Category: LIFESTYLE

Procrastination gets a bad rap. It’s often labelled as laziness, lack of discipline, or avoidance. But what if there’s more to it? What if procrastination isn’t just resistance, but information?

We’ve all done it—stared at a task, knowing it needs to be done, but finding every possible reason to delay. Maybe it’s reviewing your finances, having that long-overdue conversation, or finally tackling an investment decision. Instead of moving forward, we sit in limbo, caught between intention and action.

Sharon Moller, a behavioural finance specialist and professional coach, sees procrastination not as a flaw but as a sign—one that offers us a deeper understanding of ourselves. And when we stop seeing it as a failure and start treating it as feedback, we can uncover what’s really holding us back.

Instead of pushing through procrastination with sheer willpower, it helps to ask: “Why am I hesitating?” Often, avoidance isn’t about the task itself, it’s about what the task represents.

Take financial planning, for example. Many people put off reviewing their savings, updating their estate plans, or even booking an appointment with a financial planner. But is it really about the numbers? Or is it the fear of confronting difficult truths; uncertainty about the future, regret over past decisions, or anxiety about getting it ‘wrong’?

Avoidance is rarely random. If we listen closely, it often reveals our underlying concerns.

Our current culture glorifies productivity, the common advice for procrastination is simple: just do it (thank you, Nike!). But if starting was that easy, we wouldn’t be stuck in the first place. The reality is, forcing action before we’re ready can actually create more resistance.

Think about financial decisions: investments made out of panic, budgeting done out of guilt, or major career shifts taken without clarity. These rushed actions often lead to regret, rather than progress. Instead of forcing movement, we need to create readiness.

Here’s a paradox: sometimes, the only way to move forward is to stop pushing and start allowing. In finance and in life, readiness doesn’t come from pressure, it comes from surrender.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means surrendering to the process, trusting that action will come naturally when we’re aligned with what we truly need. When we let go of the guilt and judgment around our procrastination, we give ourselves the space to move forward in a way that actually sticks.

Procrastination and our Financial Planning
This concept is just as true in financial planning as it is in personal growth. The best financial plans aren’t built under duress. They’re built from a place of thoughtful, informed decision-making. The most successful investors aren’t the ones who react impulsively but the ones who prepare steadily over time.

So, the next time you catch yourself hesitating, pause. Instead of fighting the procrastination, listen to it.

Is it fear? Is it uncertainty? Is it a lack of clarity?

Your hesitation might just be telling you what you need in order to move forward. The question is: will you be ready to hear it?

The purpose of ego is security.
The nature of ego is insecurity.
The destiny of ego is surrender.

(Credit: @findingawareness on Instagram)

It’s an interesting paradox, isn’t it? The very thing we rely on to create a sense of safety, our ego, is inherently restless, always scanning for threats, always seeking more.

Perhaps this tension is most evident in how we interact with money.

Why we seek financial security
At its core, financial planning is about security. We save for a rainy day, invest for the future, and insure against the unknown, all in pursuit of a feeling that we are safe. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

In fact, it’s wise to build financial buffers, plan for uncertainty, and take action to protect our future.

But the paradox of the ego is that no amount of money will ever truly feel like enough. Because the ego’s nature is insecurity. It will always ask: What if something goes wrong? What if I lose it? What if I could have more?

The emotional side of money
This is why some of us struggle to spend money, even when we have more than enough. It’s why others keep chasing higher earnings, bigger portfolios, and endless upgrades, believing that the next milestone will bring peace. It’s why financial success doesn’t always translate to happiness because the ego, left unchecked, will always move the goalposts.

Behavioural finance teaches us that money isn’t just about logic; it’s about psychology. It’s about understanding why we make the choices we do, even when they don’t always make rational sense.

Why do some people hoard wealth and others spend recklessly? Why do we let past financial mistakes define our sense of worth? Why do we compare our financial progress to others, even when we know it doesn’t lead to fulfillment?

