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Author: Kim Potgieter

The Midlife Myths we tell ourselves, and the Truths we need to embrace

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on The Midlife Myths we tell ourselves, and the Truths we need to embrace

I recently returned from Chip Conley’s Learning to Love Midlife workshop at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) in Baja. I joined a diverse group from across America and Canada, ages 33 to 70. Starting out, we discovered a midlife myth that we all shared based on this question: What percentage of your adult life is still ahead of you? How would you answer? The point is, once you dispel one Myth, a whole set of Truths opens up to you. Here are the top 3 Midlife Myths and Truths I discovered at MEA: Midlife Myth #1: You are not old The fact is, we are living longer. Realising that you...

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Financially Unprepared – the unintended burden of inheritance

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. No Comments on Financially Unprepared – the unintended burden of inheritance

I have found that one of the main contributors to these complexities is what I’ve termed financial maturity. When I speak about financial maturity in this context, I am talking about the beneficiary’s understanding of the value of money, how far it can or can’t go, their real-life experience with money, and whether they are capable of making informed decisions while considering the long-term implications of those choices. It also means feeling comfortable and content. The Emotional Complexities of Inheritance I have helped clients who received money from relatives with whom they had...

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Navigating Inheritance – beyond the money

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on Navigating Inheritance – beyond the money

Gabriella inherited a substantial sum from her husband. They shared a beautiful and deep connection, and his death turned her entire world upside down. As a young widow, apart from navigating the overwhelming loss of her life partner, the sudden windfall left her feeling guilty, overwhelmed, and daunted by the responsibility of these funds. How does one honour a legacy with grace and wisdom? How do you navigate this profound life transition that suddenly feels strange, unfamiliar and filled with new challenges? Introducing Gabriella The past few years have been profoundly...

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Honouring a legacy and moving forward

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Honouring a legacy and moving forward

Nothing can really prepare you for the emotional turmoil of losing a loved one. Life suddenly feels unsafe and unpredictable, and you need to find deep resilience to pull through. Although Gabriella’s husband had carefully planned for her future, entrusting her completely to manage the inheritance and use it to take care of herself and pursue her dreams, the responsibility felt overwhelming. The guilt and daunting sense of duty left her fearful of mismanaging the funds, anxious about making mistakes and terrified of wasting the gift left to her. I am incredibly proud of Gabriella –...

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To Rent or Buy – a Midlife Perspective

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. 1 Comment on To Rent or Buy – a Midlife Perspective

Financial goals: Does renting or buying align better with your financial goals?Market conditions: Have you considered the cost implications?Lifestyle: How may your lifestyle influence your decision to rent or buy?Future uncertainties: Could any life changes affect your decision?Family: Will changes in your family (children leaving home; elderly parents moving in) impact your decision?Seeking Advice: There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have merits: homeownership brings stability and potential future equity, while renting might suit you better if you’re anticipating future...

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Kim’s Reflection and Advice

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Hindsight Article. 1 Comment on Kim’s Reflection and Advice

Give yourself permission to honour your authentic self Midlife offers us a unique opportunity to reassess our values, align our money with meaning and unlock a new chapter filled with authenticity, joy and purpose. Kathleen has done incredible work taking a brave step forward to reassess her core values and planning a new chapter that echoes these priorities. Her decision to return to SA reflects honouring her highest values (family and close connections) over financial security overseas. A prudent move on her part is to rent accommodation in SA for now to give her time to assess her...

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Midlife Awakening – Challenging beliefs that don’t serve you

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on Midlife Awakening – Challenging beliefs that don’t serve you

Kathleen is at a crossroads: after a lifetime in a job that did not fulfil her, all while putting her life on hold to focus on saving and investing, she overlooked the joy of living in the present moment. Looking for safety and security, she moved overseas, only to be overwhelmed by the isolation and a profound lack of belonging. Kathleen shares a poignant story that challenges us to reassess our deeply held beliefs and the chapters we fill our lives with. Kathleen’s story Although a creative person with a love for animals, Kathleen pursued a corporate career and spent most...

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My Empty Nest Transition

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in In Hindsight. No Comments on My Empty Nest Transition

I have shared many courageous midlife reinvention stories with you over the past year: clients who moved cities to edit their lifestyles, clients who ramped up their earning potential, changed careers or started something completely new. Yes, money is an important part of the midlife edit. Not only because you may not have enough to live the life you choose, but also because your priorities may have shifted. What we do know is that we have choices. We can work longer, change course and find renewed meaning in how we earn. Or we may be 100% on track financially, but our life priorities may...

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Empty Nest Money Edit

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Hindsight Article. No Comments on Empty Nest Money Edit

My money edit is about more than what I want to change; it is about what I’d like to ADD. Financially, I am on track and will continue with what I’ve been doing since my first salary cheque: investing, saving and being prudent with my money. But I am changing what I am adding to my spending plan – intentionally allocating money to live life to its fullest. For me, this means allocating money to things that bring me joy, like attending Chip Conley’s course, taking my family on memorable experiences, and giving back. I have given this part much thought, and giving back...

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How to be intentional with your money

Written by Kim Potgieter on . Posted in Midlife Money Reflections. 1 Comment on How to be intentional with your money

Step 1: Know what you are spending money on right now.Use your bank statement as the best indicator. Step 2: Identify problem areas.Can you identify any unnecessary, excessive, or misaligned expenses? Tip Shop around for competitive insurers and rates every two years. You may be surprised how many subscriptions you have that you no longer use. Step 3: Identify your yearly goals. Step 4: Intentionally allocate your money to enable your goals. Download your spending plan from my website. Click here to watch Midlife Money Tip shared by Chartered Financial Planning...

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