Written by Oliver Pan

On May 20, 2025, the Financial Management course at National Sun Yat-Sen University, coordinated by Professor Wil Martens, welcomed Professor François Bouchetoux for a guest lecture. Drawing on his interdisciplinary background, Professor Bouchetoux explored how cultural norms, personal histories, and luck affect financial choices.

He began by noting that discussing money is often discouraged—especially in France—leading to gaps in financial education and leaving many without basic budgeting or investing knowledge.

Next, he examined the roles of luck and risk. Challenging the idea that hard work alone guarantees success, he emphasized that luck is frequently mistaken for skill and that one’s outcomes can depend on factors beyond effort.

Professor Bouchetoux then highlighted the importance of time horizons in investing. He advised that long-term patience typically outperforms attempting to time the market and encouraged early, consistent investing to counter inflation and volatility.

Finally, he stressed the need to balance growth with preservation. Inflation and behavioral biases can erode returns unless investors manage asset allocation and emotions carefully. By combining disciplined accumulation with prudent management, individuals can protect their wealth over time.

Overall, the lecture underscored the cultural, psychological, and temporal dimensions of financial behavior, emphasizing the value of financial literacy, risk awareness, and a balanced approach to growing and safeguarding assets.