Matjaz Stamulak: The Educator Empowering Financial Independence
Matjaz Stamulak is a Financial Advisor & CEO of Cresus and Luxen&Wealth. He is a renowned financial educator who has taught over 25,000 students and a leader dedicated to raising global financial literacy. His work bridges the gap between complex market dynamics and personal financial security, driven by a philosophy that puts people before numbers. With a career spanning over two decades, he has expanded his influence from Slovenia to the competitive markets of the UAE, earning recognition for his ethical and independent approach. For his dedication to empowering individuals and his transparent, human-centric leadership, The Influential Today Magazine is proud to honor Matjaz as one of The Most Trusted Financial Advisors of 2025.
The Roots of Observation
The journey to becoming a trusted voice in the global financial sector did not begin in a high-rise office or a bustling stock exchange. It began in the quiet neighborhoods of Slovenia, through the eyes of an observant child. His early life was defined by a paradox that would eventually shape his entire career: the disconnect between effort and reward.
“As a kid growing up in Slovenia, I was always surrounded by people who worked incredibly hard,” he recalls. He watched his parents, neighbors, and friends of the family pour their energy into long hours of labor. They gave everything they had, driven by a work ethic that was undeniable. “And yet, no matter how hard they tried, many of them were still living right on the edge, counting the days until the next paycheck arrived.”
This observation was confusing for a young boy. It defied the basic logic that hard work should equate to success. However, as he matured, confusion turned into a profound realization. “Over time I began to understand that the problem wasn’t effort. It was knowledge,” he explains. He saw that the people around him, devoted and persistent as they were lacked the specific tools to plan financially, think long-term, or make their money work for them. No one had ever taught them these essential skills.
This realization was a “turning point” that subtly rewired his view of the world. It sparked a curiosity about money that he couldn’t ignore. While his peers were discovering typical childhood hobbies, he found himself fascinated by the mechanics of finance. He was driven by a desire to understand why some thrived while others struggled, even when the effort invested was equal. He discovered a truth that became his professional mantra: “Financial education can change everything; it can shift someone’s life trajectory.”
A Philosophy of Self-Reliance
This understanding of money was not just theoretical; it was forged in the reality of his own upbringing. Born into a typical Slovenian family, he learned early on that luxury was not a given. His parents were building their house slowly, step by step, and extra money was scarce. He quickly internalized an old Slovenian saying: “Without work, there is no food on the table.”
At a young age, around 15, he took responsibility for his own desires. “If I wanted anything that went beyond the basics… I had to earn it myself,” he says. Whether it was mowing neighbors’ lawns for a symbolic fee or taking on odd jobs, he worked to save for the things he wanted, such as a CD from a favorite artist. Relying on pocket money from his parents was simply not an option.
These early experiences with earning and saving did more than just buy him music; they instilled a deep desire for independence. He decided he did not want to live a life limited by circumstances or constantly chasing the lowest price. “That early experience shaped how I see financial independence today,” he reflects. It fueled a desire to help others understand the “fine print” of life, to plan with intention rather than fear, and to define their own expenses. This drive led him to earn all necessary financial advisory licenses in Slovenia, viewing his work not just as a job, but as a calling.
The Human Side of Finance
Motivated by his early observations, Matjaz entered the world of financial advisory earlier than most, starting his professional path while still a philosophy student. This unique background perhaps explains his deeply human-centric approach to a numbers-driven industry. For him, finance has never been “just business.”
“It has always been deeply personal,” he asserts. When he sits down with a client, the numbers are secondary. His primary focus is the person across the table, their story, their worries, and their hopes for their family. “My work is about giving people clarity, lowering their stress, and helping them build a future they can look at with pride rather than fear.”
He recognized early on that technical knowledge, while necessary, was not enough. In a field where skepticism is common, he had to prove that he wasn’t there to “push products.” He was there to educate and guide. He believes that true success in advisory is built on trust, integrity, and empathy. “A good independent financial advisor must first be a good person, only then a good professional,” he states. This belief underscores his commitment to ethical standards, independence of thought, and total transparency.