Because the ego craves control. And money is the ultimate symbol of control.

Surrendering the illusion of control
But here’s the truth: security isn’t found in a bank balance; it’s found in our relationship with money.

Financial planning isn’t about feeding the ego’s hunger for certainty. It’s about learning to manage resources wisely while recognising that real peace comes from acceptance, not accumulation.

This doesn’t mean we stop saving, investing, or planning. It means we do so with awareness. With clarity. With the understanding that money is a tool, not an identity.

At some point, the ego has to surrender. Not in defeat, but in understanding. That true security isn’t about controlling every outcome. It’s about building a financial life that aligns with what truly matters—freedom, choice, generosity, and balance.

So maybe the question isn’t about how much is enough, but rather how we can redefine security in a way that serves us, rather than controls us.

When we shift from fear-based financial planning to value-based financial planning, we stop making decisions out of insecurity. Instead, we build a financial future that feels both responsible and free.

Also referred to as an “economic reality check,”, lifestyle audits are not just for the rich and famous, and not just useful to the tax collector!

Have you ever looked at your bank statement and wondered, “Where did it all go?”

It’s one of those universal moments—a glance at your spending habits and the creeping realisation that maybe, just maybe, your money isn’t working as hard as it should be for the life you want.

This is where a lifestyle audit comes in. It’s not about spreadsheets or guilt-tripping yourself over a daily smoothie habit. It’s about aligning your financial choices with the life you actually want to live. Because financial planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about choices, values, and making sure your money is supporting what matters most to you.

Taking stock of the now

The first step in a lifestyle audit isn’t cutting back; it’s gaining clarity. Before you adjust anything, you need to know where your money is going. Are you spending in ways that reflect your priorities, or are there hidden habits quietly draining your resources?

For some, this might mean noticing that an automatic subscription for something they no longer use is still charged to their account. For others, it might mean seeing that a significant chunk of their income is going toward things that have little long-term value. The goal isn’t to shame yourself but to gain awareness, because without awareness, change is impossible.

Redefining what “enough” looks like

We often default to the idea that financial success means accumulating more. More income. More assets. More stuff. But what if success isn’t about more, but about enough? A lifestyle audit helps you reframe your spending regarding what genuinely adds value to your life, not what the world tells you should.

That could mean choosing travel over upgrading your car every three years. It may mean investing in experiences rather than accumulating more possessions. Maybe it’s deciding that financial security gives you a greater sense of peace than a bigger house ever could.

This is where financial planning becomes deeply personal—it’s not about fitting into a prescribed budget, but about shaping your financial world to match your real-life goals.

Once you have clarity, even minor tweaks can create a massive shift in financial well-being. Redirecting just 5–10% of your current spending toward things that bring more meaning (whether that’s saving for a future goal, funding a passion project, or creating more breathing room in your budget) can change how you feel about your money entirely.

A lifestyle audit isn’t about restriction. It’s about realignment. It’s about making sure that when you look at your spending, you see a reflection of the life you actually want, not just a series of transactions that happened by default.

Where financial planning comes in

A good financial plan doesn’t just focus on the numbers; it focuses on you. It helps you identify what’s truly important, align your spending with your values, and ensure that your money serves your goals.

Financial planning isn’t just about investments, tax efficiency, or retirement—it’s about creating a framework where your finances support your life, not the other way around. And that starts with asking the right questions, setting clear priorities, and making sure your financial strategy reflects the life you actually want to build.

If you’ve never taken the time to assess whether your money is aligned with your values, now is the perfect time to start. Our conversation won’t be about restriction, it will be about unlocking possibilities. Let’s redefine what financial success means for you, and build a plan that helps you get there.

If money decisions were purely mathematical, personal finance would be easy. Spend less than you earn, invest in low-cost index funds, and let compound interest do its thing. But as anyone who’s ever faced a financial dilemma knows, money is emotional, unpredictable, and deeply personal.

