The Swan Effect - Creating and Sustaining Your Financial Wellbeing: Recent Episodes
Lucille Sikosana and Arthi Rabikrisson
Money makes the world go round, and if this is true, do you struggle to understand the complex workings of finance, money and investments? Join us, Arthi Rabikrisson and Lucille Sikosana; both women in finance, as we delve into simplifying the complexities that come with managing your finances and investments. The theory of Black Swan Events is a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, and is often rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. The opposite of that are White Swan Events which are characterized as being more certain. Because life can be uncertain, there are Grey Swan areas and The Swan Effect is a monthly podcast that dives into some of those grey areas to empower persons in all walks of life to make better money decisions, and ultimately improve their relationship with money.
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Nobody likes talking about death, illness, or the moment you cannot manage your own affairs. But avoiding it does not protect your family, it just leaves them guessing at the worst possible time.
In this latest episode, Arthi and Malika discuss why planning for death or incapacity is not morbid, but a practical act of love that protects the people we leave behind. They turn a heavy topic into a simple “If Something Happens”, a tool that reduces admin, conflict, and debt when life blindsides a family.
Listen to the co-host sharing more about:
• why people avoid death planning, including fear, taboo, and the myth that only wealthy people need estate planning
• what happens immediately after a death, illness, or accident and why the admin shock hits while people are grieving
• the hidden risk of being the only person who knows the passwords, policies, and debit orders
• the difference between emotional intent and practical clarity, including privacy boundaries and choosing one trusted person
• the seven essentials to write down: people to call, documents to find, policies and cover, a money map, dependants and responsibilities, digital access plan, wishes and values
• where to keep the list so it is secure but findable, plus why it must be updated after life changes
• what not to do, including leaving puzzles, relying on verbal instructions, and never updating beneficiaries
• gentle scripts to start the conversation without alarming your family
And so much more!
If this episode made you think of one person who needs to start their "If Something Happens" list, please share this episode with them.
Call to Action:📢 Start your own list today!
🎧 The Swan Effect Podcast is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth, supporting conversations that help us build financial clarity, confidence, and long-term well-being.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review. We’d love to hear your reflections — your messages and comments help shape the conversations we have next.
Thanks for listening!
— Arthi & Malika
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Debt rarely arrives alone. It often arrives carrying silence, shame, duty, loyalty, expectations, and unspoken assumptions. In this episode of The Swan Effect Podcast, Arthi and Malika explore one of the most emotionally charged intersections in personal finance: debt and relationships.
From hidden credit cards and undisclosed loans to family obligations, black tax, financial infidelity, and money boundaries, this conversation shines a light on the realities many households face but few openly discuss.
Because sometimes the biggest threat to a relationship isn't the debt itself. It's the silence around it.
The hosts talk about why debt becomes explosive in relationships when it is hidden, edited, or wrapped in shame, and how financial intimacy depends on truth without humiliation.
They share practical language, boundary tools, and a short reset checklist to help couples and families deal with debt, black tax, and shared obligations with clarity and care.
Listen in as Arthi and Malika unpack:
• debt as an emotional and relational experience, not only a number
• the difference between secrecy and privacy when money affects the household
• financial intimacy through honest disclosure and gentle questions
• common pressure behaviours under stress: hiding, rescuing, controlling, avoiding
• “when does your debt become our debt?” and why legal context matters in South Africa
• options for joint, separate, and hybrid money systems, with regular review
• a four-part framework: disclosure, decision-making, safety, values
• black tax and the sandwich generation, with sustainable support boundaries
• the “yes, no, not this way” approach to saying no without cruelty
• journaling prompts and a 7-day Family Money Reset Checklist
Plus so much more!
📢 Call to action
➡️ Begin the journaling process with the questions shared - self-awareness is key!
➡️ Family Money Reset Checklist progress
🎧 The Swan Effect Podcast is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth, supporting conversations that help us build financial clarity, confidence, and long-term well-being.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review. We’d love to hear your reflections — your messages and comments help shape the conversations we have next.
Thanks for listening!
— Arthi & Malika
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Side hustles feel like freedom until tax reality arrives and you realise every deposit is not fully spendable. In this episode cohosts Arthi and Malika break down the simple systems that keep you compliant with South African Revenue Service (SARS), clear on profit, and calm when filing season hits.
Listen to them explore:
- Why side hustle income is not always fully “spendable”
- The difference between revenue, expenses, and profit
- Why organisation is not just a habit — it’s a financial strategy
- The importance of separating personal and business money
- What provisional tax means and when it may apply
- The truth behind “just write it off”
- The difference between income tax and VAT (and why people confuse them)
- Updated VAT thresholds and what they mean for growing businesses
- Why structure is not a status symbol — and what actually matters
- The role of systems vs labels in building a real business
Find our more about the 20-minute money date and the Side Hustle SARS Clarity Checklist
📢Call to action
➡️Pick one thing from today’s checklist and do it in the next 24 hours. Just get it done.
➡️Send this episode to that friend who needs a tax system.
🎧 The Swan Effect Podcast is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth, supporting conversations that help us build financial clarity, confidence, and long-term well-being.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review. We’d love to hear your reflections — your messages and comments help shape the conversations we have next.
Thanks for listening!
— Arthi & Malika
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Your salary goes up, but your bank balance still feels squeezed and your payslip feels like it is mocking you. Hosts Arthi and Malika know that “taxed and tired” feeling, and this epsiode is aimed at slowing the noise down by making South African tax easier to see, name and plan for, without pretending there is a magic hack. When tax becomes visible, it becomes predictable, and predictable is something you can build around.
Listen in to hear the Arthi and Malika share practical habits that reduce panic at filing time. These include:
• why a payslip can feel like a reality check even for high earners
• how tax shows up beyond PAYE through VAT, dividends, capital gains and property
• income tax versus wealth taxes like CGT, dividends tax, transfer duty, donations tax and estate duty
• six common myths that create fear and bad decisions
• tax planning as predictable structure rather than loopholes
• retirement contributions as a straightforward lever for tax efficiency
• medical scheme credits and why admin matters
• donations to approved PBOs and keeping the right proof
• side hustle income, allowances and the need for clean records
and so much more!!
🎬Ready for next steps? Listen closely for the simple weekly checklist to build a tax folder and track income streams.
🎧 The Swan Effect Podcast is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth, supporting conversations that help us build financial clarity, confidence, and long-term well-being.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review. We’d love to hear your reflections — your messages and comments help shape the conversations we have next.
Thanks for listening!
— Arthi & Malika
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Money gets messy when debt blurs the line between freedom and friction. In this episode Arthi and Maliks pull that line into focus with a simple idea: borrowing is neutral, behaviour is not. Together they explore how to turn credit from a source of stress into a lever for growth by funding assets, skills, and income rather than short-lived consumption.
The co-hosts unpack the love-hate tension around debt and show how borrowing becomes powerful when it funds assets, income, or skills rather than lifestyle. From sharing filters, practical methods, and a 48‑hour challenge to reset, this episode offers the full spectrum of why, how and what now.
Listen in to hear about:
💡debt as tool not verdict
💡behaviour over maths drives outcomes
💡good debt outcomes vs bad debt outcomes
💡transactors vs revolvers
💡snowball vs avalanche and consistency
💡10‑minute debt reset for clarity
💡the legacy impact of healthy debt modelling for children
And of course, much more!
🎬Ready for momentum? Take our 48-hour challenge: complete the 10-minute debt reset, choose snowball or avalanche, and automate one extra payment.
🎧 The Swan Effect Podcast is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth, supporting conversations that help us build financial clarity, confidence, and long-term well-being.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review. We’d love to hear your reflections — your messages and comments help shape the conversations we have next.
Thanks for listening!
— Arthi & Malika
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The Money Stories We Never Questioned
We’re opening Season 5 by naming the money conversations many of us were taught to avoid — debt, death, and taxes — and gently unpacking how those silences shaped the way we relate to money today.
In this episode, cohosts Arthi and Malika explore how our earliest experiences of money — what was said, what was modelled, and what was never spoken about — quietly become the rules we live by as adults. We talk about family “atmospheres” around money, generational ideas of respectability and safety, and why avoidance often holds more power over us than the numbers themselves.
