic debt repayment plan.
How long does it take to build real financial freedom?
There is no universal timeline. It depends on what financial freedom means to you, as well as your income, spending, assets, debts, and goals. For some people, the first form of financial freedom is simply getting out of overdraft and building an emergency fund. For others, the goal may be to reduce their working hours or eventually live partly from their accumulated assets.
Is it too late if I start at 40?
No. Starting at 40 still leaves many years to organise your finances, build savings, and develop a strategy that is appropriate for your situation.
Les informations présentées dans cet article sont fournies à titre purement informatif et éducatif. Elles ne constituent en aucun cas une recommandation personnalisée, un conseil en investissement, une offre ou une sollicitation d’achat ou de vente de produits financiers.
The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute personalised advice, investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial product.Any investment decision should be made after carefully assessing your personal situation, objectives, and risk profile, and may require advice from a qualified and authorised professional.Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments involve risks, including the risk of loss of capital.
Les performances passées ne garantissent pas les résultats futurs. Les investissements comportent des risques, notamment le risque de perte en capital.