HOW THEY INFLUENCE YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING Have you ever made a financial decision you regretted, only to look back and wonder what on earth you were thinking? Maybe you held onto a losing investment for far too long or refused to explore a new financial opportunity because it just didn’t feel right. The truth isContinue reading “Behavioural biases and heuristics”
Author Archives: Shan Nissiotis
Your brain and your money
HOW BIOLOGY SHAPES YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING It’s easy to think of financial decision-making as purely rational. After all, money is all about numbers, right? But what if the way we handle money has as much to do with biology as it does with strategy? What if our brains and bodies are constantly influencing our financialContinue reading “Your brain and your money”
Mindset, stress, and emotions
HOW THEY INFLUENCE YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING Money may be a tool, but how we use that tool is often driven by emotions, beliefs, and life experiences far more than logic and spreadsheets. Why do some people save meticulously while others can’t seem to keep a dollar, pound, or rand in their pocket? Why do someContinue reading “Mindset, stress, and emotions”
Personal values and goals
HOW THEY INFLUENCE YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING What would your financial life look like if it truly reflected your values? It’s a question worth asking because, when it comes down to it, money is just a tool. And like any tool, its value lies in how you use it and the purpose it serves. But howContinue reading “Personal values and goals”
The value in procrastination
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,Continue reading “The value in procrastination”
The law of diminishing returns
We live in a world where more is often seen as better: more money, more investments, more security, more financial strategies. But what if there comes a point where adding more doesn’t necessarily add value? The law of diminishing returns suggests that beyond a certain point, additional effort or resources result in smaller and smallerContinue reading “The law of diminishing returns”
Money, Ego, and the Illusion of Security
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 tensionContinue reading “Money, Ego, and the Illusion of Security”
Choosing a trusted partnership
At first glance, it seems obvious why someone would seek out a financial adviser or planner; to make smarter money decisions! But if that were the only reason, personal finance books and online calculators would have made financial planners obsolete long ago. The reality is that the true value of an adviser goes far beyondContinue reading “Choosing a trusted partnership”
The holistic approach to life cover
When it comes to life insurance, one of the most common questions people ask is: How much cover do I actually need? While the typical rule of thumb suggests between 10 to 15 times your annual salary, the real answer depends on your unique circumstances, responsibilities, and financial goals. Rather than picking a number outContinue reading “The holistic approach to life cover”
Is it time for a lifestyle audit?
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 creepingContinue reading “Is it time for a lifestyle audit?”
Are you being reasonable?
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 compellingContinue reading “Are you being reasonable?”
Predictions, Plans, and the Power of Perspective
If history has taught us anything, it’s that predicting the future—especially when it comes to markets—is an exercise in futility. Every year, analysts, economists, and investment strategists make bold forecasts about where stocks will land, how interest rates will shift, and what geopolitical events will shake the financial world. And every year, those predictions areContinue reading “Predictions, Plans, and the Power of Perspective”
It isn’t just about knowledge
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 canContinue reading “It isn’t just about knowledge”
The cost of trust
Financial advice is about more than just investments and returns—it’s about trust. And one of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of that trust is how you pay for your financial advice. It’s a conversation that affects every investor, expat, and retiree, regardless of where they are in the world. Broadly speaking, financial advisersContinue reading “The cost of trust”
Context over cash
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-allContinue reading “Context over cash”
It’s not accidental; it’s intentional.
No one stumbles into wealth by accident. Even those who win the lottery often find themselves broke again within a few years. It’s also not about trying to cut back on your take-out coffee. Financial success isn’t about luck, and it’s not about making one perfect decision that changes everything. It’s about consistent, intentional choicesContinue reading “It’s not accidental; it’s intentional.”
Rewrite your love story with money
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, ourContinue reading “Rewrite your love story with money”
Raise a millionaire
Raising financially responsible children who may one day become the next “Millionaire Next Door” is less about complex financial strategies and more about small, intentional lessons woven into everyday life. It starts with recognising that children learn more from what we do than what we say. If we want them to grow into thoughtful stewardsContinue reading “Raise a millionaire”
You can’t steer a parked car
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,Continue reading “You can’t steer a parked car”
Start small. Start today.
When it comes to financial success, many people fall into the trap of waiting for the “perfect moment” to start. “I’ll save when I earn more,” or “I’ll invest when the markets feel safer,” are common refrains. But here’s the thing: there’s rarely a perfect moment. Success isn’t built on monumental leaps; it’s built onContinue reading “Start small. Start today.”