This conversation isn’t about blame or doing money “right.” It’s about awareness, choice, and creating a calmer, more conscious financial legacy — for ourselves and for those watching us.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why we’re naming Debt, Death, and Taxes (DDT) as the theme for Season 5
- How avoidance keeps money stories powerful and unquestioned
- Childhood financial atmospheres and the silent rules we inherit
- Respectability, stability, and risk aversion across generations
- Scarcity thinking versus security-based decision-making
- The difference between strategic debt and destructive debt
- Reframing taxes as planned participation rather than punishment
- The idea of a living legacy — what we model long before we’re gone
- Adult patterns like overworking, under-earning, and financial avoidance
- The “people like us don’t…” exercise to surface inherited beliefs
- Practical ways to begin updating your money story
This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and gently question the stories you’ve been carrying — and to decide which ones still deserve a place in your life.
🎧 The Swan Effect Podcast is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth, supporting conversations that help us build financial clarity, confidence, and long-term well-being.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review. We’d love to hear your reflections — your messages and comments help shape the conversations we have next.
Thanks for listening!
— Arthi & Malika
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It has been a financial marathon this season, with hosts Arthi and Malika delivering a wealth mindset so that you can become your own financial superhero. What listeners may not have known, was that each epsiode this season was building up to a cape fitting ceremony. In this final episode of Season 4, Arthi and Malika unveil the Superhero Wealth Equation—Identity x Behaviour x Time x Community— a simple, multiplicative model that turns scattered advice into a focused plan you can actually stick to.
As a bonus, the hosts guide listeners through a reflective year-end Superpower Audit (click to download) to turn clarity into action. Along the way, they recap key lessons, share listener wins, and wrap with a peek at next season’s deep dive into the DDT: Debt, Death, and Taxes.
Listen in to Arthi and Malika:
- • tying ten episodes into a clear wealth formula
- • explain identity as the base for money confidence
- • unpack behaviour superpowers and why consistency matters
- • extoll about time and compounding as inevitability builders
- • emphasize community as stabiliser, accountability and legacy
- • underscore multiplicative thinking and zero-risk to the equation
- • offer a step-by-step Superpower Audit with actions
and so much more!
Go forth and multiply your wealth in 2026 the Swan Effect Superhero way!
Share 📢and write a review as Arthi and Malika continue on their mission to simplify the complexities of money management to empower you toward financial freedom, becoming your own financial superhero, and passing on your superpowers too!
This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
🎧 The Swan Effect Podcast is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth, supporting conversations that help us build financial clarity, confidence, and long-term well-being.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review. We’d love to hear your reflections — your messages and comments help shape the conversations we have next.
Thanks for listening!
— Arthi & Malika
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As we get closer to the end of 2025, Arthi and Malika offer listeners the opportunity to press pause, clear the financial fog, and build a values-led plan for the year ahead with simple tools that turn overwhelm into focused action.
This episode is jam-packed with reflective questions, simple frameworks, practical rituals, and next steps to show you how clarity grows when money decisions match what matters most.
Listen in as the co-hosts talk about:
- Why do we lose clarity through overload, opinions, and emotion
- How awareness is the first power move
- Considering budgets and doing emotional check-ins
- The 3R Review: reflect, reframe, refocus
- A five-minute clarity journal
- Purpose-based choices guided by values
- Debt versus investing through a holistic lens
And to give you practical ideas, keep on listening to the inspiring Activation Capes, the micro superpowers that can help you finish your year grounded and focused.
- Clarity Capes - to help you clear the financial fogs, like the Mirror Moment or the Values Compass
- Action Capes - simple steps to reboot your budget, or reset your plan, like the Iron Heart Build or the Okoye Discipline Drill
- Purpose Capes - ways to align your money with your mission, like the Vibranium Vision Board or the Kwezi Community Act
- Mindset Capes - small daily habits that restore calm and control, like the Wonder Pause or the America Chavez Portal
Plus so much more!
If you're looking to gather yourself and prepare for pre- and post-holidays this is the episode for you!
Share 📢and write a review as Arthi and Malika continue on their mission to simplify the complexities of money management to empower you toward financial freedom, becoming your own financial superhero, and passing on your superpowers too!
This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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Following on the theme of Legacy from the previous episode 8 of this season, Arthi and Malika engage with the idea that legacy isn't just about the money you leave behind—it's about preparing, protecting, and empowering the next generation with thoughtful planning and clear communication. In the current episode the hosts help you armour up with essential tools like wills, estate planning, and the life file to create a meaningful legacy that outlives you.
Listen in as Malika and Arthi discuss how:
• Wills serve as your superhero shield, protecting your family from unnecessary battles and giving you control over inheritance, guardianship, and estate management,
• Without a will, the Interstate Succession Act decides who gets what, potentially causing confusion, disputes, and financial hardship for your loved ones
• Common estate planning mistakes are made, which include outdated wills, insufficient liquidity, conflicting documents, and vague wording that can trigger family disputes,
• A life file (or "pop-off file") should be created and updated, containing everything your loved ones need—will copies, ID documents, bank details, insurance policies, property deeds, passwords, and key contacts,
• Estate taxes can be the villains of legacy planning, with capital gains tax, estate duty (25% on estates over R3.5 million), and executor's fees taking chunks of your estate,
• To use strategic planning tools include properly structured trusts, adequate life cover, diverse asset allocation, and lifetime giving (taxed at 20% vs 25% estate duty),
plus so much more!
🦸 Golden Takeaway:
Legacy is the cape that outlives you — wear it proudly, and pass it on with purpose.
Share 📢and write a review as Arthi and Malika continue on their mission to simplify the complexities of money management to empower you toward financial freedom, becoming your own financial superhero, and passing on your superpowers too!
Freebie: Download our practical legacy planning checklist to get you started today!
This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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Ever wondered why superheroes team up instead of fighting alone? There's profound wisdom in this approach – especially when it comes to building wealth. In this thought-provoking Episode 8, Arthi and Malika explore how purposeful generosity creates a lasting legacy through the uniquely South African lens of Ubuntu – the philosophy that "I am because we are."
Listen in as the co-hosts navigate the topic covering different angles of interest that include:
- Ubuntu operates like the Avengers – each person contributing their power to form a stronger collective
- Traditional stockvels (savings clubs) demonstrate financial Ubuntu in action.
- Modern stokvels have evolved from basic needs to property investment and business funding.
- Generosity without boundaries can become depleting rather than empowering.
- The "sandwich generation" supports children, parents, and extended family simultaneously.
- True generosity builds capacity and independence rather than dependency.
- Structure your giving through formal mechanisms like stockfels or family trusts.
- Make generosity educational by passing on financial knowledge alongside support.
- Ensure sustainability by protecting your own financial foundation first.
- Create a vision for what your generosity will build over the next 20 years.
Subscribe now and discover how to continue building towards becoming your own financial superhero.
Share 📢and write a review - we would love to hear your thoughts
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In this special episode in Women's Month in South Africa, Arthi and Malika tackle equity head-on, joined by wonderful guest Shivani Naidoo, Head of EQT - an Old Mutual Wealth fintech.
How does equity investing create equity in the wider world, you ask?
According to Shivani, we have to take a few steps back before even asking this, and rather be curious about what would make one an investing success. It begins with purpose, not products, and understanding your financial "why" is the foundation of wealth-building that lasts. Time in the market is your greatest superpower, with the magic of compounding rewarding those who start early—even with small amounts.
Some really special nuggets of guidance in the episode include:
• Clarify your investing purpose to guide decisions and stay grounded during market volatility
• Understand the opportunity cost of delayed investing and how compounding favors early starters
• Build a balanced investment portfolio like a superhero team—each asset class plays a specific role
• Create your personal investment code (IPS) as a mission brief to stay on track during turbulence
• Know your time horizon to determine appropriate risk levels for different goals
• Practice regular rebalancing to maintain your desired asset allocation as markets move
• Recognize common investment "villains" like overconfidence bias, trend-chasing, and emotional decision-making
• Consider working with a financial advisor as an accountability partner to enhance returns
Start your investment journey now, regardless of how small your first step might be.
Remember that your future isn't a trade-off but a "trade-up"—you're investing in something greater for tomorrow.
Listen in to hear how Arthi, Malika, and Shivani unpack these and more even further to get you more confident in your investing journey towards financial freedom and wealth.
Share 📢and write a review as Arthi and Malika continue on their mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower you toward financial freedom.
Freebie: Download your free IPS template to get you started today!
About Shivani Naidoo
Shivani Naidoo is a South African investment professional and fintech builder. With her entrepreneurial drive, she’s leading a new digital investment platform created for a generation of emerging wealth builders. With a background in portfolio management, as a CFA charterholder and now the Head of EQT — an Old Mutual Wealth powered fintech — Shivani brings both depth and clarity to the evolving space where finance and technology meet.