Morgan Housel, in The Psychology of Money, makes a compelling argument: in finance, it’s often more important to be reasonable than to be rational. In theory, rational decisions are always the best ones. But in reality, the best financial strategy is the one you can stick to—not the one that looks perfect on paper.

Take investing, for example. Rationally, the most efficient strategy might be to hold a high percentage of stocks for decades, never check your portfolio, and ride out every market drop without flinching. But most people don’t work that way. Market downturns can make even the most disciplined investors nervous, leading to panic selling. A reasonable approach might involve a more balanced portfolio—one that offers a smoother ride, even if it’s not the most mathematically optimal.

Or consider saving. Rationally, every extra dollar, pound, or Rand should be maximised for return—perhaps going into the highest-yielding investments. But a reasonable approach might involve keeping a larger-than-necessary emergency fund in cash, simply because it provides peace of mind. This may not be the ‘perfect’ financial move, but for many, the ability to sleep soundly at night outweighs an extra fraction of a percent in returns.

The same goes for spending. Rationally, every purchase should be justified by its utility. But life isn’t lived in spreadsheets. If spending a little extra on travel, hobbies, or a quality mattress makes your life meaningfully better, a reasonable approach might allow for these expenses while still maintaining financial security.

This idea extends beyond investing and saving—it applies to financial planning as a whole. A rational person might try to budget every cent to perfection. A reasonable person understands that life is unpredictable and builds in some flexibility. A rational person might chase the highest possible returns. A reasonable person aims for stability and sustainability, knowing that emotional resilience is just as important as financial efficiency.

Ultimately, financial success isn’t about optimising every single decision—it’s about finding a strategy that works for you. A plan that aligns with your personality, risk tolerance, and lifestyle is far more valuable than one that’s perfect in theory but impossible to follow.

So next time you’re making a financial decision, don’t just ask, “What’s the most rational choice?” Ask, “What’s the reasonable choice that I can confidently sustain?” Because when it comes to long-term financial well-being, consistency beats perfection every time.

It’s a tempting idea, isn’t it? The thought of managing your own finances, crafting your own investment strategy, and making the “right” moves with your money—all without the need for professional guidance. After all, the information is out there. Books, podcasts, courses, and countless personal finance influencers promise that with a little effort, you can be your own financial planner.

But here’s the thing: financial planning isn’t just about what you know. It’s about how you apply it—and, just as importantly, how you navigate your own emotions, biases, and blind spots along the way.

Sure, knowledge is a powerful tool. The road to becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional is paved with rigorous academic training, countless hours of study, and hands-on experience. But even beyond technical expertise, the role of a financial planner extends into areas that are much harder to self-manage: objectivity, habits, discipline, and adaptability.

Think about this: you wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself just because you have access to medical textbooks. Likewise, having financial knowledge doesn’t mean you’re equipped to make the best decisions when it comes to your own wealth. That’s because financial planning is as much about behaviour as it is about numbers.

Consider the challenge of objectivity. When markets dip or economic uncertainty rises, even the most rational individuals can be swayed by emotion—fear, anxiety, impatience. A financial planner provides a crucial buffer between you and your instincts, helping you make decisions that align with long-term goals rather than short-term impulses.

Then there’s the issue of discipline. Knowing what to do is one thing—actually following through, year after year, is another. Saving consistently, adjusting your strategy when life changes, reviewing your financial goals regularly—these are habits, not just facts. And habits are much harder to build and sustain without accountability.

Finally, there’s the complexity of financial planning itself. Tax laws evolve. Investment landscapes shift. The best financial strategy for you five years ago may not be the best one today. A financial planner helps you stay proactive, making adjustments as your life changes—so your financial plan continues working for you, not against you.

Does this mean you can’t manage your finances on your own? Not at all. Many people successfully take a DIY approach. But it comes with trade-offs—significant time commitments, a steep learning curve, and the need to constantly filter out misinformation.

