Author: Kim Potgieter

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...

Can you afford school fees and retire well?

Written by Kim Potgieter on May 20, 2025. Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on Can you afford school fees and retire well?

To cover those costs from investments, you’d need to save approximately R56,500 a year, escalating annually, starting when your child is born. This estimate assumes a 10% annual return on investment. For most families, that’s a tall order – especially when you’re also trying to save for retirement, pay off a bond, and manage rising living costs. No wonder so many parents feel overwhelmed. And when pressure rises, the temptation to make short-term decisions with long-term consequences increases, too. With a clear plan, it’s possible to give your children an excellent...

It’s never too late – but it’s time to get intentional

Written by Kim Potgieter on May 20, 2025. Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on It’s never too late – but it’s time to get intentional

It’s not uncommon for parents to put their own lives – and their retirement savings – on hold to prioritise their children’s education. It’s a choice made with love, but one that often leaves you playing catch-up later in life. What I admire so deeply about Lyndsay and Christian is how they faced this reality with courage and intention. Instead of panicking, they took action. They made intentional choices. And most of all, they shifted their mindset. What stands out most about their journey is the way they’ve embraced this chapter of life. Rather than seeing it as a...

From survival mode to intentional living

Written by Kim Potgieter on May 20, 2025. Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on From survival mode to intentional living

But what happens when the children leave home and the school fees are finally paid off? Your priorities begin to shift. Suddenly, there’s space to ask, What do I want now? How do I start designing a life that’s meaningful for me – and how do I catch up on the retirement planning I’ve neglected? Often, in midlife, there’s a moment when the focus turns inward. It’s about balancing your dreams with the reality that your earning years may be limited, and learning how to build a life – and a retirement – that feels secure and meaningful. This is where Lyndsay and her...

When one child needs more than the other

Written by Kim Potgieter on April 22, 2025. Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on When one child needs more than the other

You can love your children equally – without spending the same Spending the same on each child is nearly impossible – and most don’t expect it. My mother, for example, still gives me an extra Christmas gift to “even things out” because my sister has children and receives gifts for them too. It’s a lovely gesture, but I don’t need my mom to keep score – I love my niece and nephew, and they matter to me, too. Most children need to feel equally seen, supported, and valued, and that cannot be measured in rands and cents. Giving without boundaries can lead to...

Kim’s reflection on loving your children without losing yourself

Written by Kim Potgieter on April 22, 2025. Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Kim’s reflection on loving your children without losing yourself

The first step to taking control of your financial future is valuing yourself enough to honour your dreams and priorities. What puts us most at risk is not the support we offer others – it’s when we delay the hard decisions, avoid the real conversations, and continue giving at the cost of our own future. Lauren is an incredibly brave mother. Setting boundaries with those we love is never easy, especially when it’s our children. But it can be one of the kindest and most courageous choices we make – for them and for ourselves. If you’re navigating a similar path, consider...

A mother’s story

Written by Kim Potgieter on April 22, 2025. Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on A mother’s story

After walking away from two marriages with nothing, Lauren rebuilt her life and her money. She now supports her daughter and grandchildren – financially and emotionally – while trying to honour her own dreams and protect her financial future. But that support has come at a cost: to her retirement savings, her career goals, and her relationship with her independent son. This is a story many women will recognise – the fine line between helping and enabling, between guilt and boundaries, between putting your children first and not losing yourself in the process. ...

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.