If you take one thing from this blog: The money choices you make and habits you instill in your family in your younger years are so important. Don’t wait until you’re older or richer before you start thinking about retirement. Not living lavishly or outside of your means could very well mean affording a decent retirement. But you’re not going to save your way to retirement. You need to invest, and that’s why you’re here.

Morgan Housel’s Psychology of Money is my book of the year. Even though I first read it 3 years ago, many of its principles have only truly resonated with me recently. From the very start, one message stood out to me: true wealth is about more than numbers in a bank account or shiny new possessions. It’s about the freedom to live life on your terms.

I've realized there are two main categories of reasons that hold people back from building wealth:

They could be committed to regular investing, but they’re investing in the “wrong products”. I attribute this to a lack of knowledge.

They could know exactly how to be a smart investor, but they don’t have the best money habits. I call this a lack of discipline or unhelpful behaviours.

Thinking of investing in the S&P 500? This blog explains everything you need to know, from what the S&P 500 is and how it works to the best ways to invest through ETFs. Find out why this index is a good choice for gaining exposure to the US economy and how it can fit into your long-term investing strategy.

South Africa’s new two-pot retirement system offers a tempting opportunity: early access to part of your retirement savings. But does it make financial sense to withdraw now, pay the tax, and invest elsewhere? This blog breaks down the pros and cons, tax implications, and potential benefits of accessing your savings pot early.

Why did the S&P 500 hit a new high after the Fed’s recent rate cut? This post breaks down the connection between interest rates and stock prices, explaining how central bank decisions impact the economy, business profits, and ultimately, the stock market. If you’ve ever wondered why ‘cheap money’ fuels growth, read on!

Did you know that a 1% investment fee could cost you a quarter of your returns over the long term? Many investors overlook the impact of fees, but even small charges can add up to thousands, or even millions, over decades. In this post, I’ll break down why investment fees matter, how to identify hidden charges, and what you can do to protect your wealth.

Ever noticed how stock market drops make headlines, but recoveries don’t? This blog shows why fear sells in the media and how understanding stock market volatility can empower you to stay invested for the long haul. Next time the market dips, revisit this post.

Is the dream of homeownership a financial myth? While buying a house is often seen as the ultimate investment, it may not be the smartest choice. This article dives into why renting and investing in the stock market instead can be a better financial strategy, especially when considering the hidden costs and lack of diversification in property ownership.

Are you playing it too safe with your investments? Warren Buffett warns that over-investing in bonds is a ‘terrible mistake’ for those with a long-term horizon. In this blog, I explain why Buffett recommends more exposure to stocks, even if volatility seems intimidating, and how taking on some equity risk can help you build wealth over time.

Building wealth isn't just about how much you earn, it's about creating smart money habits that last. In this post, I share 10 practical habits to improve your financial health, from budgeting and saving to investing and making the most of employer benefits. Plus, 5 simple actions you can take today to set yourself up for financial success!

Wondering why you should risk investing when cash feels so safe? Inflation, compounding potential, and currency depreciation make a strong case for putting your money to work. This blog explains why investing, even in a low-risk diversified way, is often a smarter choice than letting cash lose value over time

Ready to start investing but don’t know where to begin? This blog walks you through the basics of investing, including key principles like the stock market, passive investing, and risk tolerance. Follow these five simple steps to confidently start your investment journey and build wealth over time.

Your South African Rand returns might not be what you think. Many South Africans overlook currency devaluation when comparing local investment returns to US Dollar-denominated assets. This blog explains why understanding currency impact is important for making smart investment decisions and growing your wealth.

Did you know the most underrated factor in wealth creation is time? The time value of money shows how starting early and investing consistently can transform your returns into significant wealth. Inspired by Warren Buffett’s journey and insights from The Psychology of Money.

Are you saving enough? Inspired by a question from my sister, this post explain how much you should realistically save, when to save, and tips for staying committed to your savings goals.

Thinking about investing in Index Tracker ETFs? In this blog, I answer 9 questions that will help you understand how these funds work, why they have low fees, and what makes them a smart choice for many investors.

Ready to make smarter money choices? Join me, a Big 4-trained Chartered Accountant, as I make personal finance and investing easier to understand and fun. From budgeting, retirement, and everything in between.