The Woman & Finance Podcast
The Woman & Finance Podcast, hosted by Mapalo Makhu, is a judgment-free space for open and insightful conversations about money. It offers practical advice on budgeting, debt management, investing, and wealth building, tailored for women. Each episode features expert insights and real conversations to help listeners make informed financial decisions. The podcast aims to empower women to take control of their financial futures.
Episodes
The Right Order To Build Financial Security
Just like Maslow's hierarchy of needs, your finances have levels too!In this video, I break down my Hierarchy of Financial Needs, a 7-level framework that shows exactly where to focus your money and in what order. Whether you're just starting out or already investing, this will help you figure out where you are — and what your next move should be.The 7 Levels:Psychology of Money — your r
Is It Too Late To Open a Tax-Free Savings Account at 55?
If you're in your 50s or you have a parent who is and you're wondering whether it's too late to open a Tax-Free Savings Account, this episode is for you.A 55-year-old listener sent in a question asking whether a TFSA is still worth opening at their age. I ran the numbers, and honestly? The results might surprise you.Whether you can put away the full R46,000 a year or just R10,000, t
Should I Pay Extra Towards My Debt or Start an Emergency Fund?
Are you torn between paying extra on your debt or starting an emergency fund? You're not alone! This is one of the most common financial dilemmas, and in today's video, I'm breaking down exactly what you should prioritise based on your situation.What You'll Learn:✅ When to prioritise debt payments✅ Why an emergency fund might be more important than you think✅ The "hybrid a
This War Is About to Hit Your Wallet - Here's What To Do!
🌍 Global News, Rising Costs & Your Money | What South Africans Should Be Doing Right NowIn this episode, I break down what’s happening in global current affairs — from ongoing wars to rising fuel prices — and what it actually means for you as a South African.Because let’s be honest: when global events shift, your wallet feels it.From petrol price increases to the rising cost of living, I expla
9 Ways I Live Below My Means (Even With a Decent Income)
Building wealth isn’t just about how much you earn, it’s about how you choose to live.In this episode, I’m breaking down the 9 ways I intentionally keep my lifestyle in check:1. I don’t buy designer clothes or bags2. My kids don’t wear designer brands either3. My car is paid off (and I’m not rushing to upgrade)4. We rent for now — and won’t buy at the top of our affordability when we do buy the ho
Your Childhood Is Secretly Controlling Your Finances!
Tribe, your money habits didn’t just appear out of nowhere!They were built in your childhood home; in the conversations, the struggles, the wins, and the fears you grew up around.In this video, I tell the story of two young men who grew up with financial hardship… but made very different money choices as adults.Because before we change our finances, we have to understand our money story.Watch this
The Bank Eats First: What you're actually paying towards your bond.
In this episode, I break down how banks think about affordability, how interest rates impact your bond, and why your monthly repayment matters just as much as the purchase price. I will walk you step-by-step through real online home loan calculators and repayment calculators so you can see, in practice, how the interest rates impact your long-term finances.You’ll learn:How interest rates affect yo
The Easiest Way to Become A Millionaire in South Africa; Tax-Free!
Tax-Free Savings Accounts are one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) investment tool in South Africa, so in this podcast, I’m answering the questions I get asked all the time about TFSAs.We cover:• What a Tax-Free Savings Account actually is• How much you can contribute (and what happens if you go over)• Whether a TFSA is a savings account or an investment• When you should (and shouldn’t) wi
A look into My finances: What do I actually Invest in? ✅
What does a real investment portfolio look like?In this video, I open up about what I actually invest in, how my thinking has evolved over time, and why financial security is about more than just returns.I’d love to hear: what’s the first investment you ever made?
You Do Not Die for Free– Wills, Trusts & Protecting Your Family’s Future | Estate Planning Explained
In South Africa, less than 15% of people die with a valid will — and that means the State decides what happens to everything you’ve worked for.In this episode, Moremadi Mabule joins me to break down wills, trusts, marriage contracts, and how to protect your family from financial chaos when you’re gone.We cover:⚖️ What happens when you die without a will (intestate)👩🏾❤️👨🏾 How marital contracts af
From Chaos to Control in just 6 months: The Power of Taking Charge of Your Finances
Episode 10After six impactful months, we wrap up the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp with powerful stories that show just how much life can change when you take control of your finances.In this final episode, we reflect on the lessons and breakthroughs our participants experienced — from paying off debt and getting promoted, to learning how to read their provident fund statement, to makin
Is retiring before 65 becoming a myth?
