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Adyen’s Canadian manager tackles the My MoneySense questionnaire, revealing his money hero and the complexity of taking a lump sum over regular payments.
Check your phone. Chances are Sander Meijers has been on it. While you likely haven’t texted with him—or even used it the ol’ fashioned way by calling him—your apps, like Spotify, Netflix and Blendle, know him well. As a tech vet, with over 14 years of experience leading growth partnerships with those brands, he’s well versed in the sector. Now, though, since August 2022, he’s the Canadian manager for Adyen (he’s been there since 2017), a Dutch company that processes payments for online purchases and in-person points of sales (retail-speak for “at the cash register”). Speaking of cash, here’s Meijers’ thoughts on money, finances, investing and more.
Obviously, there’s Warren Buffett, who has so much wisdom and experience in the industry. I also admire my aggregated pools of friends and family. There is so much to learn from their various experiences. I highly value their opinions.
I like to spend my time outdoors, preferably on or around water. Being active outdoors just makes the world a playground. When I’m outdoors, all I can think about is what I’m doing at that moment and how it makes me feel. It’s so liberating. Spending time outside with my daughters and seeing them enjoying that feeling, too, is a bonus.
Skiing or kitesurfing around the world. And ending each day with a beer with family and friends.
My earliest memory about money is when I bought candy at my local candy shop with my weekly allowance. At an early age, I learned the value of money, and that to make the most of it you need to be selective with what you invest in. At the time, it was which candy I should buy. Ultimately, it came down to which candy tasted the best to me, but it still taught me to spend my money wisely.
My first job was working as a waiter at my local sports club. I initially got the job because I scratched my family car; I knew that it was my responsibility to pay my parents back for the damage. That’s where my first paycheque went. However, I kept working at the sports club.
Money should not drive any of your life decisions. If I had done that, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. I am so grateful I work at Adyen, which has such a great culture. I truly enjoy coming to work every day. I also completely trust and believe in the company mission to fuel the future of payments, especially in Canada.
“Buy a house now.” That was such a huge milestone in my life.
“Get into crypto. Everybody’s doing it.”
Whether you decide to invest a large sum of money or smaller amounts consistently depends on what the economic climate is. It also totally depends on your own personal finance goals and needs. For example, at this moment, I don’t have any plans or needs for a big investment, so I’d [take regular amounts and] do small, consistent investments so I can save and spend wisely.
Don’t invest in something you don’t really understand in depth.
Investing is always a good idea.
Forgetting to cancel my gym subscription.
Experiences can be very valuable and build memories that last. I find value in spending money on things you don’t own—that is, experiences that result in lifelong memories.
A house.
Not a fan and try to stay away from it.
The Dyson vacuum cleaner.
I haven’t read any books recently; however, I did see the Netflix documentary Skandal! Bringing Down Wirecard, which blew my mind. Money can be deceiving.
I rarely use a physical wallet. I use the digital wallet on my phone. The payments landscape is evolving, and digital wallets are becoming the go-to payment options for Canadians. It’s always a thrill when I pay with my digital wallet at a store.
My electric bike. It’s the reason I smile on my way to work every day.
Being able to buy a lovely home for my family.
Own.
Buy.
Save.
Budget.
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What was the point of this article? I didn’t get anything whatsoever from it.