The Woman & Finance Podcast

Hosted by Mapalo Makhu

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-ZA

About the show

Hi, I’m Mapalo Makhu , your host, personal finance educator, and author of You're Not Broke, You're Pre-Rich . I hold a BCom Finance degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning and a Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Planning , with over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry . More importantly, I’m deeply passionate about empowering women to take charge of their financial futures. This podcast is a judgment-free space for open and insightful conversations about money —without the confusing jargon. Whether you’re looking to budget more effectively, get out of debt, start investing, or build lasting wealth , this is the place for you. Each episode brings you practical advice, expert insights, and real conversations designed to help you make informed financial decisions with confidence. Because financial freedom isn’t just for a select few—it’s for everyone ready to take control. If you’re on a journey to financial wellness, hit follow and be part of a community committed to building wealth and securing their futures. Let’s learn, grow and thrive—together.

Listen to episodes

56 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 913 min

The Right Order To Build Financial Security

Just like Maslow's hierarchy of needs, your finances have levels too!In this video, I break down my Hierarchy of Financial Needs, a 7-level framework that shows exactly where to focus your money and in what order. Whether you're just starting out or already investing, this will help you figure out where you are — and what your next move should be.The 7 Levels:Psychology of Money — your relationship with money comes firstEmergency Fund — your financial safety netInsurance — protecting what you've builtPaying Off Debt — clearing the way to build wealthSavings & Investments — putting your money to workRetirement Planning — your future self will thank youEstate Planning — protecting your legacyYou'll learn:Why you can't skip levels and what happens when you doHow to know which level you're currently onWhat to do at each stage The mistakes most people make by jumping aheadStart at the bottom. Build to the top.Take the Money Story Questionnaire here: https://www.womanandfinance.co.za/resourcesEstate Planning Video:https://youtu.be/FJ4181b7fSY?si=BUYYtv2C95CJMWoN

June 4, 2026Episode 88 min

Is It Too Late To Open a Tax-Free Savings Account at 55?

If you're in your 50s or you have a parent who is and you're wondering whether it's too late to open a Tax-Free Savings Account, this episode is for you.A 55-year-old listener sent in a question asking whether a TFSA is still worth opening at their age. I ran the numbers, and honestly? The results might surprise you.Whether you can put away the full R46,000 a year or just R10,000, ten years of consistent, tax-free growth still adds up to something seriously worth having.It is not too late — and by the end of this episode, you'll know exactly why.#PersonalFinance #WomanAndMoney #LivingBelowYourMeans #MoneyMindset #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #SouthAfrica #MoneyTips #investing

April 16, 2026Episode 711 min

Should I Pay Extra Towards My Debt or Start an Emergency Fund?

Are you torn between paying extra on your debt or starting an emergency fund? You're not alone! This is one of the most common financial dilemmas, and in today's video, I'm breaking down exactly what you should prioritise based on your situation.What You'll Learn:✅ When to prioritise debt payments✅ Why an emergency fund might be more important than you think✅ The "hybrid approach" that could work for both goals✅ Common mistakes people make with this decisionKey Topics Covered:00:00 - Intro00:27 - Should I pay off my debt or build an emergency fund00:46 - Scenario (Debts & Interest Rates)06:27 - High-interest debt vs low-interest debt strategies08:15 - Where should you put your Emergency fund09:50 - Free Credit template10:55 - Free TFSA EbookFREE RESOURCES:📋 Download my Credit Template: https://www.womanandfinance.co.za/resources📖 NEW! Tax-Free Savings Account eBook: https://www.womanandfinance.co.za/resources🙌🏾 Let me know in the comments - are you team emergency fund or team debt payoff?Don't forget to LIKE this video if it helped you and SUBSCRIBE for more practical money advice!Watch our second episode of Money: It's Not Black or White here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHl9ZFvExnI&t=30s

April 5, 2026Episode 624 min

This War Is About to Hit Your Wallet - Here's What To Do!