Episode 9Can 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 an
How to Double Your Money: The Rule of 72 & Power of Compound Growth
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
Before You Say ‘I Do’: Know Your Marriage Contract
Episode 7We 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,
When Life Changes Overnight: How to Prepare Financially
Episode 6In 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
Breaking Free from the Debt Cycle!
Episode 5In 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 c
Before You Buy: The Real Costs of Homeownership
🎧 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 t
Money Lessons I Wish I Knew in My 20s & 30s
💬 "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
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance - Answered!
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
How to allocate your money on pay day
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. Thoko
How to ace your taxes
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 ca
Recognising Financial Trauma
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,
Investing Made Simple with Simon Brown - How to Build Wealth in South Africa
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 asse
No Job Left Behind – The Power of Event-Based Insurance
Episode 4 of 4:No Job Left Behind – The Power of Event-Based InsuranceWhether you’re a freelancer, teacher, entrepreneur, or corporateprofessional — your ability to earn an income matters. But what happenswhen an unexpected life event affects your ability to work?In this episode of The Woman & Finance Podcast, we break downevent-based cover — a type of insurance designed to support everyoc
Smart Money Moves - Financial Planning for Female Breadwinners
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 p
From Diagnosis to Recovery – Why Critical Illness Cover Matters
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 —
How to Read Your Pension/Provident Fund Statement
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
Protecting Your Salary – Why Income Protection Is a Non-Negotiable
Episode 1 of 4: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
Is Your Parent Retiring Soon? Here’s What They Need to Know!
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
Raising Money-Smart Kids: 13 Lessons Every Parent Should Teach!
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
Retirement Annuities Vs. Tax-Free Savings Accounts
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?_...
5 Things You Should Not Do With Your Money in 2025!
1. Get Married in Community of Property2. Take on Credit in Your Name for Someone Else – redflag!!!!!3. Lend Money to Friends and Family4. Ignore SARS!5. Give Up Your Power – Don’t Be a Damsel in Distress
From fear to financial freedom in six months!
Join myself and Maya Fisher-French reflect on the transformative journey of Santam staff who participated in the six-month Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp. This empowering initiative culminated in a celebration honouring individuals who bravely shared their financial challenges, embraced change, and achieved remarkable personal growth.In this episode, hear firsthand the inspiring testimon
How to use a Will to protect your family
While previous episodes have focused on building wealth, this time we’re shifting the conversation to succession planning and creating intergenerational wealth. How can you protect your family while ensuring your assets benefit future generations?Joining us is fiduciary expert Moremadi Mabule, who sheds light on wills, estate planning, and the crucial yet often-overlooked tax implications that ari
Your Retirement Options
In this episode, we dive into the world of retirement planning with Johann Steyn, a certified financial planner at Rainmaker Bluestar by Sanlam. As retirement draws near, having a well-thought-out financial strategy becomes more crucial than ever. It’s not just about understanding where you stand financially but also knowing how to make the most of your tax options. Johann shares valuable insights
Planning for Retirement
In the last two episodes, we explored saving and investing for goals we aim to achieve during our working years. However, there comes a time when we want to relax and retire, or at least have the option to choose whether to keep working or not.One of the major challenges with retirement funding is that people are living well beyond the traditional retirement age. Many companies set retirement at 6
Investing for the Future: Strategies for Long-Term Goals and Wealth Growth
In our last episode, we focused on saving for those shorter-term goals, but today we’re diving into those medium to longer-term ones—like funding your child’s university education in 10 years, leaving a financial legacy, or maybe even starting your own business. So, how do you begin?We kick off by emphasizing the importance of setting clear and realistic financial goals. We provide a real-world ex
Building a Practical Savings Plan
In this episode, we guide listeners on breaking free from debt reliance by establishing a solid savings plan. We explore the importance of saving, what goals to aim for, and the necessity of an emergency fund—why it’s crucial and how to create one. Contrary to common belief, a credit card should not be mistaken for an emergency fund!We share practical tips for building an emergency fund and discus
Dr. Lekalakala's Journey to Homeownership: Shocks, Mistakes & Lessons Learned!