So, the real question isn’t “Can I be my own financial planner?” It’s “Should I?”

And that answer depends on how much time, effort, and emotional energy you’re willing to invest—not just in learning, but in continuously managing and updating your plan.

Because, in the end, financial planning isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about wisdom—the wisdom to know when to seek guidance, when to stay the course, and when to make the adjustments that will keep you on track for years to come.

Imagine this: You’re sitting around a table with friends, and the conversation shifts to money. Someone is buying a new car, another just paid off their house, and someone else is debating whether to invest in the stock market or property. Advice gets tossed around freely—”You should do what I did!”—as if there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to financial success.

But here’s the thing: context is everything.

It’s easy to look at someone else’s financial choices and wonder if you should be doing the same. But what’s missing from these conversations is the deeper context—their income, obligations, risk tolerance, long-term goals, and even their personal values. Two people could have the same amount of money in the bank but vastly different financial realities. A comfortable savings account might mean peace of mind for one person, but for another, it might barely scratch the surface of the security they need.

This is why financial planning isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about understanding the “why” behind them. The best financial decisions come from clarity, not comparison.

When we take advice from people whose lives don’t mirror our own, we risk making choices that don’t serve us. Instead, the focus should be on designing a financial plan that fits your life—your goals, responsibilities, and aspirations.

Consider two individuals with the same salary. One may be single, renting an apartment, and able to invest aggressively. The other may have three children, a bond, and elderly parents who rely on them financially. If the first person says, “You should max out your investment contributions!” it might be great advice for their situation—but not necessarily for the second person. This is why financial planning should always be personalised, taking into account the full picture rather than just surface-level figures.

Context is also what makes financial planning a living, breathing process rather than a set-it-and-forget-it exercise. What made sense for you five years ago might not serve you now. Life changes—careers shift, families grow, priorities evolve. Financial security isn’t just about having cash in the bank; it’s about having a plan that moves with you.

That’s why working with a financial planner who understands your context—rather than following generic advice—is so valuable. We help provide perspective, not just prescriptions. We help you make informed decisions that align with where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow.

So, the next time someone tells you what you should be doing with your money, pause for a moment. Ask yourself: Does this fit my life? My circumstances? My future?

Because true financial freedom isn’t about following someone else’s roadmap—it’s about creating your own.

Every relationship has a story—a narrative we tell ourselves about how things are, how they’ve been, and what they’ll always be. And while we often think of “love stories” in the context of romance, there’s another relationship in our lives that deserves just as much attention: our relationship with money.

For many of us, our money story has deep roots. It’s shaped by childhood experiences, societal messages, and personal triumphs or struggles. Maybe your story is one of scarcity, where money always seemed out of reach. Or perhaps it’s one of indulgence, where spending became a way to fill emotional gaps. For some, it’s a tale of avoidance, where money is simply too overwhelming to confront.

But here’s the truth: just like any relationship, your story with money isn’t unchangeable.

You can rewrite it. And you deserve to.

Take a moment to reflect. What is the current narrative you hold about money? Does it serve you? Does it bring you peace, or does it keep you trapped in fear, guilt, or frustration? Recognizing this story is the first step toward rewriting it.

A love story rooted in respect and connection

Rewriting your money story doesn’t mean suddenly becoming a financial expert or flipping a switch to unlimited abundance. It’s about fostering a healthier, more balanced relationship—one built on respect, understanding, and connection.

Start by replacing judgment with curiosity. Instead of berating yourself for past financial decisions, ask what you’ve learned from them. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, celebrate what you do. Instead of avoiding conversations about money, lean into them with openness and a willingness to grow.

Money, like any other relationship, thrives when it’s treated with care and intention. That might mean setting boundaries (like a budget) or creating space for regular catch-ups (like reviewing your financial goals). It could mean seeking advice from someone you trust, whether that’s a financial planner, partner, or mentor. Most importantly, it means letting go of shame and stepping into empowerment.

