How to Invest €10,000: A Finance Expert's Perspective

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-02-08

After our conversation with Thomas Guenter, I kept hearing the same question pop up. People were asking, "Can you share that part where he explains what he'd do with €10,000 separately?" It's funny how one specific number can capture everyone's attention. So I went back to Thomas Guenter, founder of Finhouse, and asked him directly: How would you handle €10,000 in capital today? Now, let me be clear right up front—this isn't investment advice. It's simply how someone who works with money day in and day out thinks about investing. There's a big difference between those two things, and it's important we keep that distinction in mind. ### Why Your Context Matters More Than The Amount Thomas started with something that surprised me. He said the actual amount—whether it's €10,000 or €100,000—matters less than your personal situation. Think about it like this: €10,000 means something completely different to someone just starting their career versus someone nearing retirement. Your financial goals, your timeline, your risk tolerance—these are what really shape your investment decisions. The number itself is just a starting point. It's like planning a road trip—the destination matters more than what kind of car you're driving.  ### Risk, Time, and Discipline: The Three Pillars When Thomas talks about investing, he keeps coming back to three things: risk, time, and discipline. Most people focus on just one of these, but they're all connected. Risk isn't something to avoid completely—it's something to understand and manage. Time is your greatest ally when you're investing, especially with smaller amounts. And discipline? That's what keeps you going when markets get bumpy. Here's what he shared about how these three work together: - Risk needs to match your timeline—you can take more risk if you have decades ahead of you - Time allows compounding to work its magic, turning small regular investments into something significant - Discipline means sticking to your plan even when everyone else is panicking or getting greedy ### The Common Mistake Everyone Makes This is where Thomas got really passionate. He said most people focus entirely on returns—chasing the highest percentages, looking for the next big thing. But that's actually where they go wrong. "Focusing only on returns," he explained, "is like trying to drive while only looking at the speedometer. You might be going fast, but you have no idea where you're headed or what obstacles are ahead." Instead, he suggests thinking about your investments as part of a larger financial picture. What are you trying to achieve? What's your timeline? How much volatility can you handle emotionally? These questions matter more than squeezing out an extra percentage point of return. ### What He Wouldn't Do With €10,000 Today This was the most practical part of our conversation. Thomas was very clear about what he wouldn't do with €10,000 right now. He wouldn't put it all into a single stock, no matter how promising it seems. He wouldn't chase trendy investments just because everyone's talking about them. And he definitely wouldn't try to time the market—buying when prices are high and selling when they're low. Instead, he'd focus on building a solid foundation. That might mean paying down high-interest debt first. Or creating an emergency fund if you don't have one. Or starting with a simple, diversified portfolio that you can add to regularly. ### The Bigger Picture What struck me most about our conversation was how Thomas kept bringing things back to mindset. Investing isn't just about numbers and percentages—it's about behavior, patience, and understanding yourself. He shared this thought that's stuck with me: "The best investment strategy is the one you can stick with through market ups and downs. It's not about being brilliant—it's about being consistent." That's the real takeaway here. Whether you're working with €10,000 or ten times that amount, the principles remain the same. Understand your own situation. Build a plan that fits your life. And have the discipline to follow through. Remember, this is just one perspective from someone who spends his days thinking about money. Your situation is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. But sometimes, hearing how someone else approaches these questions can help clarify your own thinking. And that's really what this is all about—not giving you answers, but helping you ask better questions about your own financial journey.