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...

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...

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...

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 – reaching...

Give yourself permission to honour your authentic selfMidlife 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 options...

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 to me...

Tersia and Theo’s passion and energy in turning Game View Lodge into a five-star accommodation venue really inspired me. Their optimism, zest for life and entire attitude to retirement is contagious!Tersia and Theo used Theo’s pension savings to fund their new business, which paid off beautifully for them! They thoroughly researched their business idea, they did their homework, and their years of experience and living in the area gave them an added advantage. I would, however, under normal circumstances, not advise clients to tap into their pension funds for a new business –...

I love seeing menterning in action and well done to my husband Gys for sharing his wisdom and skill to nurture and mentor a younger person. You are not just creating new jobs, but paving the way for a brighter future for another family!I have seen the positive results of partnering with the younger generation in many of our clients, especially when their new ventures require unfamiliar skills. Retired people have so much wisdom to share, and mutually beneficial partnerships with the younger generation create wonderful opportunities for growth and reward.I would advise Gys to remember to...