Rewriting your money story doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Like any love story, it’s a journey—a process of understanding, evolving, and building trust. The key is to start.

Imagine what your life would look like if your relationship with money was no longer a source of stress but a foundation of stability and growth. Picture the freedom to align your financial decisions with your values, dreams, and purpose. That’s the new story you can create.

So, how will your next chapter begin? You’re the author of your story with money, and every choice you make is a chance to write something new. Start today—one small change at a time—and create a love story with money that supports the life you truly want.

Have you ever tried to steer a parked car? No matter how much you turn the wheel, you’re going nowhere. It’s a simple truth: movement is necessary for progress. Yet, movement without direction can quickly become chaos. The sweet spot lies in finding the balance—moving forward while knowing where you want to go.

In life, as in financial planning, it’s tempting to stay parked. Waiting for the “perfect” moment to act or for all the uncertainties to disappear feels safe. But staying stationary means forfeiting the opportunity to learn, grow, and adjust. On the other hand, jumping into action without clarity can lead to dead ends or costly mistakes.

The key? Begin the journey, even if the destination isn’t crystal clear. Start small—set an achievable goal, create a rough plan, and take that first step. Once you’re in motion, it’s easier to refine your direction. Life is dynamic, and plans should be too. It’s okay if the path changes as long as you’re continually steering toward what matters most.

Financially, this might mean starting to save even if you’re unsure of your retirement target, or paying off a small debt before tackling the larger ones. Personally, it could mean exploring new opportunities or saying yes to a project, even if the final outcome is uncertain. Movement creates momentum, and momentum makes navigating life’s twists and turns possible.

Remember, progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about taking consistent, intentional action. A moving car may not always stay perfectly aligned, but it’s far easier to adjust its course than a car sitting still. Likewise, the direction of your life isn’t set in stone—it’s shaped by every decision, every pivot, and every forward motion.

So, ask yourself: Are you parked, waiting for certainty, or are you moving forward, trusting that you can adjust as you go? Life doesn’t require us to have all the answers before we start.

It simply asks us to begin.

You can’t steer a parked car, but once you’re moving, the possibilities are endless.

Do you ever find yourself replaying decisions from your past, wishing you could rewrite the story? It’s easy for our minds to fixate on the paths we didn’t take, the doors that closed, or the moments that feel like they’ve determined everything about our present.

“I missed my chance, and now it’s too late.”

“I shouldn’t have made that decision back then; look where it’s left me.”

“I don’t deserve to move forward because of mistakes I’ve made.”

We often forget that life isn’t a rigid script but a collection of moments, choices, and lessons. When we look back, it’s tempting to connect the dots in a way that feels final—as if every decision we made was written in ink, unchangeable. But in truth, most choices were made with the best knowledge we had at the time. And while it’s easy to dwell on the paths that didn’t pan out, there’s something equally powerful about the paths still open to us.

Maybe some paths are closed—and that’s okay.

It’s true: not every door stays open forever. Some dreams, goals, or ambitions might no longer fit the life you’re living now. And that’s perfectly okay. In fact, it can be freeing to acknowledge this reality.

Author Chris Guillbeau once shared the idea of celebrating closed doors. While society often celebrates stories of people achieving their dreams later in life—like Samuel L. Jackson landing his breakthrough role at 46—it’s important to recognise that not every aspiration follows that trajectory. Some paths do have deadlines. And holding onto an outdated dream can sometimes keep us from fully embracing what’s next.

Maybe you’ve been telling yourself, “One day, I’ll run a marathon,” even though you despise running. Or perhaps you’ve been holding onto the hope of writing a cookbook, even though cooking no longer excites you. Letting go of these paths isn’t a failure—it’s a chance to clear the way for something better aligned with who you are today.

