Author: Kim Potgieter

Kim’s reflection on Brandon’s journey

Written by Kim Potgieter on November 2, 2024. Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Kim’s reflection on Brandon’s journey

Keep building your skills The 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 planner When 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...

Starting a business after retrenchment

Written by Kim Potgieter on November 2, 2024. 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 retrenchment Brandon’s first reaction when he heard of his...

Are You Driving Yourself to Financial Stress?

Written by Kim Potgieter on October 1, 2024. 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 Dilemma Let’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...

Kim’s Reflection on Nicola’s Journey

Written by Kim Potgieter on October 1, 2024. 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...

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

Written by Kim Potgieter on October 1, 2024. 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 Transitions The 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...

Embracing Midlife – A Journey of Reinvention and Possibility

Written by Kim Potgieter on August 29, 2024. 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 eBook I 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 journey I’ve always believed in the mantra, ‘If you leave your life to...

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

Written by Kim Potgieter on August 27, 2024. 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 System Purpose: 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...

Kim’s Reflection and Advice to Magnus

Written by Kim Potgieter on August 10, 2024. 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...

A Second Career in Midlife

Written by Kim Potgieter on July 20, 2024. Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on A Second Career in Midlife

The Unexpected Shift Magnus always knew he never wanted to retire in the traditional sense – to him, retirement was an outdated concept. His planning revolved around extending his work life to keep contributing to meaningful outcomes, engaging with people, and continuing to learn and grow. But, when Magnus’s planned retirement date was unexpectedly brought forward, the transition from a full-time executive role to ‘retirement’ was more challenging than he had ever anticipated. From Theory to Reality Although Magnus had ideas for his post-corporate life, they weren’t formulated...

Kim’s Reflection and Advice to Magnus

Written by Kim Potgieter on July 20, 2024. Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Kim’s Reflection and Advice to Magnus

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.