At the heart of her work is a commitment to building systems that are simple, scalable, and serve as a tool for empowerment. Her career has spanned traditional asset management and the rapidly evolving world of Wealth-Tech, giving her a unique perspective on how the company investment industry is changing and what that means for investors, institutions, and the future of financial advice.
This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
Learn more about EQT - visit: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/wealth/eqt/
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Continuing to uncover the key characteristics of a wealth mindset, hosts Arthi and Malika delve into episode 6 of this season, talking about what separates those who thrive financially from those who stay stuck. It's not luck or privilege—it's resourcefulness. Resourcefulness is a critical component of building a wealth mindset, turning survival into strategy by making the most of what you already have instead of focusing on what you lack.
Drawing inspiration from superhero stories so that you can become your own financial superhero too, Arthi and Malika explore how characters like Peter Parker (building his own suit and web shooters while working side gigs), Shuri (constantly innovating with Wakanda's resources), and Storm (leading with emotional intelligence despite hardship) demonstrate resourcefulness in action. These aren't just fictional examples—they mirror the everyday ingenuity we see in successful entrepreneurs and wealth builders.
The heart of this episode the aptly derived R-E-S-O-U-R-C-E framework—a comprehensive approach to developing this critical mindset.
• Reframing your thinking from scarcity to strategy—shifting focus to what you can do with what you have
• Exploring your existing resources through an audit of your skills, networks, and available time
• Stretching your money and resources to last longer through strategic planning and creative solutions
• Organizing your finances by setting clear goals, priorities, and consistently tracking progress
• Utilizing your community by asking for help, collaborating, and bartering with others
• Reinventing your approach through pivoting, iterating, and experimenting when needed
• Creating multiple income streams, side hustles, and financial pathways
• Executing consistently through daily actions and discipline rather than perfect conditions
Listen in to hear how Arthi and Malika unpack the what and how of this framework to get you even closer to your goals of financial freedom and wealth.
Share 📢and write a review as Arthi and Malika continue on their mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower you toward financial freedom.
Challenge: take 1 letter in the R-E-S-O-U-R-C-E framework and get started. Tag @theswaneffectpodcast and share your journey!
This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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What separates financial dreamers from achievers? One word: discipline.
In this illuminating episode of the Swan Effect Podcast, Arthi and Malika explore the untold power of self-discipline in wealth creation through the lens of our favorite superheroes.
Forget what you think you know about discipline. It's not about rigid obedience or punishing routines—it's about emotional self-regulation paired with rational decision-making that keeps you focused on your financial goals. The hosts break down why this internal tug-of-war between immediate gratification and long-term goals is particularly challenging in our technology-saturated world, where distractions and temptations are just a click away.
Drawing wisdom from unexpected sources, Arthi and Malika unpack how Batman's obsessive routines, Black Widow's calculated decisions, Captain America's unwavering priorities, Spider-Man's self-awareness, and Doctor Strange's mindset transformation all offer profound lessons for your financial journey.
These superhero strategies translate directly to practical money habits—whether you're building a business, diversifying income streams, or simply trying to stay on budget.
The most powerful insight?
Self-forgiveness may be your greatest financial superpower.
As explored through Scarlet Witch's journey, holding onto financial mistakes creates a burden that prevents forward movement. Learning to forgive yourself for past money missteps frees you to make better choices today.
Ready to build your financial discipline muscle? Listen to the hosts share five actionable strategies to start right now:
🦸🏽♀️establishing your non-negotiable "hero habit,"
🦸🏽♀️building systems (not just goals),
🦸🏽♀️eliminating financial noise,
🦸🏽♀️creating visual reminders, and
🦸🏽♀️practicing compassion when you stumble.
Because discipline isn't about perfection—it's about consistency.
Whether you're struggling to stay on budget, looking to grow your wealth, or working toward financial independence, this episode provides the mental framework to transform your relationship with money through superhero-level discipline.
Subscribe now and discover why, as we say, "forgiveness is part of your financial toolkit.
Share 📢and write a review as we continue our mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower you toward financial freedom. What innovative solution might be your path to wealth creation?
This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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In this powerful episode, co-hosts Arthi and Malika delve into how innovation becomes a catalyst for wealth creation, revealing that you don't need to be in Silicon Valley or launch a tech startup to harness its potential.
They challenge conventional thinking by redefining innovation as the art of finding creative solutions to everyday problems – something accessible to everyone regardless of background or resources. Through compelling examples from across Africa, thy explore how entrepreneurs are addressing local challenges with simple yet powerful innovations. From mobile banking revolutionizing financial access to the thriving "Kasi economy," these success stories demonstrate how solving real problems creates both social impact and sustainable wealth.
Drawing fascinating parallels between superheroes and real-world innovators, Arthi and Malika e extract valuable lessons from fictional icons that apply directly to your wealth-creation journey. Like Tony Stark building his first Iron Man suit in a cave with limited resources, you can start small but think big. Similar to how Bruce Wayne aligned his innovations with his values, your purpose-driven approach can create lasting impact while generating wealth.
Thus, this episode explores how innovation can be a powerful tool for wealth creation when approached with intention, creativity, and purpose.
Listen in to hear more about:
• Learning from fictional superheroes like Iron Man, Batman, and Mr. Fantastic to provide motivations for real world innovation i.e become your own financial superhero!
• Ideas to solve real-world problems in your community or industry to create value
• the concept of starting small but thinking big
• Ways to leverage existing resources and knowledge as a low-hanging fruit strategy to start
• Building a strong support system of accountability partners, advisors, and constructive critics
• Protecting your intellectual property, especially for unique ideas that generate long-term wealth
• Reinvesting in continuous learning and growth to expand your innovative capacity
Subscribe, share 📢and write a review as we continue our mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower you toward financial freedom. What innovative solution might be your path to wealth creation?
This #podcastepisode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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In this episode, co-hosts Malika and Arthi underscore how resilience forms the invisible backbone of wealth creation, that few discuss openly.
During this transformative episode, they decode how the ability to adapt, persist, and evolve through financial challenges ultimately determines your long-term success more than any investment strategy alone.
Arthi explores the profound psychological dimension of financial resilience - learning to view setbacks as commas rather than periods in your financial story. This mindset shift alone can dramatically alter your wealth trajectory. Malika helps us discover why emotional regulation during market volatility, business failures, or unexpected expenses is critical, and how to maintain perspective when everyone else is panicking.
Drawing inspiration from resilience icons like Rihanna, who transformed from difficult family circumstances into a business mogul, Oprah Winfrey, who converted career rejection into media dominance, and Sarah Blakely, who persisted through countless "no's" to build Spanx into a billion-dollar empire - Arthi and Malika examine how resilience manifests as a superpower in the financial realm.
Listen in to hear:
- actionable strategies you can implement immediately,
- embracing small failures as teachers,
- using the 90-day milestone methodology to maintain momentum,
- prioritizing self-care for better financial decision-making,
- and building a supportive network that sustains you when challenges arise.
Like the superhero examples, your capacity to stretch beyond limitations and bounce forward (not just back) from setbacks will determine your ultimate financial destiny.
Ready to develop your financial elasticity? Join us to discover how resilience might be your most undervalued asset on the path to wealth creation. Subscribe now, share with friends struggling with financial setbacks, and let us know which resilience strategy resonated most with you!
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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Marching into Episode 2 of Season 4 of The Swan Effect Podcast, Arthi and Malika discuss the steps needed to start cultivating the Wealth Mindset addressed in Episode 1.
Arthi provides details of the key characteristics that define a wealth mindset, including resilience, innovation, resourcefulness, discipline, and generosity. In a playful twist, the theme of becoming your own financial superhero underlies the characteristics, where Arthi and Malika help us identify with some well-known (and wealthy!) fictional superheroes, such as Batman and Iron Man.
Malika emphasizes the power of resourcefulness. By maximizing what each of us has, we can create opportunities—just like T'Challa.
The characteristic of generosity is connected to gratitude, and both Arthi and Malika share details about this link and ways to empower oneself with gratitude and feed it forward to others.
For a bit of fun, Arthi and Malika shared which financial superpower they would like to have. Can you guess what they may have chosen?
Practical and intentional action steps are provided to develop each of these characteristics, which can cultivate a wealth mindset.
Listen in to Malika and Arthi discussing:
- 5 of the key characteristics that define a wealth mindset.
- Insight into the true meaning of adding value and the different ways that value can be perceived
- Staying informed and expanding your knowledge
- Resilience and innovation and the key links between these characteristics
- Defining what wealth means to you and the goals you have to achieve this wealth
- Tips for being resourceful with your finances
- How gratitude can impact your mindset and help you achieve your goals
and so much more!