The Teacher with 25,000 Students
One of the most defining aspects of his career is his dedication to education. He does not hoard his knowledge; he shares it on a massive scale. Over the years, he has taught more than 25,000 students, ranging from university and high school students to corporate employees and attendees at Chambers of Commerce events.
He tailors his presentations to his audience, covering everything from basic money management to deep dives into financial markets. But his motivation remains the same: the “aha!” moment. “I can often see on people’s faces… when they realize just how simple it can actually be,” he says. He finds inspiration in witnessing people realize that financial knowledge is liberating.
His ability to communicate complex topics simply is, he believes, his most significant professional trait. “I have a strong intuition for people,” he explains. He adjusts his energy to match the room and uses everyday examples to make intimidating concepts relatable. This skill allows his students and clients to not just hear advice, but to understand the fundamental principles governing their money, enabling them to make thoughtful, independent decisions.
Building Cresus and Going Global
This passion for widespread education and impact led to the founding of Cresus. He wanted to create something that didn’t exist before: a trusted platform that offered stability, confidence, and independence. “I wanted to be the change,” he says. Under his leadership, Cresus grew into a respected brand in Slovenia, recognized for its innovative approach to independent financial advisory.
However, his vision was not confined by borders. His career has seen a significant expansion into the global market, with a specific focus on the UAE and Dubai through Luxen&Wealth. This move to a highly competitive international hub was a major step. “Global expansion… is something I certainly did not count on at the beginning of my career,” he admits.
Yet, the principles that worked in Slovenia, integrity, education, and timely advice resonated in Dubai as well. He sees the recognition he has received in the UAE as one of the greatest rewards for his perseverance. “That such a competitive market as Dubai has recognized my value… is one of the greatest rewards for my effort.”
Impact Measured in Lives Changed
Despite the global accolades and the thousands of students, Matjaz’s most cherished measure of success remains the individual impact. He speaks with visible emotion about the specific lives he has touched. One story stands out in particular: a single mother who came to him in a dire financial situation.
Through their work together, she regained control over her income and expenses, eventually finding financial security. “She thanked me in tears several times that her life is better and of higher quality because of working with me,” he recalls. “This is one of those stories and moments that you never forget.”
For him, these are the victories that matter. He is motivated by seeing individuals and families shed their “existential fear” and live more carefree lives. It is a validation of his belief that when a person becomes financially literate, “real miracles start to happen.” He has seen firsthand how controlling finances can transform a person’s entire demeanor, making them happier, more confident, and proactive.
A Legacy of Trust and Learning
As he looks to the future, he remains a committed student of life. He believes that learning is a lifelong journey and that “new teachers constantly come into our lives.” He is a voracious reader, diving into both professional literature and popular books to fuel his growth. He remains humble, acknowledging that “you never know everything” and that constructive criticism is a tool for improvement.
He also draws inspiration from giants in the field, figures like Warren Buffet, Ray Dalio, and Tony Robbins, studying those who have successfully changed lives. But ultimately, his guiding light is internal. “My guiding principle is to be the kind of advisor I would want for myself,” he says.
His recent recognition by the Arab Women Entrepreneurs Association for business excellence in independent financial advice is a testament to this approach. It confirms his commitment to ethical advisory and rewards the trust his investors, from single mothers to millionaires, have placed in him.
His goal is to be remembered not just for his professional achievements, but as a “good person who has empathy for all people.” He envisions a world where financial knowledge is accessible to everyone, breaking the chains of financial stress. His advice to those seeking control is simple: start with small steps, learn the basics, and if needed, find a guide.
“Success in finance doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience and consistency,” he advises. But as his journey proves, with the right knowledge and a heart in the right place, it is possible to build a future defined not by struggle, but by security and freedom.
Related Post
