The Woman & Finance Podcast - podcast cover

The Woman & Finance Podcast

Hi, I’m Mapalo Makhu, your host, personal finance educator, and author of You're Not Broke, You're Pre-Rich. I hold a BCom Finance degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning and a Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Planning, with over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. More importantly, I’m deeply passionate about empowering women to take charge of their financial futures.


This podcast is a judgment-free space for open and insightful conversations about money—without the confusing jargon. Whether you’re looking to budget more effectively, get out of debt, start investing, or build lasting wealth, this is the place for you.


Each episode brings you practical advice, expert insights, and real conversations designed to help you make informed financial decisions with confidence. Because financial freedom isn’t just for a select few—it’s for everyone ready to take control.


If you’re on a journey to financial wellness, hit follow and be part of a community committed to building wealth and securing their futures.


Let’s learn, grow and thrive—together.


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Episodes

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 approach" that could work for both goals ✅ Common mistakes people make with this decision Key Topics Covered: 00:00 - Intr...

Apr 16, 202612 minSeason 3Ep. 7

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 Now In 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 explain how these global changes impact your day-to-day finances — and more importantly, what you sho...

Apr 05, 202625 minSeason 3Ep. 6

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 bags 2. My kids don’t wear designer brands either 3. 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 house 5. I keep my gym contract basic 6. I keep my lifestyle simple even when income increases 7....

Mar 19, 202622 minSeason 3Ep. 5

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 and reflect: What money vow did you make growing up? Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe...

Feb 11, 202618 minSeason 3Ep. 4

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 your bond over time How to use home loan calculators with confidence Whether you’re a first-time buy...

Feb 06, 202618 minSeason 3Ep. 3

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) withdraw your money • Common TFSA mistakes that can cost you in the long run • How to use a TFSA ...

Jan 27, 202628 minSeason 3Ep. 2

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?

Jan 21, 202620 minSeason 3Ep. 1

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 affect inheritance 👶🏾 Protecting your children’s inheritance through trusts and beneficiary ...

Nov 11, 20251 hr 1 min

From Chaos to Control in just 6 months: The Power of Taking Charge of Your Finances

Episode 10 After 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 making their first investment confidently, to finally feeling at peace with their money. It’s proof tha...

Nov 04, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Is retiring before 65 becoming a myth?

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 if you start now! �...

Oct 17, 202534 minSeason 2Ep. 9

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 future. Using real market insights, they highlight practical strategies to help you grow consist...

Oct 06, 202528 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Before You Say ‘I Do’: Know Your Marriage Contract

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 wh...

Sep 19, 202540 minSeason 2Ep. 7

When Life Changes Overnight: How to Prepare Financially

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, Certified Fi...

Sep 08, 202535 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Breaking Free from the Debt Cycle!

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 your c...

Aug 26, 202533 minSeason 2Ep. 5

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 the practical tips that can save you a lot of stress (and money) down the line. From understanding ...

Aug 13, 202520 minSeason 2Ep. 4

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 financially secure. We talk about: ✅ Lessons from her money journey ✅ Why financial independence is non-neg...

Aug 11, 202535 minSeason 2Ep. 3

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 healthy? We cover it all — in plain, simple language. If insurance has ever felt complicat...

Jul 30, 202550 minSeason 1Ep. 1

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. Thokozani also reflects on how budgeting has changed her family's approach to money, encouraging open ...

Jul 25, 202519 minSeason 2Ep. 3

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 carefully, to the importance of filing — even if you’re a student or freelancer. Andre also explains ...

Jul 14, 202531 minSeason 2Ep. 2

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, save, or avoid money altogether. We talk about how these deep-rooted patterns show up in adulthood — whether...

Jul 01, 202522 minSeason 2Ep. 1

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 asset Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to refine your investment strategy, thi...

Jun 23, 202519 min

No Job Left Behind – The Power of Event-Based Insurance

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 Life to explore wh...

Jun 04, 202537 minSeason 1Ep. 4

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 protecting your income • Managing household expenses and financial expectations • How to save and...

May 29, 202544 minSeason 1Ep. 3

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 — especially for women who are breadwinners, caregivers, or entrepreneurs. From cancer to heart dise...

May 23, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 2

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

May 19, 202516 minSeason 2Ep. 5

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 very thing that pays for it all: their income. Whether you're employed, self-employed, or a free...

May 14, 202545 minSeason 1Ep. 1

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

Apr 17, 202526 minSeason 2Ep. 4

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

Feb 19, 202522 minSeason 2Ep. 3

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?_......

Feb 18, 202515 minSeason 2Ep. 2

5 Things You Should Not Do With Your Money in 2025!

1. Get Married in Community of Property 2. Take on Credit in Your Name for Someone Else – redflag!!!!! 3. Lend Money to Friends and Family 4. Ignore SARS! 5. Give Up Your Power – Don’t Be a Damsel in Distress

Feb 14, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 1
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