This women’s month, let’s rewrite the narrative that money is not a ‘women’s thing’ and start nurturing financially literate and confident young women. Lead by example and create a future where every young woman has the knowledge, skills and belief in her financial independence.In my home, we have always taught our children the value of saving and investing from a young age, and this year, I am sharing the wisdom with our housekeeper’s daughter, Abi, who is one year old. Introducing a piggy bank as a money tool at a young age becomes a wonderful and meaningful lesson in financial responsibility.Here...

This is according to a recent research report on the black middle class by the UCT Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing. The report shows that women are fast emerging as primary income earners who make financial decisions for and on behalf of their families.In my experience spanning over fifteen years in the financial industry, it has been heartening to see how women have embraced change. From being historically side-lined when it comes to managing money, to attending planning meetings with the motivation and enthusiasm to grow their wealth. Yes, we may still lack a bit of confidence, and...

Are you thinking about redesigning your life? Do you have choices when it comes to reinventing and choosing a new path? Do you feel in control of your money? Have you reflected on how to use your money to enable the life you dream of?These days, most of my conversations with clients are about transitioning. I’m seeing clients who used the lockdown days to reflect and dream, and it’s encouraging to see how many people have paused to take stock of their lives. These are some of the messages that I am hearing:I want to get off the rat race and have a more balanced life.I want my life to matter.I...

The reality is that money touches everything in your relationship – your values, goals, dreams, priorities, habits and how you live your life. Many partners have different relationships with money and have conflicting attitudes toward debt, investing, earning, impulse buying, and spending priorities.I see couples every day who don’t speak about money openly. Often, in planning meetings, partners disclose their money situation to each other for the first time. I have sat in meetings where one person takes complete control of the money while the other has no idea where they’re at financially....

Of course, the type of conversation you have with a small child will be very different to the one you have with your teenager. Remember that children learn from what they see and hear, so you may not realise that you are communicating when, in fact, you are.As a financial planner, it’s my job to inspire people to pay attention to their money and to engage in money conversations. As a parent, I’m not always sure if I am succeeding with my own children, and the only way to know for sure is to ask them. My son Josh recently turned twenty-one, and this weekend my husband and I sat down...

My trip to New York two weeks ago with my friend Jean (we’ve been friends since the age of twelve) was not only about ticking off bucket wheel items, it was also about making experiences come true. We ticked off seeing Billy Joel live in Madison Square Garden – we love attending concerts! And I completed a 10km marathon in Central Park – done! I love it when your experience exceeds expectations. And that was running in New York for me. I’ve dreamed about doing it for so long! I really wanted to run a marathon, but the 10km race gave me the same goosebumps moment.Running in Central Park gave...

I have journaled for most of my life. I have always loved the idea of crystallising my thoughts onto paper. Sometimes it’s just the musings of my mind, and other times, it’s a therapeutic process of reflection, gratitude and healing.Throughout history, many scientists, artists, explorers and extraordinary people have captured their thoughts and reflections about the world they live in, in journals. Conversations with myself is a moving collection of Nelson Mandela’s letters and diary entries, and The Diary of a Young Girl (also known as The Diary of Anne Frank) is said to be one of the most...

We planned this trip together as a family for over two years. And let me tell you, the planning was as much fun as the actual experience! This very special holiday marked my husband, Gys’s and our son, Josh’s, significant birthdays and served as a rite of passage for Josh who finished Matric.Moments like these add up to a lifetime of memories[/caption]Nothing can prepare you for the unspoiled beauty of the snow- and ice-covered landscape. Photographs don’t do it justice, but we will forever cherish the memories of the ancient glacial ice reflecting the most beautiful hues of blue, whales breaching...

In the spirit of wisdom, rebirth, wealth and good luck that the Jacaranda tree represents, I have decided to make a list of all the things that I wish I knew earlier in my life. Of course, in this blog, they will be about money – but I may just compile another list about life, love and everything else to share with my children.In my previous blog, I alluded to my late dad, and how grateful I am for the money lessons I learnt throughout my life – and am still learning! My father used money to control, as a tool of power; while my mom completely relinquished her power over money. The journey to...

This month, as we celebrate the spirit of womanhood, I have decided to dedicate my blog to all the strong, brave women who are taking ownership of their financial futures! Many of us are still struggling to believe that we have the ability to make money and invest it, while still staying true to our values; and most of us are still grappling to voice our money concerns and opinions. Whoever you are, this is for you!Just this week I met with a client in Knysna whose husband passed away recently. In this time of overwhelming grief and sadness, it’s hard to talk about money – but so necessary....