While it’s healthy to accept that some paths might be closed, it’s equally important to remember that many others are wide open. As Bertrand Russell wisely said, “You’re under no obligation to be who you were five minutes ago.” Just because one path is no longer an option doesn’t mean you’ve run out of choices.

In fact, letting go of old goals can create space for new ones. Imagine how much lighter you’d feel if you stopped regretting the past and instead focused on the possibilities ahead. Whether it’s starting a new hobby, taking a class, or shifting your career, the future isn’t set in stone.

It’s shaped by the actions you take today.

Choosing your next step

So, where do you go from here? Start by celebrating the doors that have closed. Each one taught you something, even if it wasn’t the lesson you expected. Then, take a moment to look at the paths still open to you. What excites you? What feels meaningful now—not 10 years ago, but today?

Whatever it is, remember that progress doesn’t require perfection. It just requires one step forward.

Some paths may no longer be an option, but others are waiting for you to take them. The question is: Which one will you choose?

When was the last time you gave yourself the grace to be curious? To pause and ask why, instead of immediately leaping to judgment? In a world that moves fast—where we’re bombarded by expectations, comparisons, and decisions—curiosity is often overshadowed by criticism. 

But what if we could flip the script? What if curiosity became our default setting, especially when it comes to our relationship with money and life?

Here’s the problem with criticism: criticism is quick. 

It jumps to conclusions. It sees what’s wrong and amplifies it. Whether we’re criticising ourselves for not saving enough, not being a better parent, or not understanding things as well as we think we should, that voice in our head can be harsh. It points out every misstep, every perceived failure, and every gap in our financial knowledge.

And it’s not just self-criticism. We can be quick to criticise others, too. Perhaps you’ve judged a partner for overspending, a friend for being overly frugal, or a colleague for their seemingly extravagant lifestyle. Criticism creates distance—it builds walls instead of bridges.

But here’s the thing: criticism doesn’t fix anything. It keeps us stuck in a cycle of blame and shame, making it nearly impossible to move forward with clarity or purpose.

Curiosity, on the other hand, invites understanding. It pauses, leans in, and asks: Why? Why did I make that decision? Why does my partner approach money this way? Why does this particular financial situation make me feel uneasy?

When we approach life—and money—from a place of curiosity, we shift from judgment to exploration. Instead of berating yourself for overspending last month, you might ask: What was going on for me emotionally? Was I stressed, celebrating, or seeking comfort? Instead of criticising a loved one for their financial choices, you might ask: What values or experiences might be influencing their behaviour?

This shift isn’t about excusing poor decisions or ignoring hard truths. It’s about creating the space to understand those decisions and truths on a deeper level. And when we understand, we can make changes—thoughtful, intentional changes that align with our values and goals.

Curiosity in action

Curiosity can transform how we approach financial planning. For example:

• Instead of saying, “I’m terrible with money,” try asking, “What’s one small thing I can learn or improve today?”
• Instead of thinking, “I’ll never get out of debt,” ask, “What’s the first step I can take to change this?”
• Instead of assuming, “My partner just doesn’t care about saving,” consider asking, “What does financial security mean to them?”

This mindset shift can also extend to our conversations with advisors, mentors, and even our families. A curious approach fosters collaboration and openness, paving the way for better communication and more effective problem-solving.

From criticism to connection

Choosing curiosity over criticism isn’t always easy—it requires slowing down, being present, and letting go of the need to be right. But the rewards are profound. Curiosity doesn’t just improve our financial habits; it strengthens our relationships, builds self-compassion, and helps us navigate life’s challenges with grace.

So the next time you find yourself in a critical spiral—whether it’s about money, work, or life in general—pause. Take a breath. And ask a simple, powerful question: Why? You might be surprised by the answers that follow.

In the end, creating space to be curious isn’t just about improving our financial well-being; it’s about nurturing a mindset that sees opportunities for growth and connection in every moment.

And that, perhaps, is the most valuable investment of all.