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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Welcome to Season 4 of The Swan Effect Podcast, with your hosts Arthi Rabikrisson and Malika Peterson!
It is the year they are officially calling "2020-Thrive"!
This new season will focus on how we can become our own financial superheroes inspired by fictional characters
Kicking off the season, episode 1 explores the importance of a wealth mindset and how this mindset involves thinking and acting in ways that foster abundance rather than scarcity.
Malika shares her personal experiences and the impact of childhood narratives on her financial mindset and actions. Arthi shares later on how a three-question approach can challenge limiting beliefs, with the questions being around:
- understanding why the belief exists,
- examining the evidence for it, and
- recognizing evidence of success.
Listen in to Malika and Arthi as they discuss:
- Defining a wealth mindset
- The contrast between a wealth and scarcity mindset
- Shifting the limiting beliefs that are affecting your mindset
- The link between a wealth mindset and emotional intelligence
- The importance of positive influences and being surrounded by success stories
- Practical tips such as daily gratitude and continuous learning
- Common challenges like fear of failure and impatience, plus urging listeners to embrace setbacks and maintain long-term thinking
- Getting into the habit of setting goals
- how to take small steps every day to shift your mindset and focus on abundance.
And so much more!
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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Unlock the secrets of wealth management and personal growth as Arthi and Malika take a look back at 2024, a year filled with "aha" moments that have shaped both their lives and listeners’ too. As they recount their journey and set the stage for ambitious goals in 2025, expect insights that will empower you to reflect on your own financial experiences and embrace the potential of online learning.
Some stand-out episodes to consider:
- Journey with us into the world of cryptocurrency and discover the transformative power of community-driven investment strategies. With expert guidance, we navigated the dynamic crypto market, finding clarity and purpose in our investments.
- Learn about Ubuntu, the South African concept fostering collective action, and how crowdfunding and crowdinvesting challenge traditional charity, empowering listeners to pursue personal and community wealth-building initiatives. These strategies prove that financial ventures are most powerful when shared and supported by a collective spirit.
- Gain valuable insights into the intersection of financial and mental wellness, particularly for women. The economic divide presents unique challenges, but inclusive banking can empower women to shape future generations' understanding of financial literacy.
- Hear from expert Tiaan Herselmann on South Africa's Two Pot System legislation, and
- Understand how mental health is integral to financial success, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Round out the episode and season, Arthi and Malika encourage you to reflect on your achievements, learn to celebrate them wisely, and set your sights on ambitious goals for 2025. Embrace gratitude and reflection this holiday season as you chart your financial journey forward.
Take a listen to the episode and shift your mindset towards smart financial decisions.
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
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November = waiting for Black Friday deals for many people. This is the focus of Episode 10 in Season 3 where Arthi & Malika take a different look at Black Friday and how to strategise your spend.
As you know, this season's theme has been the advent calendar of investments.
Thus this episode offer a Black Friday 2 for 1 sweetener, as two advent calendar slots are unveiled, being (1) the importance of understanding assets versus liabilities, and (2) delayed gratification in wealth creation.
Arthi explains that assets generate income, while liabilities cost money. Many examples are discussed including residential property actually being a liability, and only really becomes an asset when the income generated from it exceeds the expenses, or a sale thereof generates a profit. Another example discussed includes the purchase of a G-wagon vs a tractor andw hich has teh potential to generate wealth over time.
Arthi then shares some examples on how you can use Black Friday to your advantage and move towards your wealth creation.
Malika makes an impactful point on how the way you see receiving money can have a direct effect on your wealth, which leads to emphasizing the need to delay gratification. For example use a large portion of a bonus to buy more assets than spending it all on 'want' or lifestyle items.
This episode is power-packed with tips and ideas, where Malika & Arthi discuss:
- The Black Friday origin story
- Understanding assets and liabilities
- Sharing examples of assets and liabilities
- How to utilise delayed gratification
- Leveraging debt and assets
- Practical steps to create wealth
and so much more
Remember: “Simply put, assets create wealth, liabilities stunt wealth.”
Take a listen to the episode and shift your mindset towards smart financial decisions.
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Season 3 episode 9 Arthi & Malika continue the journey into the advent calendar of financial knowledge. October is Mental Health Awareness Month and the hosts share insights in this episode that mental health equals wealth, both in the figurative and literal sense.
Malika shares some alarming statistics about how people currently feel under pressure and a large part of this is caused by money and finances.
Arthi shares the definition of mental health and mindset & offers insight into brain fitness, and how this can increase your mental health.
Malika makes the connection between the quality of financial decisions during periods of poor mental health, helping to clarify the reciprocal link between mental well-being and financial wellbeing.
Listen in to hear Arthi and Malika discuss:
- The definition of mental health & mindset
- Brain health
- How your mental wellbeing can directly affect your financial wellbeing, based on belief systems we have about money
- Triggers that can affect mental health, such as emotions and overspending.
- Tips to having strong mental & financial health that include having an accountability partner and reducing social media scrolling.
and so much more!
Remember: “your mood, your state of being, and your money are connected.”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Season 3 episode 8 Arthi & Malika are joined by special guest Tiaan Herselman, to discuss the new two pot retirement legislation that came into effect on 1 September 2024 in South Africa. It was designed to assist in the current retirement crisis that retirees are experiencing, where they do not have enough financial resources to allow them to retire comfortably.
Listen in to hear Malika, Arthi & Tiaan discuss:
- What exactly is this new legislation and what do the different “pots” mean
- The intention of this retirement legislation
- The new rules & implications for your savings & tax
- Practical examples of various scenarios depicting the the new pots
- Debunking any myths and mistruths about the 2 pot system
and so much more!
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
About Tiaan Herselman:
Tiaan is the Head of Proposition Old Mutual Wealth. He holds a B.Com Financial Planning (cum laude), Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning &an Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Estate Planning. He is also a certified financial planner ® & has spent the last 14 years in the financial services industry during which he started out his career as a financial planner and then moved into the financial planning fintech and investment landscape. He is currently busy completing his MBA at the University of Johannesburg. He has a strong passion for financial planning and making people aware of the value of good financial advice.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Season 3 episode 7, it is Women's Month and co-hosts Arthi & Malika discuss the role of women in financial empowerment of their households and communities.
Malika provides surprising statistics about women in finance relating to their earnings, roles and knowledge.
Arthi explains how women are essential in driving the economic growth of the country, and why it is beneficial that we empower women to ensure that their innate ability to grow the economy is catalyzed.
Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi discuss:
- The importance of financial empowerment in education
- Traditional marriage contracts
- Kasi economy & practical examples of how this can expand & provide opportunities to the community
- Banking productions & information
and so much more!
Remember: “even skyscrapers are built one brick at a time”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
We are already half way through 2024!
In Season 3 episode 6 co-hosts Arthi & Malika discuss the most important asset yet and one that requires your biggest and deepest investment...YOU! In this episode they share practical ways towards holistic well-being.
Arthi recaps the advent calendar of investments that's been discussed thus far in season 3. In setting the scene, she highlights the increasing levels of burnout being identified with employees and individuals, requiring us to enhance our stress management skills. She shares some necessary tips and tools help us be on the right track to success. Arthi shares tested time management tools as well focus and rest periods, for better productivity and health.
Malika focuses on physical well-being, by redirecting listeners towards a total Health legacy review, from family history to current lifestyle so that we can best manage ourselves. She shares 9 great tips around this.
Mental health is just as important as your physical health and Arthi gives insight into some of the hesitancy that people may have when considering getting help and speaking to a professional.
Malika shares a true and powerful story who displays the importance of having different types of lifestyle covers, including protecting your livelihood and income for the future or any unforeseen circumstances.
Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi discuss:
- Employee Burnout
- Stress management skills (Connection; Physical activity; present; mindset; giving back)
- Physical well being (Health legacy, check-ups; vitamins; healthy eating; water; movement; sleep; limit alcohol & tobacco)
- Mental health
- Mindset & changing any unproductive narratives
- Protecting your income & assets
- Intersection of finance and holistic well-being
and so much more
Remember: “Consistency is key”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Season 3 episode 5 it is all about the youth!
Arthi & Malika have dedicated this episode to providing the youth with tips on how to take action and have a better understanding about managing finances and investments, that can pave the way for a very prosperous future.
Arthi splits the focus in 3 main categories, the first being changing your perspective, mindset and narrative about money. Key to this is visualizing your dream or life that you want and writing down your goals and achievements.
