Episode 9 Can you really afford to retire before 80??? In this week’s Money Bootcamp, my co-host Maya Fisher-French and I unpack the reality that most South Africans can only afford to retire comfortably at 80 — if at all. We break down what it really takes to retire by 65, why so many fall short, and how to turn things around — from saving earlier and smarter, to building multiple income streams and planning for a longer life. It’s not all doom and gloom — there’s still hope ...

Episode 8 ✨ What if your money could double without you lifting a finger? That’s the power of compound growth — one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to build long-term wealth. 🌱💰 In this episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, Maya and I unpack the Rule of 72, explain how compounding really works, and share why staying invested is the ultimate game-changer for your financial future. Using real market insights, they highlight practical strategies to help you grow cons...

Episode 7 We don’t always think about it this way, but marriage isn’t just about love, the dress, and the big day — it’s also a legal and financial contract. And the truth is, the marriage contract you choose can shape your financial journey in ways you may not even realise. In this episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, Maya Fisher-French and I sit down with attorney and mediator, Lerato Seroke, to unpack everything you need to know before (and after) saying “I do.” Here’s ...

Episode 6 In this episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, Maya Fisher-French and I sit down with Nonhlanhla Bakasa, founder of AdoWord Multimedia. Nonhlanhla shares her incredible story of living with a disability since the age of 12, after a spinal injury, and gives us an honest look at the physical and financial realities that come with it — from daily costs to navigating medical aids, insurance, and even the road accident fund. We’re also joined by Stian de Witt, Certif...

Episode 5 In this episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, my co-host Maya Fisher-French and I sit down with Brian Mphakoanyane from Summit Financial to unpack one of the most important conversations in personal finance: DEBT! From credit scores to debt counselling, Brian breaks down the realities of borrowing, the traps to avoid, and the practical steps you can take to get back in control of your money. We talk about: ✅ The difference between good debt and bad debt ✅ How yo...

🎧 Episode 4: Budgeting as a homeowner Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look out for. In this episode of the Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, Maya Fisher-French and I chat about the home-buying journey of one of her mentees, who’s right in the middle of it all. We share the real stuff — the lessons, the “I wish I’d known” moments, and the practical tips that can save you a lot of stress (and money) down the line. From und...

💬 "If I knew then what I know now…" In this Women’s Month special, I sit down with Michelle Green, Credit Analyst at Prescient Investment Management, to unpack the money lessons she wishes she’d learned in her 20s and 30s. From early financial mistakes to building confidence as an investor, Michelle shares practical tips, personal reflections, and why she believes the future is female and financially secure. We talk about: ✅ Lessons from her money journey ✅ Why financial independence is no...

You asked, we answered! 🙌🏾 A few weeks ago, I asked you to share your biggest questions about insurance — and wow, you came through! In this episode, I sit down with Financial Planner Maxine Muller to unpack your most common concerns. 💡 What’s the difference between life cover and funeral cover? 📈 Why do premiums go up? 🔍 What should I look for in a policy? 💬 Do I even need insurance if I’m young and healthy? We cover it all — in plain, simple language. If insurance has ever felt ...

Episode 3: In this episode of the Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, we speak to Thokozani, one of my former mentees, about her journey from financial stress to confidently managing her money. She shares practical budgeting techniques using a combination of apps, spreadsheets, and traditional methods, as well as how she manages unexpected expenses and uses her side hustle income intentionally. Thokozani also reflects on how budgeting has changed her family's approach to money, encouraging o...

Episode 2 Tax season is here and often brings stress and confusion — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, my co-host Maya Fisher-French and I are joined by tax expert @AndreBothmaTax to simplify the filing process and empower you to handle your taxes with confidence. We cover everything from SARS auto assessments and why you should review them carefully, to the importance of filing — even if you’re a student or freelancer. Andre also...

Send us a text Episode 1 Money isn’t just about numbers — it’s emotional. In this episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, my co-host, Maya Fisher-French and I, explore the hidden impact of financial trauma. From the money messages we absorbed as children to the silent promises we made to ourselves (like "I’ll never be broke again"), our past experiences often shape how we earn, spend, save, or avoid money altogether. We talk about how these deep-rooted patterns show up in adu...

Send us a text In this episode of the Woman & Finance Podcast, we sit down with Simon Brown, founder of Just One Lap and one of South Africa’s most trusted voices on investing and personal finance. We unpack: ✅ How to start investing in South Africa—even with limited funds ✅ Common mistakes investors make (and how to avoid them) ✅ Building long-term wealth using ETFs ✅ Why financial education is your biggest asset Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to refine your investm...

Send us a text Episode 4 of 4 No Job Left Behind – The Power of Event-Based Insurance Whether you’re a freelancer, teacher, entrepreneur, or corporate professional — your ability to earn an income matters. But what happens when an unexpected life event affects your ability to work? In this episode of The Woman & Finance Podcast, we break down event-based cover — a type of insurance designed to support every occupation, not just the traditionally insured ones. We’re joined by Bidvest L...

Send us a text Episode 3 of 4 More women are becoming the main earners in their households — but this role often comes with added financial pressure and responsibility. In this episode of The Woman & Finance Podcast we focus on how female breadwinners can approach their finances with clarity and confidence. We cover: • How to create a practical financial plan based on your responsibilities • The importance of protecting your income • Managing household expenses and financial expectations ...

Send us a text Episode 2 of 4 A life-changing diagnosis can affect more than just your health — it can derail your finances. In this episode of The Woman & Finance Podcast, we explore critical illness cover and why it’s one of the smartest financial moves you can make. We’re joined by Melody Cloete from Bidvest Life to unpack what critical illness insurance actually is, how it works, and why it’s essential — especially for women who are breadwinners, caregivers, or entrepreneurs. From can...

Send us a text A breakdown on how to read your Pension/Provident fund statement. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCgEplpYyRk #pensionfunds #retirementplanning #riskbenefits

Send us a text What would happen if you couldn’t work tomorrow due to illness or injury? Would your bills still be paid? Would your family be okay? In this first episode of the Woman & Finance podcast in partnership with Bidvest Life, we dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential types of cover: income protection. Many South Africans insure their cars and gadgets—but forget to insure the very thing that pays for it all: their income. Whether you're employed, self-employed, or a fr...

Send us a text Retirement is a major life shift—and if your parent is about to retire, you need to be part of the conversation. In this episode, I break down the key decisions they’ll face (like choosing between a life or living annuity), tax implications, estate planning tips, and how you can guide them with confidence. 💼✨ #RetirementPlanning #AnnuitiesExplained #WomanAndFinance #FinancialWisdom

Send us a text Are you raising a money-smart child? 💰 Teaching kids about money isn’t just about giving them an allowance—it’s about shaping lifelong habits that lead to financial independence! In this video, I share practical, everyday ways to teach your kids how to manage money, make smart spending choices, and develop a healthy relationship with finances. #personalfinance #moneytips #kidsandmoney

Send us a text Ever wondered about the difference between Tax-Free Savings Accounts and Retirement Annuities? In today's podcast, I discuss the benefits and limitations of both these investment vehicles. Enjoy! Don't forget to follow me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapalomakhu/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mapalomakhu?_...