7 August 2026

Financial self-respect is not allowing yourself to be pushed around when money is in the room.

Today's Money Spark - Financial Self-Respect

Women’s Day in South Africa remembers 9 August 1956, when thousands of women marched to the Union Buildings and made it clear they were done being pushed around by the government of the day.

Most of us are not marching anywhere this week. We’re answering WhatsApps, running a practice, juggling clients, school terms, parents, admin, and the never-ending grocery list.

And yet, money is one of the places where we still get pushed around, often by our own habits.

Financial self-respect is what happens when you stop negotiating against yourself; when you stop saying yes because it feels safer; when you stop “just this once” discounting, rescuing, extending, absorbing, swiping, and fixing. It is about becoming honest about your needs and boundaries.

Sometimes it looks like charging what you said you charge. Sometimes it looks like opening your banking app with both eyes open, even if you don’t like what you see yet, and recommitting to your money systems and goals.

Women’s Day energy is about protecting your own future.

How do I embrace Women's Day energy?

1. Pick one way you get pushed around financially

Write one sentence: “I lose self-respect with money when I…” Examples: “I discount before I’m asked.” “I run over time and don’t charge.” “I avoid my numbers until I panic.” “I say yes to family spending I can’t afford.”

2. Write out your new rule and script it

Keep it simple enough that you can repeat it under pressure. Examples: “Payment confirms the booking.” “My fee is my fee.” “I will reply tomorrow, after I’ve checked my budget.” “If it’s not in writing, it’s not agreed.”

3. Have grown-up money moments

• Put your fees and payment terms in a simple message you can copy and paste.

• Schedule a 15-minute money check-in and do it even if you feel grumpy.

• If you’re partnered, ask for a proper money catch-up where you can see the numbers and ask questions without being rushed.

If you want a South African read that supports the idea of having your own financial plan (even if partnered), this is worth a look: “Money and independence: Why every woman needs her own financial plan” (Honest Money).

Financial Self-Respect asks what you stand for when it comes to money. Are you not sure about this? Try today's digital download Freebie Financial Self-Respect Mini-Workbook

"A Man Is Not a Financial Plan®" - ww.wife.org

When I first started out doing my money coaching, I didn’t have the confidence to charge what I was worth. I would hesitate and over-explain, as if I needed to apologise for wanting to be paid.

Over time, my confidence has grown. I do pro bono work but I do it with a boundary that protects my business: I have one pro bono client at a time. When the slot is filled, it’s filled. That simple rule lets me be generous without sacrificing my own financial stability.

One thing that helped me most was taking the awkward “fees conversation” out of private negotiation and into the public domain. I put my fees on my website. So if someone approaches me on LinkedIn or via email, I don’t get pulled into a back-and-forth awkward conversation. I can just say, “Here’s the link with all the details on my website” and let the numbers speak for themselves. If the person can afford the fees, they select themselves.

The photo is below is of myself and my parents when the three of us went on a break to Magaliespark last year. From these two amazing people and a whole ton of unconditional love, I have learnt self-respect.

Financial self-respect is you choosing not to let yourself down when money talk gets uncomfortable.

I would love to hear any of your stories about how you have allowed yourself to be pushed over in things financial. Did you learn to start standing up for yourself?