Hi,

I'm James, born 1969 (I'll let you do the sums) in a small place between Cambridge and Standard.

Maths was always my favorite subject from a young age and I knew that one day I would end up working in business/finance. I dreamt of having "the champagne lifestyle" making millions, having a selection of top-of-the-range cars, houses in the country and a play pad in the city. Better know now for being a "Wolf of Wall Street" sort of life. I was a typical naughty boy at school and the teachers always said I would never achieve anything. Little did they realize that I’ve always had the ability to absorb information like a sponge. They thought I wasn't listening, but actually I was just bored. I flew through my O-levels.

My father moved to Hong Kong in the late '80s. I was able to move with him for a few years where I studied for my A-levels and secured my place at UCL, London. I completed my studies with first-class honors in Economics (and some other boring stuff). I went on to gain most of my working experience for some well-known banks and clearing houses (which remain nameless) in the city of London. It turns out the champagne lifestyle wasn't like the dream at all, well not completely. Especially when the financial crash of 2008 hit, I found out who my friends were and who I could count on one hand. I'd gained all the experience and knowledge I needed though and enough in the bank to set up on my own. I took a year out after losing my job in the 2008 crash, I met the women of my dreams, who's recently allowed me to put a ring on her finger (despite us already having two beautiful children together) and I opted for a wealthful life away from the city. I've successfully been self-trading from home since and have managed to turn a profit year on year since. I also love restoring old cars but that doesn't put bread on the table!! :-) That's me in a nutshell.

James Thatcher 

Self Investor, Life Coach, and Former City PlayBoy.

Thank for you interesting history. It was perfect

Hello James,

Welcome here. Thanks for sharing history with all of us.

That's a really nice story  @JamesThatcher.

Welcome on Top Gold Forum.

Apologise for not writting back soon.

I think you can share a thing or two from the 2008 cris as these will be valuable lessons today.