I never expected to be the CFO in our household. I expected to settle down with someone who would lead our financial life. But life does not always turn out the way you expected.
I also never expected when I became a journalist, to end up writing about personal finance. I will never be able to put a value on the life skills I learnt after accepting a job with South Africa’s first personal finance newspaper section.
While writing and editing for that Saturday newspaper supplement, my family grew and I took on the role of breadwinner. Learning about money and managing regardless of my income level, helped me navigate those many a times when it felt overwhelming.
When I was seven months pregnant, a financial planner gave me my own financial plan so I could write with understanding about her as a planner. A few years later, I wanted to improve my understanding and maternity leave for my second child doubled as study leave for a diploma in financial planning.
I am far from achieving all my money goals, and I own a few mistakes, but have a deep loathing for debt. I plan for rainy days and the days when I may choose to stop learning so much. That financial peace of mind is worth sharing.
