Midlife is often the moment we start connecting who we’ve been with who we’re becoming. It’s a time to draw on your wisdom, experience, and courage to recalibrate your money with what brings you meaning. Defining what “enough” means to you I always tell clients that enough is not a number. Enough is when your life and money are aligned with your biggest dreams, your vision for the future, and your idea of what a fulfilling and meaningful life looks like. Every person’s definition of enough is unique. Lynda Smith’s story reminds us of this beautifully. At fifty, she didn’t have...

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the wisdom to see money for what it truly is: a tool, not a measure of worth. Teenagers and young adults often view money as a ticket to independence, but without guidance, that independence can quickly turn into a cycle of debt, stress, and missed opportunities. Teach them to live within their means It’s easy to get carried away with a first paycheque: new clothes, nights out, gadgets. But overspending builds a lifestyle on debt. Encourage your children to track their spending and stick to a realistic budget. Saving with a goal...

This principle is as much about mindset as it is about money. In this month’s client story, Cheryl Jones speaks about her popular Me First talk – a reminder that you can only truly help others if you’ve taken care of yourself first. Financially, it’s exactly the same. The stronger your own foundation, the more capacity you have to support the people and causes you care about. What “Paying yourself first” really means The idea behind “paying yourself first” is simple: before you pay bills, make purchases, or help others, set aside a portion of your income for your savings and...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...