Many domestic and international studies show that Slovenia faces significant challenges in the area of financial literacy. In response, the Triglav Group, under its sustainable initiative Let’s Secure the Future, organised, for the second year running, A Career After the Career workshops across Slovenia for the athletes and sports federations with which it partners, in order to strengthen the financial skills of young sportsmen and women. This week, young athletes from Gorenjska and the surrounding region, together with Triglav experts, explored some of the most pressing issues in financial literacy and sought practical solutions in Kranj.
Why do Slovenians save diligently but invest poorly? How can one select suitable investments and know when to start investing? What does risk diversification entail, and what role does insurance play in building financial security and a stress-free career? These were some of the questions tackled by the young athletes at the Triglav financial skills workshop.
"We aim to raise awareness of the financial challenges athletes face after their sports careers through the insights of various experts. We also strive to equip our other partners with additional knowledge and resources in finance, wealth management and insurance. A basic understanding of finance and personal financial management is important for everyone in today’s world, but especially for elite athletes. Due to their youth, relatively high incomes and limited career spans, they are exposed to even greater financial risks than most individuals. We therefore support young talented individuals from the very beginning of their journey through the Young Hopes project. With this initiative, we provide financial backing to promising athletes who may not yet be in the spotlight, helping them refine their skills and achieve their ambitions," said Mihaela Perčič, Director of the Gorenjska Region at Zavarovalnica Triglav.
Supporting Young Hopes
This year’s generation of Young Hopes includes the javelin thrower Tom Teršek, who claimed the World Championship title at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Peru. But Tom has set his sights even higher: he aims to break the world record in javelin throw and compete at the sport’s most prestigious events, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games. His ultimate goal is to win the Olympic gold at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
“The title Young Hope means a great deal to me, and I’m grateful that Triglav supports young and successful individuals both financially and by providing media exposure, which is extremely important today. With the backing of Slovenia’s largest insurance company, I’ll be able to grow in my sport and achieve even better results,” said the accomplished athlete at the workshop in Kranj.
Covering risks with suitable insurance
Athletes face numerous risks in their careers, which appropriate insurance can help manage or mitigate. “I recommend young athletes take out insurance that provides financial protection and security, particularly in cases of accidents or injuries. Supplementary health insurance policies, such as Specialisti+ (Specialists+) and Operacije (Surgeries), are essential to cover specialist examinations and treatments, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation for injuries. And we should not forget about life insurance, which provides (financial) security in the face of unexpected – and sometimes even fatal – moments in life," said Peter Mihajlovič from Zavarovalnica Triglav, a former football player who transitioned to a career in insurance after a sports injury ended his time on the pitch.
The earlier we start, the better the results we can expect
So when is the right time to start investing? “Time is our greatest ally when it comes to investing. Long-term investing not only helps us save money, but also ensures we grow it wisely. Regular monthly contributions are one of the most effective ways to build our wealth over time. By investing consistently, we benefit from an average purchase price – buying during both market highs and lows. Over the long run, even small amounts can grow into substantial savings. It’s also important to remember that life may present us with unexpected emergencies, and one of the advantages of investing in funds is that they offer permanent partial or full liquidity,” said Damir Mrkulić from Triglav Skladi, outlining some of the key benefits of investing in funds.
When life happens to you
Nataša Matić and Nina Zorman Tisovec from Zavarovalnica Triglav spoke about the risk of your life changing in an instant, and how to prepare for such an eventuality. "Once something happens, we can no longer take out insurance – that's why timely protection is essential. Insurance acts as an invisible shield, offering financial security in unforeseen situations and helping us sleep more soundly. Taking out insurance is not just a smart decision; it’s also an expression of responsibility and care – for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for the future we are building together," Nina Zorman Tisovec emphasised. Matić added: “Saving is like working out. Just as training requires consistency and intention, so does managing your finances. The more regularly you save, and the earlier you start, the greater the payoff in the future.”
Investing in the future
Since 2022, the Triglav Group and its partners have been encouraging the general public to act sustainably through the Let’s Secure the Future initiative. In the last two years, the initiative has focused on financial literacy, which is also being strengthened in the area of sponsorships. A core aim of the Let’s Secure the Future initiative is to continue delivering financial literacy workshops, titled A Career After the Career: A Slightly Different Take on Finance, throughout Slovenia. Through this effort, Triglav aims to support its sponsorship partners and others in addressing important financial questions and challenges, both during their careers and in their lives after sport.
