In this episode of the My Money, My Lifestyle podcast, I facilitated a spirited debate between financial planners Henri le Grange and Ben Nel about the complexities of choosing the right insurance cover. What I learnt from the discussion is that...
Money Bootcamp finale: Key lessons learned
Maya Fisher-FrenchNov 3, 2025
As we wrap up the second season of our Money Bootcamp, it’s incredible to reflect on the transformative journey we’ve witnessed over the past six months. What started as a group of individuals struggling with various financial challenges has...
Money Bootcamp: Can you afford to retire before 80?
Maya Fisher-FrenchOct 17, 2025
It is a depressing reality in South Africa that most people can only afford to retire comfortably at age 80 – if at all. In our latest Money Bootcamp episode, we unpack these figures and consider whether retirement at age 65 is even possible in...
Money Bootcamp: Building wealth through smart investing
Maya Fisher-FrenchOct 3, 2025
In today’s financial landscape, the gap between those who build substantial wealth and those who struggle financially often comes down to one critical factor: understanding the power of compound growth and making informed investment decisions. This...
Money Bootcamp: What you need to know before saying ‘I do’
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 19, 2025
In this Money Bootcamp discussion, we chat with attorney and mediator Lerato Seroke about the financial and legal implications of your marriage contract. When it comes to marriage, most couples focus on the romance, the wedding venue, and the guest...
Money Bootcamp: The real cost of disability and how to plan for it
Maya Fisher-FrenchSep 5, 2025
In our latest Money Bootcamp episode, myself and co-host Mapalo Makhu are joined by Nonhlanhla Bakasa, founder of AdoWord Multimedia, to discuss the reality of living with a disability. Nonhlanhla has been a "wheelchair rider" since the age of 12...
How to draw up a will as a single mom
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 25, 2025
Over the last few weeks, I asked many single moms what their greatest concerns were regarding drawing up a will. I collected the many questions and concerns that were sent to me, and sat down with fiduciary expert Deenisha Nadesan of Capital Legacy...
Money Bootcamp: The good, the bad, and the ugly of debt
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 21, 2025
In the latest episode of our Money Bootcamp series, we discuss the sensitive topic of debt. While almost all of us need to use credit when it comes to purchasing a home or a car, if it is not managed carefully, it can become a debt trap which...
Money Bootcamp: The hidden costs of homeownership
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 8, 2025
Homeownership represents a significant milestone for many South Africans, but the true cost extends far beyond the purchase price. In our latest Money Bootcamp discussion, Mapalo Makhu and I unpack the unexpected expenses that can catch first-time...
Money Bootcamp: From financial chaos to budgeting superhero
Maya Fisher-FrenchJul 24, 2025
Listen to how one mother managed to shift her mindset to transform her relationship with money. When Thokozani first began her financial coaching journey with Mapalo Makhu, her relationship with money could only be described as “poor and...

Previous Articles
Listen: what every pension fund member needs to know
Jul 18, 2025
“Know your ombud” episode 8 For many South Africans, their pension fund represents their largest financial asset, yet countless members remain in the dark about their rights when things go wrong. In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series, I am joined by...
Listen: Consumers’ rights and advisers’ responsibilities
Jul 11, 2025
“Know your ombud” episode 7 In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series, I am joined by John Simpson, the Ombud for Financial Services Providers (FAIS Ombud). We chat about his office’s approach to handling disputes between financial advisers and consumers,...
Money Bootcamp: How to ace your tax
Jul 10, 2025
Welcome to the second episode of the second season of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, where I tackle various financial topics together with my co-host, Mapalo Makhu. As we dive into July, many of us feel the familiar pang of anxiety that accompanies tax...
Listen: Death and disability claims not adding up?
Jul 4, 2025
“Know your ombud” episode 6 In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series, I am joined by Sonya Marais, Senior Adjudicator for the Life Insurance Division of the National Financial Ombud (NFO), who helps us understand the complexities of long-term insurance....
Listen: General and personal insurance unravelled
Jun 27, 2025
“Know your ombud” episode 5 In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series, I am joined by Edite Teixeira-Mckinon, the lead ombud for non-life insurance at the National Financial Ombud. Have you ever felt overwhelmed or confused by one of your insurance policies?...
Money Bootcamp: Recognising financial trauma
Jun 26, 2025
Welcome to the second season of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, where I will tackle various financial topics together with my co-host, Mapalo Makhu. In this first episode, we investigate the complicated relationship between emotions and money. We discuss...
Listen: When responsible credit goes wrong
Jun 20, 2025
“Know your ombud” episode 4 In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series, I am joined by Howard Gabriels, the head ombud for credit. Credit providers are required to treat customers fairly, but consumers also have a responsibility to repay their debts. Howard...
Listen: Big Banks – David and Goliath
Jun 13, 2025
“Know your ombud” episode 3 In the latest episode of our "Know Your Ombud" series, we dive into the world of financial services with Nerosha Maseti, the lead ombud for banking services. With an increasing number of complaints about banking practices, it’s crucial for...
Listen: What to do if your financial institution treats you unfairly
Jun 6, 2025
“Know your ombud” Episode 2 I’m joined by Reana Steyn, the head of the National Financial Ombud, to discuss the role of this ombud, and how it is a vital resource when you have a dispute with a financial institution. Reana shares insights into the recently streamlined...
Listen: Know your ombud
May 30, 2025
“Know your Ombud” is a series of conversations aimed at helping consumers of financial services understand their rights and where to go if they are not treated fairly. The financial ombud schemes include the National Financial Ombud, the FAIS Ombud, the JSE Ombud, and...