Malika considers the physical financial actions that one can take to change not only your financial situation but the situation of your family. A key action, for example, that the youth can take with parents, is to start having the conversation about budgeting and the importance of having a will or life cover. Another tough but vital conversation is the opportunity for future education & the expectations around the money needed for this.
Practical ideas are offered around considering sources of income, becoming financially savvy with that money and how to start building towards financial freedom.
SO, listen in to hear Malika and Arthi discuss:
- being in the right mindset & adapting your perspective
- creating a budget with parents
- the importance of speaking to a financial advisor regardless of your financial status
- having a form of income irrespective of your age
- knowing a need versus a want
- avoiding debt
and so much more
Remember: “financial well being is more than just having money in the bank”
And take heed of the incredible offer by Coach Arthi about understanding your child's agility. Visit https://www.prernaadvisory.com/assessments for more information and email arthi@prernaadvisory.com to claim your discount during the month of June 2024!
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Season 3 Episode 4 Arthi & Malika introduce the concept of Ubuntu in investments. Ubuntu, by way of a simplified meaning, underscores the idea that I am what I am because of who we all are. You may be curious as to how do investments & Ubuntu align, and it does through what is typically known as crowdfunding. Arthi and Malika share more about what this means and identify the various types of crowdfunding options.
Arthi introduces the group saving concept known as a “stokvel”, outlining the advantages of collective saving and investing, while Malika shares the example of how a family investment dedicated to the educational needs of the family members, creates an ongoing legacy of education & generational wealth.
There are always risks and challenges with investments, so the hosts share useful do’s and don'ts when it comes to crowdfunding, whether you are searching for funding or the investor looking to fund an opportunity.
Listen in as Malika and Arthi share more about:
- What is a stokvel?
- Benefits of family investments
- The pros & cons of partnerships in property investment
- Obtaining the start up funds for a new business
- Being an investor in crowdfunding opportunities
- Do’s and Donts for crowdfunding
and so much more!
Remember: “keep in mind the main goal of our moneyverse” which is to spread investment opportunities to create wealth and financial freedom.
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
Easter break is behind us and so April Fool's Day. While you may have been pranked or been creating the pranks yourself this 3rd episode of the Swan Effect podcast Season 3 is not one of those pranks.
Arthi and Malika are joined by guest Jermaine Fourie, to help you decrypt cryptocurrencies, as they continue to unbox interesting investment strategies for you to consider for your financial portfolio and ultimately set your moneyverse up for sustainability and success.
Jermaine is one of the few people worldwide professionally trained in understanding cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies.
Join us as we ask him to share his insights about:
- what are cryptocurrencies
- how do they work
- what is their value and impact to us
- what are some of ways we can invest in cryptocurrencies
- how can we use cryptocurrencies in the real world
- what are some of the opportunities and pitfalls to be mindful of when investing in cryptocurrencies
- some of the new technologies to be aware of,
and so much more!
Remember: "be a bit more curious about what cryptocurrencies can offer to [your] moneyverse and wealth goals."
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
About Jermaine Fourie:
Jermaine is a seasoned professional with over 20 years in the financial services sector, currently the head of business development at Classique Consultants. With a passion for finance and Blockchain, he's a certified Bitcoin professional and pursuing an MBA with a focus on Blockchain technology, advancing innovation at the intersection of finance and tech.
Connect with him on: linkedin.com/in/jermaine-136273156
In Season 3 episode 2 Arthi & Malika continue with the advent calendar of investments discussing real estate as an investment. They explore some of the most common ways to make money through property investment, the first being buying a physical property. Arthi lists a few of the ways in which you can influence your decision when purchasing a property.
Malika shares a highly useful fact based on renting out space on your property, which can offer a sense of safety & community, but further assists in paying off your mortgage or home-loan at a faster rate. The positive impact of this is that it reduces significantly how much of interest you pay over term or length of the home-loan, you pay your mortgage off quicker which means you save money. Another option could be investing in a holiday home to rent out for additional income. A family vacation spot plus income when you are not on the property.
Arthi introduces another property type which is commercial property which can be upcycled in terms of purpose, such as storage, recreational centres, co-working spaces to name a few.
Malika details the strategy of flipping houses and introduces us to REITs.
Thus, there is a wealth of ideas to help one prop(erty) one's up for long term wealth creation.
Listen in to the episode to hear:
- Income generation options to assist with your mortgage
- Renting out space to assist with the monthly expenses
- Property crowdfunding
- Short term rentals
- Business related properties and the pros & cons that can go with this type of property.
- Flipping properties
- Real estate investment trust
- Farmland
and so much more
Remember: “property value does increase over time”.
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
Welcome to 2024 and Season 3 everyone!
Co-hosts Arthi Rabikrisson and Malika Petersen are excited to be back to continue the journey of exploring the path to financial freedom together! This season they will dig a little bit deeper into the investment side of things and thereby expand the moneyverse opportunity set, almost like an advent calendar, where each month a new opportunity will be discussed.
In this first episode, Arthi and Malika start off the investment theme by discussing education and how this is a form of investment in ourselves and for our children. Arthi discusses more on adult education which includes formal & informal pathways, and the potential rewards that can emerge from that. A key highlight is when accounting for costs of doing further studies, Arthi reminds us that beyond the explicit financial cost there are opportunity costs of not making this investment.
Malika explores investment in children's education and provides some tips and tricks to help us budget for these expenses. Arthi highlights that what could be a success factor often not considered, is that children can, should and need to be involved, invested & informed about the costs required to achieve the desired education and goals.
Malika and Arthi discuss more on the episode about:
- The definition of investment
- Education as a key investment
- Tips for education budgets
- Cost education calculator
and so much more!
Remember: “when your hand is open to give, it is open to receive”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
Can you believe this is the final episode of the year 2023? In episode 16 of season 2 Arthi & Malika discuss the importance of setting aside time to set ourselves up for a successful 2024.
The first step with any goal is to define your goal correctly and accurately. Once you have a clear goal, in order to not overwhelm yourself Arthi suggests breaking down that goal into smaller chunks and reminds us of the SMART method. Ensuring that you follow the SMART principles when setting a goal will mean you are able to be clear, track, budget, be realistic and implement your steps all of which will help this goal to be a success.
Malika reiterates the importance of PTP (plan-track-plan) and that you should be updating your budget monthly in order to make the best decisions and ensure your 2024 is filled with wealth.
Ensuring financial success is not only about planning but a big aspect is having various means of income. Both Arthi & Malika dive deeper into some of the aspects of setting up a side hustle,some interesting stories and Malika gives all the listeners a challenge for 2024.
Ending off this insightful discussion Malika shares a quote “a dream written down with a date becomes a goal, a goal, broken down into steps becomes a plan and a plan backed by action makes your dreams come true”
Listen to the full episode to hear Malika and Arthi discuss:
- Making sure you have SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time) goals
- Never forgetting the PTP (planning, track, plan again)
- Side hustles & entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurial tips
And so much more!
Remember: “we feel the pinch, after the fact”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
It's Episode 15 of Season 2 and with the end of the year fast approaching, Arthi and Malika prompt you to remember all the advice shared ahead of the festive or 'silly' season. In a fun twist, analogies from the cartoon comic Asterix and Obelix form the underlying basis of this episode (can you believe there was a Roman legionary called Christmasbonus!).
If you are lucky enough to receive a Christmas bonus or thirteenth cheque in November, it may be very tempting to immediately splurge this extra income on non-essentials. However, this might leave you feeling in the doldrums come 2024. The good news is that if you have been listening and implementing all the useful hacks provided since February, that bonus can be used smartly and effectively allowing your 2024 to begin with ease.
Malika and Arthi recap tips and tricks to enable you to be in a much better financial position. These include thinking ahead, using loyalty points, dining at home, sticking to your budget, shopping online, and recycling decorations.
Arthi reminds us about how to prioritise investments at this time of year and how to spend wisely.
Highlights from this episode's discussion:
- The do’s and don'ts when it comes to the festive season
- What to do if you are not prepared for this time of year?
- How you can be better prepared next year.
- Mindfully rewarding yourself for sticking to your budget
- Remember to Plan-Track-Plan (PTP)
- The questions posed at the end of 2022
And so much more!
Remember: “that small changes in behaviour and that the decisions we take with our money can really make a huge difference to our wealth”.
Stay on track to avenge you Christmas bonus from previous years, to secure you financial village into the future!
