Marja Folcke: Filipina-Swedish Stock Trader Shows the Way
- Community
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
Women in trading and the path to financial freedom
By: Hanna Stenbacka Köhler, Stockholm
Marja Folcke’s journey—achieving millionaire SEK status before the age of 30—stands as a testament to what is possible, inspiring aspirants and those curious to take that first step. With careful planning and perseverance, those willing to learn can find success. Trading does not have to be exclusive to experts or insiders.
Delayed gratification: The Marshmallow Test
Marja Folcke, born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990, began her journey to financial independence with lessons that mirrored the famous “marshmallow test,” where children choose between immediate gratification or a delayed reward.
Growing up, the concept of investment felt natural. She watched her father invest in stocks, for instance.
“As a child, I enjoyed learning about money,” Marja recalls. “The way my mom rewarded me with interest made saving fun but also taught me the value of thinking ahead.”
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit
After completing her master’s degree in business economics at Stockholm University, Marja began her career as a financial controller, working in real estate and banking. These roles gave her a solid understanding of financial systems and processes; however, her entrepreneurial spirit pushed her to seek greater autonomy and carve her own path.
In 2012, the introduction of Investment Saving Accounts (ISK) in Sweden made trading more accessible by removing barriers to entry.
“ISK was a game changer for me,” Marja explains. “It made trading easier to manage and less intimidating. That’s when I felt ready to dive in.”
She began trading, gradually refining her strategies and building confidence. Over time, her logical approach and ability to analyze market patterns helped her carve out a unique trading style.
A personalized trading strategy
Marja Folcke’s investment approach blends thoughtful long-term planning with a disciplined trading strategy. Her method focuses on investing in small-cap stocks, placing numerous orders across various companies to minimize the risk of each individual stock. Many of these orders are pending, awaiting execution at predetermined prices. In total, around 50% of Marja’s invested capital (excluding her property) is allocated to her trading strategy. The remaining 50% is invested in funds, stocks and unlisted companies. Her disciplined approach, focused on sustainable progress rather than high-risk bets, has proven effective even during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tips for aspiring traders
For those new to trading, Marja emphasizes the importance of education, discipline, and risk management. Her advice includes:
Start small: Begin with a modest amount of capital and focus on learning the basics.
Find your strategy: Choose an approach that fits your personality and lifestyle.
Control risks: Limit risk to 1% per trade to avoid significant losses.
Keep emotions out: Stick to your plan and resist the urge to react impulsively to market movements.
Empowering Women in Trading
Marja is particularly passionate about encouraging more women to explore trading, noting that the field is still heavily dominated by men. She believes greater representation and visibility can help break down barriers and change perceptions.
“Trading doesn’t have to be difficult or risky. If you take it step by step and stay disciplined, you can build something that works for you over time,” she says.
She actively participates in networks supporting women in finance and advocates for creating spaces where women can learn and thrive in the trading world.
Creating a life of freedom
For Marja, trading is more than a career, it’s a way to take control of her time. As a mother of two, she values the freedom it brings, letting her adapt her schedule to fit her family’s needs. Trading allows her to be present for her children while pursuing her ambitions, free from the constraints of a traditional job.
“Trading lets me create the balance I want in my life,” Marja shares. “It gives me the freedom to decide how I spend my time—whether it’s focusing on work, being with family, or enjoying life.”
Her journey shows that trading isn’t just about financial success; it’s about independence and building a life that reflects her priorities.
Basic Facts:
Born: Stockholm, Sweden, 1990
Education: Master’s degree in business economics, Stockholm University
Family: Married, mother of two
Heritage: Swedish/Philippines (Maasin, Southern Leyte)
Social media/Contact
Followers on social media: ca 40,000 across Instagram platforms
Instagram: @marjafolcke @investmera
Smart Money Tips:
🎯 Set Clear Goals: Define your financial objectives, whether it's achieving financial freedom, reaching a savings target, or building confidence in managing money.
💰 Budget Wisely: Monitor your income and expenses to maintain financial stability and avoid overspending.
🛍️ Practice Mindful Consumption: Distinguish between your needs and wants. Make choices that align with your values and long-term financial plans.
About the Author
Hanna Stenbacka Köhler is a Filipina-Swede, born in Stockholm. With a Master’s Degree in Economics from Stockholm University, she contributes to global effortspromoting sustainable development.
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