Choosing your next step
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.” “IContinue reading “Choosing your next step”
The pull of pessimism
Why do pessimistic views often sound so convincing? It’s an interesting phenomenon—when someone warns of an impending financial crash, we perk up, nod solemnly, and give their words the weight of wisdom. But when someone speaks of growth, opportunity, or prosperity, it can come across as naive or overly simplistic. Why is that? As humans,Continue reading “The pull of pessimism”
Curious, not critical
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 ourContinue reading “Curious, not critical”
The value of your time
When we think about building wealth, running a business, or creating income opportunities, the question of pricing is one we all face. And while it might sound straightforward at first, it’s actually a deeply personal and complex challenge because no two people’s financial situations are exactly alike. Some professionals lean on qualifications and experience toContinue reading “The value of your time”
Authenticity or attachment
Why do we say yes when we mean no? Why do we say no when deep down we wish we could say yes? These are questions that dig beneath the surface of our everyday choices, revealing the deeper, often hidden stories we tell ourselves. In his insightful discussions, Dr. Gabor Maté highlights a core conflictContinue reading “Authenticity or attachment”
Healthier benchmarks
WHERE DO YOU ‘THINK’ YOU SHOULD BE? Reflecting on our progress is something we all do, but often without knowing it. Whether we’re aware of it or not, several times a day, we measure ourselves against something or someone—be it our past self, others, or some societal ideal. Whether it’s consciously deciding to check inContinue reading “Healthier benchmarks”
Roadblocks and reflections
Life is full of roadblocks. They come in many forms: an unexpected expense, a career setback, a strained relationship, or even just a sense of stagnation. At first glance, these challenges can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and even unfair. But what if we stopped seeing roadblocks as something meant to halt our progress and instead viewedContinue reading “Roadblocks and reflections”
Sign that Will!
A will might not seem like the most exciting thing on your pre-vacation checklist, but it’s arguably one of the most important. Mark Twain once said, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” It’s a confronting, yet profound reminder thatContinue reading “Sign that Will!”
Dealing with loss when everyone else is celebrating
Holidays and special occasions often bring with them the joy of celebration, the warmth of shared moments, and the comfort of togetherness. Yet, for many, they also highlight the quiet ache of loss. Whether it’s the empty chair at the dinner table, the sting of a recent job loss, or the ongoing battle with aContinue reading “Dealing with loss when everyone else is celebrating”
Ready for a financial health checkup?
Have you ever noticed how similar financial wellness is to physical health? Just as we visit doctors for regular check-ups, perhaps it’s time for a different kind of examination – one that focuses on your financial health! Let’s step into this unique doctor’s office together. Patient History Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? –Continue reading “Ready for a financial health checkup?”
Echo chambers and our money
Have you ever noticed how a conversation with people who share your views can make you feel more strongly about what you already believe? Legal scholar Cass Sunstein captured this phenomenon perfectly when he observed, “What we know is if you get groups of like-minded people together, they tend to end up thinking a moreContinue reading “Echo chambers and our money”
Market folklore or financial facts?
You may not know this, but there is a joke in the investment world that October is the worst month in which to invest. It’s easy to get swept up in the seasonal chatter about how this month is supposedly more dangerous for the markets than others. But before diving into these claims, here areContinue reading “Market folklore or financial facts?”
