Interview with Yurii Volianskyi

Interview with Yurii Volianskyi
[15:30:15] Valerii: Yurii, thank you very much for agreeing to meet. I work with professional athletes, helping them build financial strategies, and I’m very interested in your experience as a two‑time world kickboxing champion and a coach with more than 20 years’ experience.
[15:30:35] Yurii: Yes, certainly. I’m always happy to share my experience. Though I must say right away that I don’t consider myself a finance expert.
[15:30:48] Valerii: That’s fine—everyone is an expert in their own field. Tell me a little about what you are doing now. I know you are not only a boxing coach but also follow a special philosophy of nutrition and lifestyle.
[15:31:10] Yurii: Correct. I’ve been coaching boxing since 1999, but I believe I pass on to my students not just technique but a philosophy. I haven’t eaten meat or many other products for more than 10 years. It’s not just a diet; it’s a way of life that gives me incredible energy and keeps my body in great shape. I’m 49, but I feel and look much younger thanks to this approach. Muscle elasticity is the key to youth, and I share this knowledge with my students.
[15:31:58] Valerii: Impressive! And how does that affect your income? I mean, what does the structure of your finances look like now?
[15:32:15] Yurii: Right now, my main income comes from coaching. I have regular clients, group classes, and sometimes run master classes. I also periodically appear as an expert at sports events. But to be honest, I’ve never broken my income down into categories—I just work and get paid.
[15:32:43] Valerii: I see. And what about financial planning—do you have any strategy? How do you manage your money?
[15:32:58] Yurii: There’s no special strategy. I’m not one who plans every step meticulously. I simply try not to spend more than I earn and to set a little aside. I don’t have financial advisers—I’m used to making the decisions myself.
[15:33:17] Valerii: Interesting. What about investments? What portion of your income do you invest?
[15:33:30] Yurii: I don’t really understand modern investment instruments. Stocks, bonds—that’s not my thing. I believe in what I can touch with my hands. So my plan is to save enough money to buy real estate to rent out. That will be my passive income in old age. Although, honestly, I don’t think about old age—I feel great and don’t intend to stop.
[15:34:05] Valerii: Real estate is a good option. Many athletes choose that path. What share of your income do you allocate to that goal?
[15:34:18] Yurii: I try to set aside about 20–25 % of my income. It doesn’t always work, but I aim for it. The rest goes to current expenses, developing my business, and of course to proper nutrition—it isn’t cheap, but I see it as an investment in my health.
[15:34:40] Valerii: What do you see as the main risks in your professional activity from a financial point of view?
[15:34:53] Yurii: The main risk for a coach is injury. If I can’t demonstrate technique, it immediately affects my income. That’s why I pay a great deal of attention to my health and flexibility. The second risk is a temporary decline in interest in boxing. That happens in cycles, but I always find ways to adapt.
[15:35:20] Valerii: True. And how do you insure against those risks?
[15:35:27] Yurii: I don’t insure specifically. I believe my lifestyle is the best insurance against injuries. As for business risks, I simply try to constantly expand my client base so I’m not dependent on a single source of income.
[15:35:48] Valerii: I understand. Have you made any financial mistakes in the past that taught you something?
[15:36:00] Yurii: Of course. In the early 2000s, when I had just started coaching, I didn’t manage money wisely. I spent a lot on status items to look successful. Now I realize that was foolish. I could already own several apartments if I had started investing back then. But, as they say, better late than never.
[15:36:30] Valerii: That’s a very valuable lesson. What would you advise young athletes about financial planning?
[15:36:42] Yurii: I’d advise them not to repeat my mistakes. Start saving and investing as early as possible. Don’t chase ostentatious wealth. And most importantly—invest in your health and education. These are the best investments and always pay off.
[15:37:08] Valerii: Well said. What are your financial goals for the next 5–10 years?
[15:37:20] Yurii: To save enough to buy a couple of apartments for rent. I want to have a stable passive income by age 55–60 that will allow me to coach not for money but for the pleasure of sharing my experience. And, of course, I want to leave something to my children.
[15:37:45] Valerii: That’s a sensible strategy. Tell me, what do you lack for more effective money management?
[15:38:00] Yurii: Probably knowledge and simple tools. I don’t like complicated systems and programs. I need something simple, clear, that doesn’t take much time. And maybe I lack discipline—sometimes I slip and spend more than planned.
[15:38:25] Valerii: That’s very honest. Thank you for your frankness. Last question: do you think the peak of a sports career coincides with the financial peak?
[15:38:38] Yurii: For me personally—no. As an athlete I gained recognition, but not big money. Real financial growth began when I became a coach. And I believe I haven’t reached my peak yet—each year my method becomes more valuable, and I can charge more for my services. So in my case the financial peak is still ahead.
[15:39:10] Valerii: Yurii Borysovych, thank you very much for this conversation. Your experience and views are extremely valuable, and I’m sure they will inspire many athletes to think about their financial future.
[15:39:25] Yurii: Thank you for the interesting questions. I hope our conversation will be useful for other athletes.