In this video, Dr. Lekalakala takes us through her inspiring journey to becoming a homeowner. From unexpected shocks to costly mistakes, she shares the highs and lows of the process, what she wishes she knew before starting, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or just curious about the realities of owning a home, this conversation i
How to choose the right Medical Cover
In our previous episode, we discussed life and risk cover—insurance that provides financial support if our health takes a turn or in the event of our passing. Equally important is health insurance, which helps cover medical expenses, not just for doctor visits but also for hospital stays or chronic treatments. Unfortunately, in South Africa, relying solely on government health services isn’t alway
Understanding Life Cover
🎙️ In Episode 6 of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, Maya and I are joined by Johann Steyn, a certified financial planner at Rainmaker BlueStar by Sanlam. We dive deep into the complexities of life cover—what it means, why it matters, and how to make the best choices for your financial future.#moneybootcamp #podcast
Smart strategies to manage your debt
In this episode, we address the challenge of managing overwhelming debt, particularly as interest rates and inflation continue to rise. With many people finding it difficult to keep up with their debt payments, we're here to provide practical advice and strategies to help you take back control of your finances. We'll cover topics like the snowball method, how to negotiate with your credi
Using credit responsibly
In today's episode of Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, Maya and I focuse on responsible credit use, offering insights into budgeting, borrowing, and distinguishing between good and bad debt. We provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing debt.Enjoy
Unlocking Home Ownership: Insights from Bond Originator, Olen Sterling on the Path to Your Dream Home
In Today's podcast, I sit down with Olen Sterling, a seasoned bond originator, to explore the ins and outs of the home buying process. Olen shares expert advice on securing the best bond deals, understanding interest rates, and navigating the often complex journey to home ownership. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your current home, this episode is packed with val
Episode 3: Budgeting as a Homeowner (or Other Big Purchase)
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of budgeting for significant financial commitments, such as buying a home. Join our discussions with previous mentees, Tshiamo and Babalo, who share their experiences and valuable insights on managing large expenses. Whether you're planning to buy a house or make another big purchase, this episode will provide you with practical strategies to bud
Budgeting: Tell your money where to go!
Episode two: Budgeting – directing your moneyThe first step in gaining control of your finances is understanding where your money goes each month. In this podcast, Maya and I have an open and candid discussion about our own budgeting methods, sharing tips, hacks, and the financial mistakes we've made. We also talk to Sbongile, who began her money bootcamp journey as an intern on a small stipe
Money Archetypes and How Your Money Mindset Shapes Your Financial Future with Farhana Goga
In this insightful interview, we sit down with renowned psychologist and coach, Farhana Goga, to explore the powerful connection between your mindset and your money. Discover the different money archetypes and how understanding your financial personality can transform your relationship with money. Farhana shares practical tips on how to shift your mindset, overcome financial fears, and harness the
Money and Emotions - Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp
Presenting the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp podcast series.Are you ready to seize control of your financial destiny? The Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp podcast series is here to guide you through a transformative journey to help you master your finances.Hosted by Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu, this series is designed to help you build a solid financial foundation, no ma
Tax-Free Savings Accounts: Common mistakes to avoid with your TFSA
Are you making these mistakes with your Tax-Free Savings Account? Don't let simple errors sabotage your savings goals!
Buying Your First Car: Insider Tips from a Top Female Car Sales Expert
Join me as I sit down with Nkosazana, also known as "The Car Lady," a seasoned car sales expert. In this insightful interview, Nkosazana shares her top tips and invaluable advice for anyone looking to buy their first car. Learn how to navigate the car-buying process, what to look for in a vehicle, and how to get the best deals. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrad
How to achieve financial wellness no matter what stage you are in your life!
On today's episode of The Woman and Finance Podcast, we're joined by Ess Mukumbo, a self-taught investor and personal finance educator, who contributes to Financial Mail. Ess's approach to personal finance is not only practical and empathetic, but also incredibly accessible. During our discussion, we'll explore the concept of financial wellness, strategies to achieve it, and Es
Mapalo Answers: How do I start saving for retirement as a 20+ year old?
Send us your questions via voice-note on WhatsApp 067 018 1665
Mastering Retirement Planning and the Two-Pot System explained
In this episode, our guest Sheila-ann Robey, a qualified Financial Planner, a practicing Attorney who holds numerous qualifications, including a master’s degree in insurance law (cum laude) and a post graduate diploma in Financial Planning, sheds light on the crucial aspects of retirement planning, navigating the innovative two-pot system in South Africa, and the transformative power of budgeting
The Do's and Don'ts of buying your first property.
Embarking on the journey of buying your first property can be both exciting and daunting. In this insightful conversation, join me as I sit down with the knowledgeable Zamantungwa Khumalo to explore the essential do's and don'ts for first-time homebuyers. From navigating the market to avoiding common pitfalls, we've got you covered. 🏡💼✨ #property
Divorce and Maintenance of Kids
In this insightful episode, join us for an informative conversation with Tabello Motshwane, a seasoned Attorney, as we delve into the complexities of divorce and child maintenance. Our discussion goes beyond legal jargon to explore the emotional and practical aspects of family transitions.You can find Tebello on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bellz_motshwane/#
Introduction to The Woman & Finance Podcast
Short Introduction to The Woman & Finance Podcast