🌍 Global News, Rising Costs & Your Money | What South Africans Should Be Doing Right NowIn this episode, I break down what’s happening in global current affairs — from ongoing wars to rising fuel prices — and what it actually means for you as a South African.Because let’s be honest: when global events shift, your wallet feels it.From petrol price increases to the rising cost of living, I explain how these global changes impact your day-to-day finances — and more importantly, what you should be doing about it.💡 In this video, we cover:1. How global conflicts affect fuel prices in South Africa2. The ripple effect on inflation and your cost of living3. Why having an emergency fund is no longer optional4. Manage and reduce debt5. How to start investing (even with small amounts)6. How to stay financially grounded during uncertain timesThis is your reminder: you may not control what’s happening globally, but you can control how you respond financially.🎥 Watch next:Money, funerals & financial planning with Maya Fisher-French👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O44tjRlmo7A&t=1s📘 FREE TFSA Guide (Easy-to-understand eBook):👉 https://56766b36-3b03-41db-9dee-6adc26e688e5.filesusr.com/ugd/444739_a954e18eb76b4d0fa6ab6c70e3b50022.pdf

March 19, 2026Episode 522 min

9 Ways I Live Below My Means (Even With a Decent Income)

Building wealth isn’t just about how much you earn, it’s about how you choose to live.In this episode, I’m breaking down the 9 ways I intentionally keep my lifestyle in check:1. I don’t buy designer clothes or bags2. My kids don’t wear designer brands either3. My car is paid off (and I’m not rushing to upgrade)4. We rent for now — and won’t buy at the top of our affordability when we do buy the house5. I keep my gym contract basic6. I keep my lifestyle simple even when income increases7. I know how to say NO!8. I keep my debit orders low9. I use my business strategicallyThese aren’t sacrifices, they’re CHOICES that create freedom, flexibility, and long-term wealth for me and my family Because just because you can afford it… doesn’t mean you should!Listen to the full episode to understand the mindset behind each one.#PersonalFinance #Womanandmoney #LivingBelowYourMeans #MoneyMindset #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #SouthAfrica #MoneyTips

February 11, 2026Episode 417 min

Your Childhood Is Secretly Controlling Your Finances!

Tribe, your money habits didn’t just appear out of nowhere!They were built in your childhood home; in the conversations, the struggles, the wins, and the fears you grew up around.In this video, I tell the story of two young men who grew up with financial hardship… but made very different money choices as adults.Because before we change our finances, we have to understand our money story.Watch this and reflect:What money vow did you make growing up?Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more honest conversations about money, mindset, and life.

February 6, 2026Episode 318 min

The Bank Eats First: What you're actually paying towards your bond.

In this episode, I break down how banks think about affordability, how interest rates impact your bond, and why your monthly repayment matters just as much as the purchase price. I will walk you step-by-step through real online home loan calculators and repayment calculators so you can see, in practice, how the interest rates impact your long-term finances.You’ll learn:How interest rates affect your bond over timeHow to use home loan calculators with confidenceWhether you’re a first-time buyer or just planning for the future, this video will help you buy smarter.Resources: https://www.ooba.co.za/home-loan/calculators/ and https://www.property24.com/calculators/bondIf this was helpful, don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more money conversations!

January 27, 2026Episode 228 min

The Easiest Way to Become A Millionaire in South Africa; Tax-Free!

Tax-Free Savings Accounts are one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) investment tool in South Africa, so in this podcast, I’m answering the questions I get asked all the time about TFSAs.We cover:• What a Tax-Free Savings Account actually is• How much you can contribute (and what happens if you go over)• Whether a TFSA is a savings account or an investment• When you should (and shouldn’t) withdraw your money• Common TFSA mistakes that can cost you in the long run• How to use a TFSA for long-term wealth, not short-term stressIf you’ve ever wondered whether a TFSA is worth it, how to start, or if you’ve already “messed it up” — this is for you.

January 21, 2026Episode 120 min

A look into My finances: What do I actually Invest in? ✅

What does a real investment portfolio look like?In this video, I open up about what I actually invest in, how my thinking has evolved over time, and why financial security is about more than just returns.I’d love to hear: what’s the first investment you ever made?

November 11, 20251 hr 0 min

You Do Not Die for Free– Wills, Trusts & Protecting Your Family’s Future | Estate Planning Explained

In South Africa, less than 15% of people die with a valid will — and that means the State decides what happens to everything you’ve worked for.In this episode, Moremadi Mabule joins me to break down wills, trusts, marriage contracts, and how to protect your family from financial chaos when you’re gone.We cover:⚖️ What happens when you die without a will (intestate)👩🏾‍❤️‍👨🏾 How marital contracts affect inheritance👶🏾 Protecting your children’s inheritance through trusts and beneficiary funds💰 Liquidity, debts, and the real cost of dying unprepared🗂️ Why you need a “Life File” — and what to include🎧 Listen. Learn. Put a plan in place.#YouDontDieForFree #EstatePlanning #WomanAndFinance