Maya on Money

In this episode of the Maya on Money podcast, host Maya Fisher-French explores the evolving landscape of stablecoins and their implications for everyday consumers. Joined by Wiehann Oliver (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-wiehann-olivier-ca-sa-ra-7088b8143/) , Partner and Global Co-Head of Digital Assets at Forvis Mazars, they discuss the recent high court ruling regarding the treatment of crypt...

In this episode of the Maya on Money podcast, host Maya Fisher-French and Adrian Hope-Bailie, the founder of Fynbos Money to discuss the importance of building an emergency fund and investing, how to use both a TFSA and a retirement annuity as part of your retirement plan, and why you really should start a TFSA for your child rather than just buying them more sneakers. Sponsored by Fynbos Money

In this episode of the Maya on Money podcast, we delve into the world of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with expert guest Niki Giles (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngiles1974/) , head of strategy at Prescient Fund Services. As the popularity of ETFs continues to rise, we discuss the fundamentals of ETFs, their benefits, and how to get started investing. We begin by explaining what ETFs are and how...

In this episode of the Maya on Money podcast, host Maya Fisher-French dives deep into the intricacies of estate planning for offshore investments. With her own recent restructuring experience, Maya opens up about the challenges of managing foreign dividends and the growing tax implications of wealth accumulation over time. To help navigate these complexities, she invites Elana Nel, Fiduciary Sp...

Maya Fisher-French discusses the recent changes affecting small business finances following the national budget announcement. With the VAT threshold and turnover tax limits both increased to R2.3 million, Maya unpacks what this means for small business owners and whether they should consider deregistering for VAT.

As the end of the tax year approaches, it is time to maximise your tax deductions and contributions to tax-free savings accounts and retirement annuities. Joined by Janine Langenhoven (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-langenhoven-405298103/) , senior legal counsel at Ninety One (https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa/) , Maya explores the often-overlooked tax benefits of exceeding the annual c...

In this episode of My Money, My Lifestyle, host Maya Fisher-French dives into the world of stablecoins, specifically focusing on the newly announced ZAR Supercoin. Listeners will learn what sets stablecoins apart from traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, how their value is maintained, and the mechanisms that ensure stability.

In this episode of My Money, My Lifestyle, host Maya Fisher-French shares a personal story that highlights the often-overlooked complexities of medical aid claims, particularly in emergency situations. When her 85-year-old mother experienced alarming symptoms and sought treatment at an emergency room, she was left with bills not paid by the medical scheme. Maya invites David Green (https://ww...

South Africans are feeling more confident about their finances than they have in the last three years – according to the 2025 Sanlam Financial Confidence Index. This good news is driven in part by lower interest rates, the end of loadshedding, and real salary increases. Yet, despite feeling more confident, this is not translating into an improved sense of financial well-being and 74% of South ...

Asset manager Piet Vijoen has argued that people systematically overpay for insurance because they prefer the certainty of losing a little each month (i.e. the premium) rather than risk facing an uncertain loss at some point in the future. In this episode of My Money, My Lifestyle, host Maya Fisher-French debates the relevance of insurance and how much is enough with financial planners Henri l...

After six transformative months, we’re concluding our Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp series with incredible stories of financial transformation that will inspire and motivate you to take control of your finances. In this final episode, we discuss the game-changing themes that emerged from the journeys of our boot camp participants. From unexpected promotions to debt freedom, the results spe...

Most people can only afford to retire comfortably by age 80. This sobering statistic was the focus of our latest Insure your Future Money Bootcamp podcast discussion that asked the question of whether early retirement is even possible in today’s economic climate. In this episode, Maya and Mapalo are joined by seasoned financial planner Wynand Gouws (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynand-gouws-cfp...

The latest FNB retirement survey revealed that many South Africans are allocating more funds to insurance than to their retirement savings. So how do we find the balance between insuring for the unexpected while investing for longevity? This is the topic of the latest episode of the Retirement Reimagined series, with host Maya Fisher-French and guest Deepesh Desai, head of FNB Life. Maya and D...

In the latest episode of the Money Bootcamp Podcast, we dive into the world of investing and the magic of compound growth. If you've ever wondered how your money can grow exponentially over time, this episode is for you

In the latest episode of the Retirement Reimagined series, host Maya Fisher-French speaks to Carin Meyer, Product Head of Wills and Deceased Banking, about the importance of having a will, especially when it comes to your retirement assets. Maya and Carin debunk common misconceptions, including the dangerous belief that "only wealthy people need wills," and explore the psychological barriers t...

Marriage is often viewed through the lens of love, commitment, and partnership, but it is also a significant financial contract that can have profound implications on your financial future. In this Insure your Future Money Bootcamp Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu interview attorney and mediator Lerato Seroke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerato-seroke-560b02174?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flag...

