Author: Kim Potgieter

When you don’t have enough at 50 to retire

Written by Kim Potgieter on October 29, 2025. Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. 1 Comment on When you don’t have enough at 50 to retire

Midlife is often the moment we start connecting who we’ve been with who we’re becoming. It’s a time to draw on your wisdom, experience, and courage to recalibrate your money with what brings you meaning. Defining what “enough” means to you I always tell clients that enough is not a number. Enough is when your life and money are aligned with your biggest dreams, your vision for the future, and your idea of what a fulfilling and meaningful life looks like. Every person’s definition of enough is unique. Lynda Smith’s story reminds us of this beautifully. At fifty, she didn’t have...

From “Not Enough” at 50 to Freedom at 70

Written by Kim Potgieter on October 29, 2025. Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on From “Not Enough” at 50 to Freedom at 70

So Lynda set herself a new goal: to keep working and earning until seventy. She needed to give her investments time to grow – and to create income that was both sustainable and fulfilling. Today, almost twenty years later – with just fourteen months to go – Lynda can look back and see how that one decision changed everything. It secured her financial future and allowed her to build something extraordinary. Lynda founded 50Plus-Skills, a vibrant community helping people across South Africa shape meaningful pathways into their next chapter – earning, serving, and learning together. A...

Talking to your children about money: Lessons worth sharing

Written by Kim Potgieter on September 17, 2025. Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on Talking to your children about money: Lessons worth sharing

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the wisdom to see money for what it truly is: a tool, not a measure of worth. Teenagers and young adults often view money as a ticket to independence, but without guidance, that independence can quickly turn into a cycle of debt, stress, and missed opportunities. Teach them to live within their means It’s easy to get carried away with a first paycheque: new clothes, nights out, gadgets. But overspending builds a lifestyle on debt. Encourage your children to track their spending and stick to a realistic budget. Saving with a goal...

Money is the Fuel, Purpose is the Map

Written by Kim Potgieter on September 17, 2025. Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on Money is the Fuel, Purpose is the Map

Money lessons from watching his parents lose everything Michael grew up in a home where money meant survival. He remembers his mother counting every cent, stretching groceries to the end of the month, and sometimes relying on the church to cover gaps. “The message was clear: money isn’t just numbers on a bank statement. It’s the difference between dignity and dependence. It made me hyper-aware, from a young age, of both the fragility and the power of money.” His father, a talented mechanic who once worked on Jody Scheckter’s Renault R8 Gordini, lost everything, including his...

“Me first” also means “Paying yourself first”

Written by Kim Potgieter on August 13, 2025. Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on “Me first” also means “Paying yourself first”

This principle is as much about mindset as it is about money. In this month’s client story, Cheryl Jones speaks about her popular Me First talk – a reminder that you can only truly help others if you’ve taken care of yourself first. Financially, it’s exactly the same. The stronger your own foundation, the more capacity you have to support the people and causes you care about. What “Paying yourself first” really means The idea behind “paying yourself first” is simple: before you pay bills, make purchases, or help others, set aside a portion of your income for your savings and...

Redefining success and purpose at 56

Written by Kim Potgieter on August 13, 2025. Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on Redefining success and purpose at 56

Cheryl had already achieved so much. She’d built a successful wellness business, travelled the world learning from top nutrition experts, and inspired hundreds of clients to take better care of their health. But in midlife, Cheryl felt a nudge she couldn’t ignore. There was more she wanted to learn, more impact she wanted to make – and it meant stepping into an entirely new space. “It’s now or never. Why not me? Why not now?” That one question became the turning point. The nudge to recalibrate Cheryl’s work had always been about helping people live healthier, more...

Now Streaming: Life Chapters, Money Choices Podcast

Written by Kim Potgieter on July 15, 2025. Posted in Life Planning. No Comments on Now Streaming: Life Chapters, Money Choices Podcast

This podcast is about creating a platform for open, courageous conversations about life’s big transitions and the often complex, emotional relationship we all have with money. I’ve long wanted to build a space where people can hear real stories, feel seen and understood, and realise they’re not alone, especially during times of change. That’s why I’ve teamed up with respected broadcaster and award-winning financial journalist Michael Avery, whose empathy and storytelling experience made him the ideal partner to help bring these conversations to life. Together, we’ve created a podcast...

Understanding Power of Attorney in South Africa

Written by Kim Potgieter on June 24, 2025. Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on Understanding Power of Attorney in South Africa

That’s why it’s important to understand how Power of Attorney (POA) works in South Africa. What is Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney allows someone (called the principal) to give another person (the agent) permission to act on their behalf. This might be to help with financial matters, signing documents, or managing property. However, South African law does not recognise an enduring Power of Attorney. This means that the moment a person is no longer of sound mind (due to dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any mental incapacity), the Power of Attorney automatically ends – even if...

Talking to our parents about life, legacy and their hopes for the years ahead

Written by Kim Potgieter on June 24, 2025. Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Talking to our parents about life, legacy and their hopes for the years ahead

Robyn’s story may feel familiar to many of us. As our parents grow older, it’s natural to start wondering: Do they have everything in place? Are they okay financially? What would happen if they suddenly needed help? Having these conversations with our parents can feel awkward, even intrusive. Too often, families avoid talking about money until there’s a crisis. For many of our parents, money is personal. It carries emotions like pride, fear, uncertainty, or even guilt. But these are some of the most important conversations we’ll ever have. It’s not about taking control but gently...

A daughter’s journey with her ageing father

Written by Kim Potgieter on June 24, 2025. Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on A daughter’s journey with her ageing father

Robyn has always admired her father’s generosity. He worked hard, built a meaningful life, and created a legacy his family will always treasure. As he’s grown older, their bond has grown closer. But along the way, she’s had to step into conversations she never expected – and navigate the shift from being a daughter to becoming a carer and a decision-maker. A father’s love, a lifetime of generosity Robyn grew up in a home where money wasn’t openly discussed, but hard work was deeply valued. “I grew up believing that hard work was the only way to earn money,” she reflects. Her...

Author: Kim Potgieter

When it comes to your money, Be inspired, Be brave, Be on purpose.

When it comes to your money,
Be inspired,
Be brave,
Be on purpose.