Hi there, I am Annika, a passionate financial coach and Behavioral Finance instructor at UCLA Extension helping you to get ahead in your financial journey.
With a background in accounting, an M.Sc. in Law and Economics, and a Personal Financial Planning degree from UCLA Extension, I’ve helped many individuals take charge of their financial lives. My approach is practical, supportive, and tailored to your unique goals—whether you’re looking to break free from financial stress, build wealth, or create a plan for lasting financial independence.
Here are five fun facts to help you get to know me beyond finance!
1
I have been making my own money since the age of 12
First as a babysitter and later in an array of different jobs, I have always earned my own money and know that a good income does not necessarily mean being able to save and build securities. It took me years, an uncountable amount of books read and mistakes mades to figure out how to effectively organize my finances.
2
I am originally from Germany
In 2022 I first travelled to California, fell in love with Los Angeles and decided to move here. Within a year, I made a plan, took a big leap and followed through. Taking leaps of faith is something I love to plan for with my clients (mental strength, finances, and execution).
3
I don’t enjoy constant budgeting
Therefore, I came to the conclusion, that there is no need for an ongoing budget, but rather learning an intuitive approach to spending money. I always start with a financial overview and plan in clear buckets from there.
4
I have lived in 7 different countries
Working and studying in so many different countries made me culturally sensitive, knowing that our backgrounds have a big influence over how we feel about money and wealth.
5
I think that understanding how money works is important but having a good relationship with your finances is crucial
Even after extensively studying finances, I still sometimes did not know where my income went at the end of the month. For a long time building good and sustainable habits did not come naturally to me. My relationship with money was not easy and it took quite some time until I figured out how to use it in order to reach my goals and enjoy my spending.