In the latest episode of the Retirement Reimagined series, we aim to understand why so many people are not saving for retirement. The results from the FNB Retirement Survey suggest that it is not just financial constraints.

In the latest Money Bootcamp episode, Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu are joined by a special guest, Nonhlanhla Bakasa (https://www.facebook.com/AdoWordpage/) , founder of AdoWord Multimedia, to discuss the reality of living with a disability. Nonhlanhla has been a "wheelchair rider" since the age of 12 when she suffered a spinal injury in a car accident. Nonhlanhla provides an honest and ...

In the latest episode of Retirement Reimagined, we examine what retirement means to those over 60. Using the findings from the FNB retirement survey, host Maya Fisher-French speaks to Renee Coughlan of FNB Wealth and Investment about the reality facing many retirees who feel less prepared than ever before.

We asked many single moms what their greatest concerns were regarding drawing up a will. Host Maya Fisher-French asked fiduciary expert Deenisha Nadesan of Capital Legacy to answer them.

In the latest episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, we discuss the sensitive topic of debt. While we all need credit, especially to purchase a home or a car, if it is not managed carefully, it can become a debt trap which undermines all our other important financial goals. Brian Mphakoanyane from Summit Financial (https://www.summitfin.co.za/index.html) joins hosts Maya Fish...

People are surprisingly confident about their retirement plans, so why are so many people underfunded? In the latest Retirement Reimagined episode, host Maya Fisher-French and Ester Ochse, head of Integrated Advice at FNB, unpack why confidence does not mean preparedness when it comes to retirement.

In this episode of the Insure your Future Money Bootcamp, hosts Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu discuss the financial journey of one of Maya's mentees who is in the process of buying her first home. They share practical insights and personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of thorough financial planning before making such a significant purchase. Understanding the Costs of Homeowner...

As retirement approaches, many people find themselves grappling with the reality of their financial plans – or lack thereof. In the latest Retirement Reimagined episode, host Maya Fisher-French and Sizwe Nxedlana, CEO of FNB Private Segment explore the increasing trend of individuals pursuing second careers or side businesses as part of their retirement strategy. With many people finding thems...

In the third episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, hosts Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu welcome the Thokozani, a budgeting superhero and one of Mapalo's mentees from last year. Thokozani shares her inspiring journey from financial struggle to mastering her money management skills, revealing how a shift in attitude transformed her relationship with finances. From Struggl...

Your pension fund is likely your biggest asset, but do you know your rights when things go wrong? In this episode of "Know Your Ombud," host Maya Fisher-French interviews Pension Funds Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane.

In this episode of "Retirement Reimagined," host Maya Fisher-French engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Lytania Johnson, CEO of FNB Personal Segment about the pressing question: Is retirement planning a luxury only for those with extra cash? Together, they explore how the financial realities faced by many South Africans often push retirement planning to the backseat, overshadowed by ...

What is good advice? In this episode of "Know Your Ombud," host Maya Fisher-French interviews John Simpson, the FAIS Ombud, about how his office protects consumers when financial advice goes wrong – and what you need to know to protect yourself. Real-Life Cases Simpson shares several cases that illustrate how the FAIS Ombud holds financial advisers to a much higher standard. Advisers cannot a...

As we dive into July, many of us feel the familiar pang of anxiety that accompanies tax season. In our latest episode, we tackle the ins and outs of tax filing. Joined by tax expert Andre Bothma (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-bothma-tax/) , we explore why tax can feel overwhelming and how to navigate the process with confidence. One of the key topics discussed is the concept of auto assess...

In this episode of "Know Your Ombud," we examine the complexities of long-term insurance and the common complaints the Ombud receives. Host Maya Fisher-French chats to Sonya Marais, Senior Adjudicator for the Life Insurance Division of the National Financial Ombud (NFO), about the intricacies of insurance claims, particularly focusing on the challenges surrounding non-payment of claims and non...

Welcome to the first episode of “Retirement Reimagined,” a series of conversations exploring the latest FNB Retirement Survey and what it reveals about the average South African’s preparedness and attitude towards retirement. In the first episode of our series, we investigate the findings of the 2024 FNB Retirement Survey with Samukelo Zwane: Product Head, FNB Wealth and Investments and Bheki ...

In this episode of "Know Your Ombud," host Maya Fisher-French engages with Edite Teixeira-Mckinon, the lead Ombud for non-life insurance, to understand the intricacies of short-term insurance and the common complaints consumers face. This episode aims to empower listeners with essential knowledge about their rights and the processes involved in lodging complaints against insurers. Maya and Edi...

In the first episode of the second season of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, hosts Mapalo Makhu and Maya Fisher-French explore the emotional aspects of money management. With a focus on financial trauma, they discuss how our upbringing and past experiences shape our relationship with money and the significance of understanding these emotions. How these emotions can either empower ...