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
With only three months left of the year, Arthi & Malika use episode 14 in Season 2 of the Swan Effect podcast, to discuss how your moneyverse makes you feel and how a positive mindset is really key to achieving wealth.
Arthi associates the brains’ prefrontal cortex as being your internal financial advisor further explaining how integral the brain is when it comes to creating & managing your wealth. Arthi explains that we can rewire our brains to ensure that we are making the best decisions for our moneyverse and shares two techniques to help you begin.
Malika reminds us how education is another key investment and allows us to create the kind of wealth mindset ensuring we are open to opportunities. Arthi shares an experience she recently had with a Finnish ambassador and how the mindset in Finland around entrepreneurship has resulted in businesses viewing taxes as an investment that directly results in better knowledge and workforce. This inspired Arthi to create the habit loop for us all to try.
Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi highlight:
- How our brains play a vital role in managing our finances
- Techniques to changing how your brain works when it comes to your moneyverse
- Having awareness of the cons of wealth
- The habit loop (cue-routine-reward)
- Importance of short and long term goals
- Inspiring other people to change their mindset
And so much more!
Remember: “mindset is way more important than any amount of money that you can have”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In episode 13 Arthi and Malika change things up a little, by discussing how you can spend your way to wealth. Yes, you read that right.
This episode is about what you do with your money that can truly pave the way to financial abundance. In essence its about shifting the mindset from focusing on income to focusing on how you spend instead, with some practical examples.
Arthi reminds us to make conscious choices such as investing in experiences and assets rather than spending recklessly on these temporary pleasures.
Malika encourages us to spend by investing in yourself which can lead to a return, whether that be in education or personal self growth or simply your health.
Malika shares an encouraging story which in essence reminds us that it is never too late to save, investment and have the opportunity to create wealth
Malika and Arthi discuss:
- What it means to be "wealth conscious"
- Insightful questions you can ask yourself in order to fully understand your spending
- Malika debunks the misconception that many people believe that the more money you earn, the richer you will become.
- How assets generate wealth
- Compound growth
- What is "lifestyle inflation"
And so much more!
Remember: “wealth creation is a journey and how you spend your money can determine how far you go”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
We're celebrating Woman's month in August in South Africa and so this episode 12 in Season 2 of The Swan Effect Podcast is dedicated to female power (FemPower)!
Arthi and Malika discuss the power of women have and the importance of women becoming financially literate and confident. This is key for a number of driving factors: women earn less than men, women more often than not take time out of the workforce to care for the family, and women are more likely to live longer.
Arthi provides some shocking statistics about women and finances such as the large pay gap between men and women, and that this gap isn't closing significantly anytime soon.
Arthi and Malika go through the various milestones that a women goes through in life and discuss the finance steps in order to plan and be organised for each of these stages.
Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi discuss:
- Finance statistics around women
- The importance of teaching your family about finances and breaking any unhealthy habits
- Retirement goals
- The sandwich generation
- Increasing income sources
- Taking a break from your career for motherhood
- Starting our in your career
And so much more!
Remember: “a woman who is convinced that she deserves to accept only the best challenges herself to give the best, then she is living phenomenally.”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Season 2 episode 11, Arthi & Malika take your moneyverse to the next level by discussing how to create your infinity legacy. This really is about taking those steps to ensure that the wealth that we create is able to stand the test of time and allow future generations to build on it.
Using the example of a 23 year old who's entering the job market and doesn't have any financial history or baggage just yet, gives us insights into the decisions that can be made at that stage, that creates a financial and educational legacy.
Malika reminds us of the strategy of paying yourself first and outlines how to split that payment into savings & investments. Arthi explains the next step in creating a lasting legacy and moneyverse is having multiple sources of income and generously provides an abundance of ideas & income revenues.
Malika & Arthi discuss how career paths are not as rigid as they once were and the importance of growing & developing yourself and being flexible while you navigate in your path. Both ladies share their own stories and the changes of their paths.
Lastly Arthi reintroduces the term debt solutions and how these are not all created equal. The hosts discuss securing fixed assets in order to use the leverage to generate wealth over time.
Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi:
- Explain the difference between saving & investing
- highlight the importance of diversification
- showcase having various sources of income
- how you can grow & develop your career path
- outline relevant debt solutions
- underscore the importance of having a financial advisor
And so much more!
Remember: “we not defined by the career that we have or what we earn, but rather than the decision that we take when spending”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
It's episode 10 of Season 2 and we are already in June, feeling that the end of the year is fast approaching. Arthi and Malika thought it was the perfect time to discuss what is in your best INTEREST,especially since in South Africa, we are experiencing an increase in interest rates which is impacting our budgets and quality of life.In this episode, they help us understand the drivers of interest rates, and how they impact us.
Arthi introduces four factors that affect the interest rate, firstly inflation. Companies increase the price of the goods and services when there's more demand, because this can lead to less supply, and those differences result in inflation.
The next two factors are the stock markets and international events and the decrease in available funds directly results in changes in the interest rates.
The final driver which affects interest rates is fiscal borrowing and in South Africa we have a large fiscal deficit. The deficit is the difference between governments income versus their expenses and when the government spends more money than what is coming in this means that in order to have the funds to pay back the markets, the rates are increased.
Arthi and Malika offer insights and tips into how you can respond and work with the change in interest rates and to look for opportunities within the chaos. Arthi also explains how it is not all negative and that there is a plus side to higher rates.
Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi discuss:
- the mechanism the Monetary Policy Committee,MPC in South Africa, uses to control inflation i.e. the repo rate
- More about the four factors that influence the interest rate decision
- the true impact of interest rates on your spending plans or budget
- The behavioral psychology aspect of spending & saving and how delayed gratification can help
- Thinking like a wealthy person especially in times of every increasing rates
- How to become that person who finds opportunity in chaos
And so much more!
Remember: “never pay for an item longer than, which that item may last”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
On episode 9 of Season 2 of the Swan Effect podcast, Arthi and Malika continue the journey into understanding and simplifying financial investments, by introducing and explaining the fundamental building blocks available to grow one's moneyverse: assets.
In coining the terms 'assetify', which is meant to describe making one's portfolio asset-rich through diversification, Malika and Arthi talk about traditional asset types and non-traditional ones too, some that can produce income creating side hustles.
Arthi further explains how these can be used effectively to diversify a portfolio while seeking guidance and advice from an ecosystem of support including financial planners, advisers and coaches.
Listen in to hear Arthi and Malika share about:
- traditional asset classes - equity, property, bonds, cash
- what is a balanced fund
- Active fund management versus passive fund management
- examples of diversification in a portfolio
- things to consider such as fees and taxes when building your asset porfolio
- non traditional assets - cryptocurrency, NFTs, capital assets that produce income.
And so much more!
Hear practical tips on how having an asset rich portfolio and making your assets work together in harmony, can bring you closer to your financial goals.
Remember, "you are your greatest asset!".
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
Our moneyverse is shaping up really nicely so in episode 8 of Season 2, Arthi and Malika provide details of the technical aspects of investments to ensure that your moneyverse grows to counteract the negative impact of taxes.
To get you into the correct mindset, Arthi imparts some practical ways to take your mind off the stressful elements around your finances that will help lift your mood and position you away from the comfort and fear zones, towards the learning and growth mindset and zones.
Malika channels thinking towards selecting the correct investment vehicle for one's investments and assets, with Arthi and Malika providing high level understanding of the popular choices, being a retirement annuity, a unit trust, tax free investments and linked wrapped vehicles.
In the episode Arthi and Malika further discuss:
- How to take your wealth freedom to the next level
- Understanding the fundamental aspects of your moneyverse or as Malika prefers to say choosing the right vehicle for your financial freedom journey
- Provide amazing tips on how to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed to make sure you have the confidence to move forward into a eye-opening learning zone
- The difference between the investment vehicle & asset composition and in actual fact what do these phrases actually mean.
- The cost of your investments
- Remind you of the importance of diversity within your finances
It is important to still obtain professional advice from a financial advisor when it comes to financial growth and development.
Remember: “the outcome of this game around your money it's still in your hands”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Episode seven of Season 2 of the Swan Effect podcast, Arthi and Malika talk taxes (yes, that word we love to hate). As part of understanding your moneyverse, which is the theme for the podcast for 2023, one has to become familiar with leakages that disrupt growth of the moneyverse, and still find ways to find opportunities therein.
Is that even possible?
Listen to the episode to find how how it is certainly possible!
Malika offers us insight on the 4 main direct tax types most of us deal with regularly, while Arthi further mentions some of the indirect taxes we also face (did you realise there were these taxes you face as an investor, and consumer?)
