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Author: Kim Potgieter

Always broke – no matter how much you earn?

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on Always broke – no matter how much you earn?

It’s not just about what you earn In my work as a financial planner, I’ve met people with high incomes who feel just as financially anxious as those earning far less. The common thread? Habits that quietly undermine their financial well-being. These are often unconscious patterns – behaviours repeated so often they become automatic. We don’t question them because they feel normal. But over time, they shape our money story and our future. The good news? Just like they were formed, habits can be unlearned, reworked, and replaced with new ones that support the life you want to...

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Is it time to cancel your life insurance?

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on Is it time to cancel your life insurance?

It’s a common question, especially in midlife or as you approach retirement. The rising premiums can feel harder to justify, and letting go of the cover may feel like a waste – especially after investing in it for so long. Before you cancel, it’s worth pausing to reflect: Why did you take it out – and do you still need it in retirement? Think back to why you took the policy in the first place. Was it to: Protect dependants? Cover a home loan or debt? Provide liquidity in your estate? If those needs no longer apply, and your retirement feels secure, the cover might no...

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Kim’s reflection on helping others and honouring yourself

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Kim’s reflection on helping others and honouring yourself

When giving brings guilt and expectations I notice this often – how easy it is to feel guilty about spending money on ourselves when those we love are struggling. And it’s not just about who we feel we should help, but also when we choose to help. Do we step in only when someone asks, or do we offer because we see them struggling? And when we do help, do we let go, or do we quietly hold expectations about how that money should be used? I’ve seen this play out in many of my clients’ lives – and I’ve experienced it personally. For years, I felt compelled to help whenever I noticed...

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How to balance generosity, guilt, and expectations with money

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on How to balance generosity, guilt, and expectations with money

Introducing Sarah Sarah has always been cautious with money, shaped by childhood memories of watching her parents work hard to provide stability. But now, managing her financial future alone while feeling a deep responsibility for her family, who are facing their own struggles, has created emotional tension. Not earning as much as she used to has only added to the pressure. Sarah is now navigating the tricky balance between generosity and self-care, questioning how to set boundaries, when to give, and how to feel good about enjoying her money. Sarah’s childhood money memories ...

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How to get back on track when life forces a change

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on How to get back on track when life forces a change

Remember, when your income changes, the way you manage money must change too. The simplest way to regain control is to be proactive and make your money work for you. Step 1: Take stock of your money List your essential expenses – Housing, food, utilities, insurance, transport, school fees, and medical costs. These are your priorities. Cut back on non-essentials – Subscriptions, takeaways, and luxuries can be paused. Review your retirement savings: You may have scattered retirement accounts – old pensions, investment funds, or annuities you haven’t reviewed in...

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Kim’s Reflection on Victoria’s Journey

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

Victoria shared an incredibly brave and honest story. Borrowing from Theodore Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena – the credit belongs to Victoria, who bravely stepped into the arena with the courage to pursue victory and the resilience to face the possibility of failure. When faced with an unexpected challenge, Victoria didn’t wait for circumstances to change, or get stuck in why is this happening to me? Instead, she stepped forward when life demanded it. It takes courage to shift from being a teacher and part-time artist to becoming the primary income earner, and Victoria did it with...

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When your side hustle becomes your main gig

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on When your side hustle becomes your main gig

Introducing Victoria Victoria has always been an artist at heart. As a drama teacher and part-time sculptor, she never imagined that her creative passion would one day need to support her family. Life as an expat, moving between Johannesburg, Uganda, and Cape Town, taught her adaptability, but nothing prepared her for the financial and emotional upheaval when her husband lost his business during Covid. Suddenly, she had to rethink her role and find a way to turn her love for art into a sustainable income. She focussed on sculpture, built a name for herself, and later expanded into...

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The Year of AND: Because we always have Choices

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Life Planning. No Comments on The Year of AND: Because we always have Choices

Every January, I take time to reflect, dream, and plan. But this year, AND kept coming to mind – a word that challenges the idea that life is an either/or decision. So often, we feel pressured to choose one path over another: to be strong or vulnerable, driven or relaxed, happy or sad. But what if we could be many things all at once: driven AND take time to rest, feel uncertain about the future AND excited about what’s next? This mindset has helped me navigate life with more gentleness and kindness toward myself. I don’t always have to be a superstar – and that’s okay. Where...

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Navigating midlife on your terms

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. 1 Comment 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 permission How 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...

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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 package Retrenchments, 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...

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