A worldview shaped by ‘enough’
Wherever people are involved… it’s not uncommon for conflict to arise—whether with loved ones, colleagues, or even within ourselves. At the heart of many of these conflicts lies a common thread: a worldview shaped by scarcity. We may think that conflicts are purely situational, stemming from disagreements or unmet expectations, but more often than not,Continue reading “A worldview shaped by ‘enough’”
Once bitten…
When was the last time you worried about being bitten by a shark? Probably not recently, unless you’re an avid surfer. Here’s a fascinating statistic that might make you smile: sharks bite around 70 people annually, while New Yorkers bite approximately 1,600 people each year. Surprising, isn’t it?? This quirky comparison teaches us something profoundContinue reading “Once bitten…”
Different is as different does
Albert Einstein is often credited with saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Think about that for a moment. It’s a statement that cuts through the noise and forces us to ask: If we’re stuck in a cycle with our money, how can we possibly expect thingsContinue reading “Different is as different does”
The Snowball vs. The Avalanche
Imagine standing at the base of a snow-covered mountain, looking up at the debt that’s accumulated over the years. It feels overwhelming, doesn’t it? But here’s the good news: you’ve got two powerful tools at your disposal to tackle that mountain – the Debt Snowball and the Debt Avalanche. Let’s explore these methods and seeContinue reading “The Snowball vs. The Avalanche”
The EI edge
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly manage their finances while others struggle, despite having similar incomes or financial knowledge? The answer might lie not in their bank accounts, but in their hearts and minds. While financial literacy is undoubtedly important, there’s another crucial factor at play that often goes overlooked: emotionalContinue reading “The EI edge”
The C-word
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. One day, everything’s running smoothly – you’re hitting your stride at work, the kids are thriving, and you’ve finally started that healthy eating plan. The next day, a single word changes everything: Cancer. It’s a word that sends shivers down our spines, aContinue reading “The C-word”
Calm needn’t be the focus
We often think that financial peace or calm is the ultimate goal when it comes to managing our money. We hear phrases like “financial peace of mind” or “calming the storm of debt” and we think, “Yes, that’s what I want. I just want everything to be calm.” And while there’s nothing wrong with seekingContinue reading “Calm needn’t be the focus”
Ten Rules – Part 2
In the first part of this series, we explored five essential rules for personal finance, inspired by “The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated” by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack. The rules in the blog spoke to things like spending less than we earn, paying off credit card debt, save 10-20%Continue reading “Ten Rules – Part 2”
Spending with intention
In her thought-provoking book “The Year of Less,” Cait Flanders shares a powerful insight: “Every time you make a purchase, you’re voting with your dollar for the kind of world you want to live in.” This simple yet profound statement invites us to reconsider our relationship with consumption and its impact on our financial well-being.Continue reading “Spending with intention”
Ten Rules – Part 1
Whilst it’s easy to get lost in a sea of jargon, investment options, and conflicting advice, financial success doesn’t require a degree in economics or hours spent poring over market trends. In fact, according to Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack in their book The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated, everythingContinue reading “Ten Rules – Part 1”
A missing link between money and happiness
What if you found out that your current financial plan might be working against you, not for you? That despite all your careful budgeting and saving, you’re missing a crucial element that could make or break your financial well-being? It might be time to talk about values-based financial planning – the missing link between yourContinue reading “A missing link between money and happiness”
The freedom to live life on your terms
Here’s one of the hardest (or least asked…) questions when it comes to financial planning: “How much is enough?” It’s a simple question, but one that most people never stop to consider. We’re so caught up in the race for ‘more’ that we forget to ask ourselves why we’re running in the first place. It’sContinue reading “The freedom to live life on your terms”
The gap between our income and ego
Is money linked to our ego? It’s a question that invites us to reflect on the deeper motivations behind our financial decisions. Morgan Housel, in his thought-provoking way, suggests that “savings is the gap between your income and your ego.” This statement can be confronting, especially because it challenges us to consider the extent toContinue reading “The gap between our income and ego”
Nudging, not judging
Change is one of those things that we all know is necessary but often struggle with. Whether it’s a change in our spending habits, our health routines, or our approach to relationships, the process can be daunting. The desire to improve is there, but the path forward isn’t always clear or easy. This is whereContinue reading “Nudging, not judging”
All behaviour is communication
Have you ever paused to consider what your behaviour might be saying about you… to you? It’s a fascinating thought, isn’t it? All behaviour is a form of communication. Every action we take, every choice we make, sends a message, not only to the world around us but also to ourselves. In the realm ofContinue reading “All behaviour is communication”
So, why do we plan?
Have you ever wondered why we spend so much time planning, even when we know that life rarely goes according to plan? It’s a curious thought, especially when it comes to financial planning. Carl Richards beautifully encapsulates this paradox: “In fact, the only thing we know for sure about any good financial plan the momentContinue reading “So, why do we plan?”
Problems that seem simple at first
Life’s a bit of a puzzle, isn’t it? We look at our problems and think, “Oh, that’s straightforward enough.” But then we start digging, and suddenly we’re in a whole different ballgame. It’s like peeling an onion – layer after layer, each revealing something new. And you know what? There’s a reason for all thisContinue reading “Problems that seem simple at first”
From Hocus Pocus to Financial Focus
You know that feeling when you check your bank account and suddenly you’re thinking, “Hocus pocus, I’m brokus”? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s like one minute you’re feeling on top of the world, and the next, poof! Your money’s vanished faster than a rabbit in a magician’s hat. But here’s the thing: our financesContinue reading “From Hocus Pocus to Financial Focus”
Shan Nissiotis 