The discussion goes deeper, as Malika and Arthi talk more about:
- How avoiding tax is unfortunately not an option
- The importance of understanding your marginal tax rate
- Becoming tax efficient in order to create a tax rich position for yourself
- The tax we love to hate…Income Tax
- Capital gains tax and which assets apply
- Dividend withholding tax
- How ANY interest is taxable
And so much more!
Hear some practical tips on how to ensure you can work some of these taxes to still benefit you, and be in a better position for the upcoming tax year.
Remember: “the power is within your control!”
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
The New Year heralds in episode 6 of Season 2 of the Swan Effect Podcast with Arthi and Malika, where they introduce the idea of '2020-FREE and 2020-ME'.
Simply explained it is about taking back control of our lives, particularly from a financial aspect, and making financial decisions that are truly aligned with our core values. Sounds daunting? Possibly exciting? Co-hosts Arthi and Malika hope its both!
In this latest episode Malika and Arthi discuss:
- Taking back control of our lives by prioritising our values around family and personal well-being.
- The 'mental retreat' trend that was amplified in 2022 (commonly now known as quiet quitting), why it's actually happened and how to deal with this.
- Tips on relieving financial stress even if you don't have all the extra money
- The Moneyverse and how can you create one with different asset types and 'positive liabilities'.
- Aligning your Vision, Values and Goals.
- Closing the gap between savings and goals by understanding your reality and your options available.
- The Pay Yourself First strategy.
- Dealing with multiple goals that intersect,
And so much more!
Remember: “if the plan isn't working, adjust the plan not the goal.”Take a listen to the episode to hear more of these nuggets of simple, practical advice.
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In our 2022 wrap up episode 5 of Season 2, Arthi and Malika helps you look at a truly wonderful gift that really does keep on giving: your investments.
The festive season is upon us and it is very easy to become swept up with wanting to spoil loved ones (and yourself) with treats, especially with all the specials around, pots Black Friday and Cyber Monday too. That 13th cheque or bonus that you may receive this month could be used to feed that desire, or can be used to set you up for even greater spoils down the line.
To help you think about it from this perspective Malika and Arthi nudge you to think about the following questions, as part of your reflection for the year that has been and what you are hoping to gain in 2023:
- Why do I need to invest?
- How much risk do I need to take to grow my wealth?
- How long should I be invested for?
- When is the right time to disinvest?
- How do I prioritise investing when I have so many commitments and responsibilities to other?
- How do I deal with the voice in my mind that tells me to spend without thinking of the consequences?
As part of these reflections, Arthi and Malika offer:
- how to use visualisation as a way to stop immediate consumption and consider investing to reach those goals you truly desire
- practical examples of the impact and benefit of compounding - one of the best friends you can ever have!
- real world investor habits who use investment opportunities wisely
- making investing a forethought, not an afterthought
- the concept of delayed gratification and how it can offer a substantial opportunity for legacy creation
It can be a difficult journey figuring out how and where to go about investing. Seeking out support is crucial. But if you hit a setback in your money management and investing journey, follow what Arthi says: "if you fail once, you don’t throw in the towel, rather fetch a new towel and hang it up differently!"
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
Have a fruitful festive season and New Year listeners and subscribers!
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Episode 4 of Season 2, Arthi and Malika dive in a deeper into the third financial superpower that was mention in Episode 1, being PTP: Plan Track & Plan some more!
In the month of November, i's all about coping: coping with work demands in the wrap up to the year 2022, and coping with the financial demands on our money pot, from festive gifting specials, and holiday plans, to preparing for next year's schooling needs.
What is needed, is some savvy planning and tracking in order to ride this wave into 2023 in a comfortable position.
Malika and Arthi discuss:
- Hacks that can help you pause and think before purchasing items
- Planning your give, save and spend portions of your income
- Using your kinesthetic sense (writing) to help you acknowledge your expense plan and change habits
- paying yourself first
- top tips to activate your spending leash
Become motivated to tackle this upcoming month with enthusiasm and awareness, towards healthier money management habits and outcomes.
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Episode 3 of Season 2, Arthi and Malika dive in a deeper into the first financial superpower that was mention in Episode 1, being Know Your Money Pot.
As we come to the end of the year and the festive season round the corner, it is very easy to think about the spending that needs to happen and then think about how to pay for it. We're challenging you to reverse that order, to know how much income and other inward resources you have and then deliberate on where and how to spend it, not just for upcoming expenses but also for savings.
Malika and Arthi discuss:
- where could your current sources of income come from
- ways to consider making more money or generating multiple sources of income, especially in an environment where costs are sometimes increase due to forces beyond one's control
- how to think about and prepare for short term sacrifices in order to help medium or longer term goals materialise
- strategies on how to stockpile
- Ways in which you can track your income and savings
And so many more tips and ideas that will not only motivate you but commit you towards progress with your money management goals.
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
In Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Swan Effect podcast, Arthi and Malika helped to identify those financial superpowers we all have that we can use to unleash our money management potential.
This month, the hosts are enabling you to commit to your financial goals and build your willpower to keep going. Joining as a guest is Sandra Segers, Head of Strategic Management Relationship at Old Mutual Wealth.
Sandra shares how her first memory of money shaped her own relationship with her finances and management thereof. More important there arose key learning from that which she uses today such as managing her debt carefully, and being frugal on where and how her money is spent.
Listen in to the discussion where we together further unpack:
· How to alter the effects of our memories with money to be more productive
· Practical ways to start our journey towards better money
· How to prioritise where to start the journey
· Why goal setting and key to the success of achieving your goal and how to go about it
· Being cognisant of blind spots and roadblocks that may hinder our progress
· Learning how to open to opportunities even in what may seem to be a chaotic context
· Your mindset and owning your choices
And so many more tips and ideas that will not only motivate you but commit you towards progress with your money management goals.
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
About Sandra Segers:
Sandra entered the financial industry over 20 years ago after spending some time in education and retail. Her positions in the industry range from training consultant and manager, to business development and strategic relationship manager for a team of Financial Planning Coaches. Their goal is to train, mentor and coach financial planners to have engagements with their clients which is centred around who they are, what is important to them followed by a best advice framework for financial decision making. Sandra’s vision is for all South Africans to live purposeful lives enabled by sound financial decisions.
This Episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
We Are Back on Air!
After a hiatus of 8 months, The Swan Effect Podcast is launching Season 2 with host Arthi Rabikrisson and co-host Malika Petersen!
As August is Woman's month in South Africa, this episode spotlights that we women have the ability to unleash our financial superpowers, given inherent strengths and capabilities. Many of these are actually shaped by our narratives or stories of how money was managed around us. Arthi shares her narrative around her mum being key to controlling the disbursement of money in the household even though her dad was the sole income earner. This has shaped how hands on Arthi is with her money management. Malika shared an opposite narrative of a friend who's father controlled every financial decision in the household, resulting in her friend not wanting to take control of her own finances today. And yet, within both those narratives, lie very key traits that actually can be those financial superpowers that lead us on the path to financial wellbeing.
Listen in to the discussion where we share:
- Superpower 1: Know your Money Pot
- Superpower 2: Monetise your passions
- Superpower 3: the P-T-P (plan-track-plan some more!)
- Superpower 4: Spending Leash
We also offer some practical advice and ideas on how to move ahead with using these superpowers, through budgeting, will and commitment to the plan, and of course, over time, resulting in this augmenting the narrative we each have with our personal finances and investments.
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode.
Do rate, write a review, and share with others.
TheSwanEffect #FinancialCoaching #Debt #FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
To the subscribers, well-wishers and supporters of the Swan effect podcast
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that co-host Lucille Sikosana, passed away in October 2021.
It has been a difficult time for her friends and family, to come to terms with the loss of this beautiful person.
I too have often been overwhelmed with thoughts that my co-host is not longer here to tackle upcoming episodes of the podcast together. Indeed,, our brainstorming, pre-production and post-production sessions together were fun yet serious.
We built and bootstrapped The Swan Effect podcast together, with the intent on demystifying managing personal and business finances so you, our listeners, could claim your opportunity, to manage your finances easier. That remains the intent of The Swan Effect Podcast.
To preserve the legacy of my co-host Lucille's presence on this first season of the show, I have opted to press pause on season 1 and allow you the time and opportunity to catch up on episodes you have missed.
Download and do share, as the insights and practical advice offered by Lucille, myself and our esteemed guests can assist someone in your network to get on a productive financial footing.
