“The woman who changed how I see money”

Published on 18th July, 2022 at 03:27 pm

Four women share how moms, sisters, cousins and aunts inspired them to develop their own sense of financial security.

Talitha Ndima (39)

“My mother taught me that the act of saving, although a tough one, is also a necessary one.”

“I grew up in an economic climate that was controlled by my father. Men generally made more money than women, and this made it seem okay for me to take a back seat with my own finances because, somehow, a man would miraculously come and take care of me when I left my parents’ home. Little did I know that the ghost private bankers of all these home institutions were mostly the women, working thanklessly behind the scenes to scrimp and save while making sure that no attention was brought to them.

“My mother taught me that the act of saving, although it a tough one, is also a necessary one. Eventually, when we did start talking about money, she made it clear to me that I needed to save a certain amount of every bit of money that entered my bank account, regardless of whether it was a salary or a gift. She also advised me to start saving whenever I had a little extra money, instead of only at the end of the month. She demonstrated to me the value of having those funds saved up for when our family encountered unforeseen emergencies.

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“[My mother] showed me how the practice of saving not only helps you in times of need, but also spreads to general financial responsibility. Though it’s still not the most convenient use of my money, saving is unquestionably the most advantageous. To add, no knight in shining armour has appeared to take care of all my financial issues since I left my parents’ house 20 years ago… Definitely mum’s word is golden!

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Zaza Mahlangu (40)

“Her aspirations grew bigger as her income increased. The fact that she started working at an early age, bought things she needed, and allowed herself the occasional indulgence improved my relationship with money.”

“My relationship with and opinions about money were altered by my cousin Khosi Mthalane, who now co-owns Hotel 247. Although our families were not wealthy, our parents found a way to provide for our needs. She had an entrepreneurial mindset at an early age. She developed a solution as soon as she identified a challenge. She purchased bananas with the limited funds she had access to in order to sell them and pay for a new school outfit. Her aspirations grew bigger as her income increased.

“The fact that she started working at an early age, bought things she needed, and allowed herself the occasional indulgence improved my relationship with money. I didn’t have any money while I was in school, but after college I got a job as a waitress, and realised that money was something I owned and didn’t rule me. I was able to purchase my first car, provide for myself while helping my family, and still manage to save enough money for a little self-indulgence.

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“Before making her significant career steps, Khosi progressed from selling bananas to larger sales areas. She is still someone I admire, and I am fortunate to have someone like her close by, as I can still turn to her for advice when I run into a snag.”

Fundiswa Nkwanyana (36)

“One important lesson I learnt from my mother is to accept your financial status and make the most use of the money you have.”

“My sister and I were raised by our single mother Thandeka Nkwanyana, who, despite her financial struggles, made sure we were taken care of. Looking back, I still don’t comprehend how our mom managed to buy a home, send us to the best schools, and provide our clothing and food on the measly income she earned as a nurse.

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“One important lesson I learnt from my mother is to accept your financial status and make the best use of the money you have. There were moments when I wanted to live beyond my means because I was in denial about my finances. She frequently emphasised to me that although I would eventually have enough money to fulfill all my wishes, for the time being I should make the best of what I had.

“Sometimes we have enough money, but we desire to do far more than our budget allows, which leads to debt. My mother embraces her financial status with thankfulness and sticks to her budget, so she is unfazed when she can’t afford something. She also taught me to be grateful for the money that I have, and to use it wisely. She taught me that having a poor attitude towards money will show in the decisions you make with your finances. Because I live within my means, I’m grateful for the money I have, and use it wisely, so I have a healthy relationship with money today.”

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Asanda Rumbu (28)

“Both of my moms – my aunt and my stepmom – inspired me to be in charge when it comes to money.”

“I grew up in a home where women ruled the show and handled the money on their own. In contrast to what we would observe in many other households, the women who raised me never relied on men or family members to provide them with money or handle their affairs. They maintained their affairs, worked for themselves, and generated their own income.

“I was inspired by this to follow suit. I never wanted to be financially dependent on anyone. Both of my moms – my aunt and my stepmom – inspired me to be in charge when it came to money. They were admirable just as they were. I am the woman who still has a strong desire to earn their own money. I don’t currently receive any financial assistance from family. No matter how much money you make, my family is among those who will stop providing for you as soon as you have a job. When I first started working, I witnessed this, and it inspired me to continue working for myself so that I could afford whatever I desired and lead the life I wanted. Even though I date, I never rely on my partner for financial support, and I believe this is because of how I was taught and how I observed the way my moms handled their own money. I am the happiest person you will ever meet.”

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