In this episode of "Know Your Ombud," host Maya Fisher-French speaks to Howard Gabriels, the head Ombud for credit, to unpack consumer rights when it comes to taking out credit. This episode aims to empower listeners by clarifying the roles of various Ombud schemes, including the National Financial Ombud, and the importance of lodging complaints against financial institutions. Maya and Howard...

In this episode of "Know Your Ombud," host Maya Fisher-French chats to Nerosha Maseti , the lead Ombud for banking services at the National Financial Ombud (NFO). This episode aims to empower consumers by shedding light on their rights and the processes involved in lodging complaints against financial institutions

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.

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 the Pension Funds Adjudicator, which are all overseen by the Ombud Council. Lodging a complaint with an Ombud is free and you do n...

In the latest episode of our podcast, host Maya Fisher French engages in an open and honest discussion about insurance, particularly focusing on long-term insurance and the often-overlooked area of employee benefits. Joined by certified financial planners Bryan Nicol (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-nicol-cfp/) and Johann Peens (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johann-peens-cfp-%C2%AE-341289136/) ...

In this episode of "My Money, My Lifestyle," host Maya Fisher-French welcomes tax expert Andre Bothma to discuss the implications of recent tax proposals on personal finances as the new tax year begins. Maya and Andre explore the concept of fiscal drag, where taxpayers find themselves paying more due to the lack of inflation adjustments in tax tables. They clarify common misconceptions about s...

In this episode of "My Money, My Lifestyle," host Maya Fisher-French engages in a deep dive into the complexities of the national budget and its implications for taxpayers with Chris Axelson, the acting head of tax and financial sector policy at National Treasury. As the government navigates the contentious landscape of tax collection, Axelson sheds light on the recent adjustments to the budget...

In this episode of "My Money, My Lifestyle," Maya Fisher-French has a thought-provoking discussion with financial expert Hugh Hacking of Momentum Corporate about the recent interest rate cuts and their implications for retirees and investors. With prime rates dropping from 11.75% to 11%, the conversation unpacks how these changes affect both life and living annuities. This episode explains ho...

In this episode of "My Money, My Lifestyle," host Maya Fisher French interviews Adrian Hope-Bailie (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianhopebailie/) , founder of Fynbos Money (https://fynbos.money/) , a new investment platform designed to simplify and reduce the costs of investing. Adrian shares his journey of creating a platform that addresses the common question: "Where do I start investing?" ...

In this episode of "My Money, My Lifestyle," host Maya Fisher French chats about side hustles with Willem Gous (http://za.linkedin.com/in/willemgous) , author of "Side Hustle Success (https://www.amazon.com/Side-Hustle-Success-Money-Steps-ebook/dp/B0D3ZR7QRM) ." With nearly half of employed South Africans engaging in side businesses, the conversation explores practical strategies for starting a...

Why are so many people who earn a good income, who would be considered high-net-worth individuals, struggling with debt? We all believe if we earned a bit more, our financial issues would disappear, yet this appears not to be the case. In this episode of "My Money, My Lifestyle," host Maya Fisher French is joined by certified financial planner Johan Werth to understand why so many high-net-wor...

To kickstart 2025 with financial wisdom Maya Fisher French sits down with Fulu Mashapha, author of "Mind Your Cents: A Practical Approach to Financial Freedom." Fulu wrote her book based on her experiences of money as a young child and as a graduate starting her career. In this podcast Fulu shares with Maya her journey from university to becoming a financially savvy actuary and her experiences...

Join hosts Maya Fisher French and Mapalo Maku in this special episode as they reflect on the incredible journey of Santam staff members who participated in the six-month Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp. This transformative experience culminated in a final event that celebrated the courageous individuals who opened up their financial lives to scrutiny, embraced change, and achieved rema...

The Psychology of Financial Decisions In this episode of the "My Money, My Lifestyle" podcast, host Maya Fisher French chats to Rudolph Geldenhuys (https://www.linkedin.com/in/prgeldenhuys/) , the Financial Planner of the Year, about the psychology behind financial decision-making. They discuss the importance of understanding the 'why' behind one's financial actions. Rudolph, who has been in ...

Welcome to the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp with Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu. This series is designed to guide you through essential financial topics, helping you make informed decisions for a secure future. In our previous episodes we have spoken about building wealth, but what about succession and building intergenerational wealth? How do you protect your family but also ...

This week Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the Medium-Term Budget which is tabled every year in October. Most people only really care about the February budget because that is where the minister announces the changes to taxes. But the medium-term budget is packed with really important information about how government is going to be collecting and spending our money over the next thr...

Welcome to the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp with Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu. This series is designed to guide you through essential financial topics, helping you make informed decisions for a secure future. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of retirement planning with Johann Steyn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johann-steyn-cfp%C2%AE-2855bb96/) , a certified fin...