6 March 2026

Happy International Women's Day

Today's Money Spark - Financial Independence is your birthright

On International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, we pause to celebrate how far we’ve come and how much further we can go. Women in South Africa are holding down jobs, starting businesses, buying property, investing, raising families, and holding communities together. Often on limited resources.

I am not sure about you, but I have spent a long time, probably most of my adult life, dreaming of financial independence. That is to be in a place where my investments support me, and I can be free to do whatever my heart wants to do.

Financial independence is about having choices. It’s about not staying in a situation because you have no money to leave. It’s about the power to say yes, and the power to say no.

Every budget we set, every price negotiated, every bit of money we invest, every conversation had about money — it adds up. It shapes your future.

To celebrate this special day, let's...

1. Talk money like a boss

Have a money conversation with another woman. Share a saving tip; ask a question; discuss investing. We seldom speak about money with our friends except to moan and act like victims of our financial hardships. That is sending terrible messages to our subconscious. Talk money like a boss. Educate yourself and be hungry to learn more.

2. Charge what you are worth

If you’re running a business or side hustle, raise your prices this week. Or plan when you will. Don’t explain it away.

3. Work through your "Important but not Urgent" Money To-Do List

Choose one money thing you’ve been putting off — open the tax-free savings account, update your insurance policies, start the investment, take out the retirement annuity, update your will. It is actually all urgent, and death and compound interest waits for no woman.

Need a dose of inspiration? Here is the story of Shiluba Mawela, an angel investor who funds small companies, using money as a tool for social change.

Because this newsletter is hopefully going to inspire you to talk about money to another woman, I have put together a Money Conversation Starter Kit. I hope you find it useful!

"Financial freedom is about having your heart and mind free from worrying about the what-ifs of life" Suze Orman

My friend Hanni Robinson is my go-to money sounding board. She's brilliant with spreadsheets (Industrial Engineers are like that), and once told me, very plainly, that I couldn't afford my investment property when she projected my numbers into the future on one of her wicked spreadsheets. I sold it, made a fabulous profit, and I owe her forever. It's a reminder that an honest money conversation with the right person can change everything.

You don’t have to wait until you’re perfect with money to move towards financial independence. Today is a great day to empower yourself.

Happy International Woman’s Day!