Skip to main content

Author: Kim Potgieter

Navigating midlife on your terms

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on Navigating midlife on your terms

Becoming a granny was magical, but it also reminded me how much we limit ourselves with numbers. Imagine if the marathon and grannyhood had happened in the other order. Can you picture the headline? “Granny Runs the Berlin Marathon!” It sounds a bit outrageous! But also a reminder that it’s never too late to dream big or take on new challenges.Give yourself permissionHow often do we wait for someone else to tell us it’s okay to step out of the box? To follow our hearts? This year, I learned that the only permission we need is the one we give ourselves. Starting off this year in a home without...

Continue reading

What you need to know if you’re retrenched

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on What you need to know if you’re retrenched

Here’s a guide to help you understand key areas like your severance package, retirement funds, and financial planning to make informed decisions during this time.The retrenchment packageRetrenchments, whether voluntary or involuntary, typically include a severance package. The basic calculation is one week’s salary for every year of service. Sometimes, in voluntary retrenchments, employers may offer higher amounts. Severance pay is taxable according to the Retirement Lump Sum Tax table, with a R550,000 tax-free threshold available if it hasn’t been used for previous retirement withdrawals. Once...

Continue reading

Kim’s reflection on Brandon’s journey

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Kim’s reflection on Brandon’s journey

Keep building your skillsThe world is changing fast, and so are the skills needed to stay relevant. We often think we’ll keep doing the same work, but that’s not always the case. Upskilling or building parallel skills is crucial – it gives you options to explore a new career path. Keep asking yourself, “How can I add value in different ways?”Partner with a financial plannerWhen retrenchment happens, emotions can run high. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty may cloud your thinking, and making financial decisions in that state isn’t easy. A financial planner can help you stay objective and avoid...

Continue reading

Starting a business after retrenchment

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on Starting a business after retrenchment

With a son in matric and enrolled for university the following year, a daughter preparing for her wedding, and a home loan still to pay off, Brandon felt like he was stuck on an emotional roller coaster. He was faced with the reality of having no formal credentials and slim prospects of finding another job at his previous salary level. But instead of letting fear take over, Brandon turned this curveball into an opportunity—choosing to start his own business and face the challenges of self-employment in midlife.Navigating retrenchmentBrandon’s first reaction when he heard of his retrenchment...

Continue reading

Are You Driving Yourself to Financial Stress?

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on Are You Driving Yourself to Financial Stress?

But how much do our immediate lifestyle decisions—like buying that dream car—impact our long-term financial health? Let’s take a closer look, using cars as an example, because they’re a highly emotional (and very expensive) purchase.The Dream Car DilemmaLet’s say my dream car is a VW Tiguan. I went online to build my ideal version, and here’s what I found: the base price of a brand new VW Tiguan 2.0 TSI is R861,600. But of course, I wanted some extras—upgraded paint, rims, a better sound system, a sunroof, and safety features. Throw in a sports package, and my dream car now costs a staggering...

Continue reading

Kim’s Reflection on Nicola’s Journey

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Kim’s Reflection on Nicola’s Journey

One of the key lessons I love from Nicola’s journey is how important it is to keep your skills up to date, even when you’re not working full-time. This is so important for mothers who take time out to raise children. Nicola made a conscious effort to keep learning, and that decision gave her the confidence to re-enter the workforce when the time was right. It’s a valuable reminder that nurturing your skills during any career break is a long-term investment in yourself.Another powerful lesson is how Nicola tapped into the Japanese concept of ikigai, meaning ‘a reason for being’ or a purpose...

Continue reading

Rebuilding in Midlife: Moving, Empty Nest, and a New Career

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on Rebuilding in Midlife: Moving, Empty Nest, and a New Career

Nicola had to redefine herself, not just as a mother but as a professional. With so much uncertainty, she tapped into her wisdom, leaned into her passions, and found a way to navigate these life transitions to emerge stronger with a new sense of purpose in her life and work.Navigating Personal and Family TransitionsThe move from Johannesburg to the Midlands was a major shift for Nicola and her family. With her husband commuting and two of their three children in boarding school, her role as a full-time mother and wife was suddenly very different. “It was a dark time, as family routines...

Continue reading

Embracing Midlife – A Journey of Reinvention and Possibility

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on Embracing Midlife – A Journey of Reinvention and Possibility

Midlife is perhaps the most misunderstood phase of life, often overshadowed by outdated stereotypes and misconceptions. But this phase really holds the biggest potential for growth, fulfilment, and a new beginning.Introducing My Latest eBookI am so happy to share my latest eBook, 10 Midlife Myths & the Truths Behind Them, with you. This eBook is more than just a guide – it’s an invitation to see midlife as a period of reinvention, recalibration, and immense possibility.Reflecting on my midlife journeyI’ve always believed in the mantra, ‘If you leave your life to chance, you will end...

Continue reading

Navigating the Financial and Emotional Risks of the Two-Pot Retirement System

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on Navigating the Financial and Emotional Risks of the Two-Pot Retirement System

The Basics of the Two-Pot SystemPurpose: The main goal is encouraging people to preserve their retirement funds. A new “Savings Pot” will be added to your retirement fund, allowing one annual withdrawal (with a minimum of R2,000). Implementation: As of 31 August 2024, your retirement fund’s current value will “vest,” meaning it keeps all the existing benefits. Ten percent of this vested value (limited to R30,000) will be allocated to the new Savings Pot. Contribution Split: Starting 1 September 2024, your retirement contributions will be divided: one-third goes into the Savings Pot, and two-thirds...

Continue reading

Kim’s Reflection and Advice to Magnus

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Kim’s Reflection and Advice to Magnus

Magnus’s transition is a beautiful reminder of the importance of proactive planning and the willingness to adapt. When life throws unexpected changes your way, having a clear vision of what you want to achieve and staying open to new opportunities can turn a challenging transition into a fulfilling new chapter.Magnus’s story highlights three key insights:Embrace the Unexpected: Life often doesn’t go as planned. Magnus’s corporate retirement being brought forward unexpectedly is a prime example. It’s essential to stay flexible and open-minded when facing sudden changes – it can lead to...

Continue reading

0:00
0:00