Season 2 of The Swan Effect podcast will launch in 2022 and I look forward to your comments, feedback and ideas to make this show successful, while living up to the intent that Lucille and I crafted together.
Thank you for listening to us!
Swanning out for now
Arthi Rabikrisson
Debt can play many roles in our lives, from the opportunity cost to income producing to just an expense that needs to be attended to. This is where the double edged sword of debt emerges.
Listen in to this latest episode for the discussion between Lucille Sikosana and Arthi Rabikrisson, where they tackle some of the trickier questions about debt; it's usefulness and drawbacks; how to practically break out of the cycle of indebtedness and debt traps, and smarter uses of debt.
Tune in to find out:
- How debt can be favourable and how to practically use debt wisely
- The different kind of debts we have have, some known and others surprising
- The ways debt can hinder us
- About consolidating debt, debt relief and avoiding debt traps
- Mindfulness around credit scores and reports for future endeavours
- How to practically manage personal debt month to month
- About the right plan of action for you that helps you clear debt
- Committing financial infidelity and the additional stress this causes over time
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Please feel free to rate, write a review, and share with others.
TheSwanEffect #FinancialCoaching #Debt #FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
On this Woman's Month episode, Lucille and Arthi host guest, Lesego Monareng of KLU Wealth and Legacy Management, to talk more about women and how we can achieve financial freedom.
It's a complex topic given the various barriers women still face today, from cultural norms and biases to explicit ceilings or exclusionary policies that destroy women's confidence, especially when it comes to personal financial management.
Lesego shares her insights and advice as we delve into the following topics:
- Identity of the South African woman and the impact that has on her confidence to handle financial matters
- Role of the household environment in shaping money habits and disciplines
- Career options for women in the finance industry
- Embedding financial literacy for women to boost confidence in managing personal finances
- Addressing the gender pay gap and how women can negotiate for their value
- Managing debt traps better
- Retirement and estate planning considerations
- Managing business finances and personal finances, and women business owners
- Debunking myths about women and money
And so much more! Take a listen.
About Lesego MonarengLesego is the founder and CEO of KLU Wealth and Legacy Management. She is a certified member of the South Africa Financial Planning Institute (FPI) with over 14 years of relevant experience in wealth management. Her experience as a wealth manager allows her to provide expert advice to her clients’ relation to investment, tax and retirement planning (both onshore and offshore).She is particularly passionate about estate planning affairs. Lesego is a regular media expert speaking on wealth and financial planning matters.
Visit www.kluwealth.co.za for more information.
We would love to hear your views based on the ideas covered in this episode. Please feel free to rate, write a review, and share with others.
TheSwanEffect#MoneyResolutions#KeepinOnTrackwithMoneyResolutions#FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
In this episode, Arthi and Lucille invite guest Batya Shulman, to share some of her views on Work-Life Savings, as a concept and how one can use the money we work hard for, to create a future asset pool that we can tap into for other income generating opportunities.
A different way to look at how savings can actually unlock more money in your pocket from different sources, like property or a side hustle.
We cover a number of key ideas in the episode that include:
- How to start work-life savings plans
- Understanding the work-life savings cycle
- How to maintain other income generating opportunities while still working
- Self-funding opportunities vs 3rd party lending
- Savings tips for start ups and small businesses
- Retiring comfortably with savings
- Balancing between using debt and savings
- the importance of financial independence
- teaching our children about saving
And more! Take a listen.
About Batya ShulmanBatya Shulman is a Chartered Accountant, Licenced Financial Adviser and KeyNote speaker with over 23 years international banking and financial services experience.
Born in South Africa, Batya has lived and worked in Sydney, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. Batya was previously CFO, at an Australian Bank before joining St. James’s Place Wealth Management as a Partner.
We would love to hear your views based on the ideas covered in this episode. Please feel free to rate, write a review, and share with others.
TheSwanEffect#MoneyResolutions#KeepinOnTrackwithMoneyResolutions#FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
On this episode Lucille and Arthi are joined by Mphiwa Nombembe, Managing Director of Vine Private Wealth, to explore ways of keeping track with money resolutions. Mphiwa provides guidance that helps one to track progress, and determine the best plan of action to stay the course.
The content covered includes:
- The biggest money challenges and mistakes made in the first half of 2021
- Why one should not break their own financial commitments
- Implications of sidestepping ones spending plan mid-year
- Using a budget calendar to keep track
- The role of an accountability partner when setting goals
- Medical care if one does not have a medical aid
- How to make good use of potential windfalls received mid-year
- Making this an enjoyable journey!
About Vine Private Wealth:
Vine Private Wealth is a firm aimed at empowering young professionals to accelerate their journey to wealth and generational prosperity. To find out more about Vine, visit the website www.vineprivatewealth.com
We would love to hear your views based on the ideas covered in this episode. Please feel free to rate, write a review, and share with others.
TheSwanEffect#MoneyResolutions#KeepinOnTrackwithMoneyResolutions#FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
In this episode Lucille interviews Arthi as an accredited coach, about neuroscience and financial coaching.
Arthi explains how the complicated highway system of nerves that connects our brain to the rest of our body work, and the how the neurons that release chemicals, lead to financial decision making. A range of topics are covered:
- Explanation of what neuroscience is
- Unpacking the the concept of whole brain wisdom
- Some of the neuroscience drivers behind financial decisions
- Interlinking neuroscience, financial decision-making and financial coaching
- The difference between a financial coach and a financial advisor
- What to look for when selecting a financial coach
- What neuroscience teaches us when it comes to building and maintaining client relationships
To find out more about the Unity in Diversity Master Session on Ubuntu Leadership in a VUCA World, visit www.prernaadvisory.com/masterclass for more information.
Visit the LinkedIn event page to keep up to date: https://www.linkedin.com/events/uidmastersession-ubuntuleadersh6792161122406428672/
We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Please feel free to rate, write a review, and share with others.
TheSwanEffect #FinancialCoaching# Neuroscience#FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
On this episode, Lucille and Arthi are joined by guest James Vigne, founder of Villic Wealth, to discuss this crucial topic about how one can get closer to achieving financial freedom.
To help gain clarity about achieving financial freedom, James helps answer:
- The definition of Financial Freedom
- How to go about becoming financially free
- Debt and net worth - their role in relation to financial freedom
- The difference between financial freedom and financial independence
- The benefits of financial freedom
- Insights on side hustles and crypto-trades as a means towards financial freedom
- Being financially free at retirement
- How to manage the notion of financial freedom for self, if circumstances don't allow for planning
About Villic Wealth:
Villic Wealth is founded on a principle of financial stewardship and the pursuit of protecting families and building wealth.
We would love to hear your views based on the themes covered in this episode. Please feel free to rate, write a review, and share with others.
TheSwanEffect #FinancialFreedom#FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
Spending with confidence is not something we hear often. There is often guilt attached to spending money, and quite a negative mindset in fact.
In this episode Lucille and Arthi talk about how it is very possible to have a great relationship with money and how you can nurture that over time too.
Topics that are covered include:
- How to spend with confidence,
- Breaking bad spending habits,
- Re-iterating that all-important spending plan,
- How to recover from overspending, debt traps and even being blacklisted,
- On a more macro level, considering consumer confidence and what that means for the economy and spending,
- A pivotal question….. can money buy happiness?
We would love to hear your views based on the themes covered in this episode. Please feel free to rate, write a review, and share with others.
TheSwanEffect #FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
Savings and Investments are two terms that are often used interchangeably . In this episode Arthi and Lucille unpack the terminology, the conflicts, similarities and the differences between the two. They also provide practical and implementable ideas on how one can save and invest.
A range of topics relating to saving and investing are covered:
- Taking a closer look at our spending habits
- A variety of saving and investing options available to you
- Why time in the market is important, and not timing the market
- The risks involved when saving and investing
- An explanation of the different rates of return
- Myths worth debunking
We would love to hear your views based on the themes covered in this episode. Please feel free to rate, write a review, and share with others.
TheSwanEffect #FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
A range of topics are covered including:
- Explaining what a money resolution is and how high up the list of normal resolutions should they need to be
- Having the right mindset if you want to achieve your money goals
- Why it is important to set realistic goals to align with your financial wellbeing
- The significance of including insurance, medical aid, and retirement in your money goals
- Why financial wellness in vital as we are faced with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the importance of having an emergency fund
- Managing your debt and ensuring you have a good credit score
- Identifying your spending leaks
- Making budgeting simpler
We would love to hear your views on money resolutions based on the themes covered in this episode. Please feel free to rate, write a review, and share with others.