Money, it is said, makes the world go around. We use it daily, exchange it for goods and services, save it for the future, worry about it, celebrate it, and yet often, we are reluctant to delve into our personal histories with it. Our earliest memories of money can reveal much about our present-day financial beliefs and behaviours. Understanding these memories is essential to retelling your money story and creating a healthier relationship with your finances. […]
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The spectre of financial uncertainty
The spectre of financial uncertainty can have substantial impact on one’s psychological well-being and future planning capabilities. However, it is not a burden that has to be perpetually borne. Transitioning from financial uncertainty to stability is achievable by reducing chaos in your cash flow and introducing a greater degree of predictability into your financial planning. Imagine opening your mailbox to see a handful of bills, and instead of that heart-sinking feeling, you nod, because you’ve got […]
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Data to Wisdom for your financial journey
As we journey through life, we often hear phrases like “seeing is believing”. But when it comes to our financial health and well-being, there’s a subtle yet profound difference between merely seeing and truly recognising. It’s akin to looking at a tree and appreciating its beauty, compared to recognising its species, understanding its growth patterns, and knowing its ecological value. This difference plays a pivotal role in financial planning. ‘Seeing’ could be equated with knowing our […]
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Unleash the power of articulating your financial plan
In the sphere of financial planning, the way we speak about money and articulate our plans can have a profound impact on our financial well-being. The power of articulating a financial plan lies not only in the creation of a roadmap towards your financial goals, but also in how it helps shape your mindset towards your financial journey. For many of us, conversations about money can be uncomfortable. We tend to veer away from discussions about […]
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Time to think about money – Part 2
Independent thinking is critical in lifestyle financial planning, and here’s why. Each person has unique financial needs, aspirations, and circumstances. When you think independently, you can assess your personal situation and determine what matters most to you. This helps you set goals that genuinely reflect your values and priorities, making your financial plan more meaningful and motivating. Also, the financial landscape is constantly changing. New investment opportunities, tax laws, and market conditions emerge all the time. […]
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Decoding the Language of Money
Just like our language influences our perceptions of the world, the language we use around money – especially the complex jargon and market commentary that often surrounds it – can significantly impact our financial behaviours, perspectives, and, ultimately, our financial planning. You’ve likely heard phrases like “money doesn’t grow on trees”, “time is money”, or “you have to work hard for your money”. These familiar idioms carry deeply ingrained beliefs about money that can subtly, yet […]
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More about your money story
Money is more than just a tool for transactions; it’s an emotional force intertwined with our identities, values, and sense of self-worth. Our money story is a tapestry of beliefs and experiences that shape our financial behaviours and attitudes. By exploring different elements of our money story, we can better understand our emotional connection to finances and work towards a healthier relationship with money. Financial Role Models: Our money story is greatly influenced by the role […]
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Investing with Heart and Mind
Embarking on and sticking to your investment journey requires a solid understanding of financial principles and an appreciation for the emotional roller coaster that comes with it. Asset allocation, a crucial component of investing, is about striking the right balance between risk and reward to achieve your financial goals. As you consider different allocations, it’s essential to recognise the emotional implications of your choices, allowing you to make informed decisions that align with your unique risk […]
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A short (not too boring) story about interest rates
This is the ancient tale of how interest rates change and the forces that shape their destiny. Once upon a time, in the land of economic stability, the ever-changing interest rates kept weaving tales of prosperity and struggle. Central banks, the guardians of monetary stability, navigated the twists and turns of economic indicators, seeking the delicate balance between growth and inflation. In a time when the dragons of inflation threatened the peaceful land of economic stability, […]
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Rising Above the Red
The rise of over-indebtedness is a growing concern not only locally but also for individuals across the globe. Legal action and bad credit records due to non-payment can have serious consequences on people’s financial well-being. In 2022, consumers in South Africa failed to honour a collective debt of R2.8 billion. Similarly, other countries have been struggling with debt issues. In the United States, household debt reached over $15 trillion in the third quarter of 2021, while […]
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