Maya on Money

In this episode of the Maya on Money podcast, host Maya Fisher-French explores the evolving landscape of stablecoins and their implications for everyday consumers. Joined by Wiehann Oliver , Partner and Global Co-Head of Digital Assets at Forvis Mazars, they discuss the recent high court ruling regarding the treatment of cryptocurrency in South Africa and how this impacts exchange control regulati...

In this episode of the Maya on Money podcast, host Maya Fisher-French and Adrian Hope-Bailie, the founder of Fynbos Money to discuss the importance of building an emergency fund and investing, how to use both a TFSA and a retirement annuity as part of your retirement plan, and why you really should start a TFSA for your child rather than just buying them more sneakers. Sponsored by Fynbos Money

In this episode of the Maya on Money podcast, we delve into the world of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with expert guest Niki Giles , head of strategy at Prescient Fund Services. As the popularity of ETFs continues to rise, we discuss the fundamentals of ETFs, their benefits, and how to get started investing. We begin by explaining what ETFs are and how they differ from traditional unit trusts, hig...

In this episode of the Maya on Money podcast, host Maya Fisher-French dives deep into the intricacies of estate planning for offshore investments. With her own recent restructuring experience, Maya opens up about the challenges of managing foreign dividends and the growing tax implications of wealth accumulation over time. To help navigate these complexities, she invites Elana Nel, Fiduciary Speci...

In this episode of the Maya on Money podcast, host Maya Fisher-French discusses the recent changes affecting small business finances following the national budget announcement. With the VAT threshold and turnover tax limits both increased to R2.3 million, Maya unpacks what this means for small business owners and whether they should consider deregistering for VAT. Joined by Seelan Muthayan , direc...

As the end of the tax year approaches, it is time to maximise your tax deductions and contributions to tax-free savings accounts and retirement annuities. Joined by Janine Langenhoven , senior legal counsel at Ninety One , Maya explores the often-overlooked tax benefits of exceeding the annual contribution cap on retirement annuities of R350 000. Janine explains how excess contributions can roll o...

The cryptocurrency landscape is evolving at a breakneck pace, leaving most of us feeling bewildered by the myriad of terms and concepts.  This stablecoin aims to blend the benefits of blockchain technology with the reliability of regulated financial systems, targeting the South African and broader African markets. Joining Maya is Warren Ross, the managing director of Super Money SA, who breaks dow...

In this episode of My Money, My Lifestyle, host Maya Fisher-French shares a personal story that highlights the often-overlooked complexities of medical aid claims, particularly in emergency situations.  When her 85-year-old mother experienced alarming symptoms and sought treatment at an emergency room, she was left with bills not paid by the medical scheme.  Maya invites David Green from Med Claim...

South Africans are feeling more confident about their finances than they have in the last three years – according to the 2025 Sanlam Financial Confidence Index. This good news is driven in part by lower interest rates, the end of loadshedding, and real salary increases. Yet, despite feeling more confident, this is not translating into an improved sense of financial well-being and 74% of South Afri...

Asset manager Piet Vijoen has argued that people systematically overpay for insurance because they prefer the certainty of losing a little each month (i.e. the premium) rather than risk facing an uncertain loss at some point in the future. In this episode of My Money, My Lifestyle, host Maya Fisher-French debates the relevance of insurance and how much is enough with financial planners Henri le Gr...

After six transformative months, we’re concluding our Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp series with incredible stories of financial transformation that will inspire and motivate you to take control of your finances. In this final episode, we discuss the game-changing themes that emerged from the journeys of our boot camp participants. From unexpected promotions to debt freedom, the results speak f...

Most people can only afford to retire comfortably by age 80. This sobering statistic was the focus of our latest Insure your Future Money Bootcamp podcast discussion that asked the question of whether early retirement is even possible in today’s economic climate. In this episode, Maya and Mapalo are joined by seasoned financial planner Wynand Gouws , author of "To 100 and Beyond". They explore the...

The latest FNB retirement survey revealed that many South Africans are allocating more funds to insurance than to their retirement savings. So how do we find the balance between insuring for the unexpected while investing for longevity? This is the topic of the latest episode of the Retirement Reimagined series, with host Maya Fisher-French and guest Deepesh Desai, head of FNB Life.  Maya and Deep...

In the latest episode of the Money Bootcamp Podcast, we dive into the world of investing and the magic of compound growth. If you've ever wondered how your money can grow exponentially over time, this episode is for you.  We begin by discussing the Rule of 72, a straightforward formula that helps you determine how long it will take for your investment to double, based on a fixed annual rate of ret...

In the latest episode of the Retirement Reimagined series, host Maya Fisher-French speaks to Carin Meyer, Product Head of Wills and Deceased Banking, about the importance of having a will, especially when it comes to your retirement assets.  Maya and Carin debunk common misconceptions, including the dangerous belief that "only wealthy people need wills," and explore the psychological barriers that...

Marriage is often viewed through the lens of love, commitment, and partnership, but it is also a significant financial contract that can have profound implications on your financial future.  In this Insure your Future Money Bootcamp Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu interview attorney and mediator Lerato Seroke about the financial and legal implications of your marriage contract. This knowledge...

In the latest episode of the Retirement Reimagined series, we aim to understand why so many people are not saving for retirement. The results from the FNB Retirement Survey suggest that it is not just financial constraints. Host Maya Fisher-French is joined by Bheki Mkhize, CEO of FNB Wealth and Investments, and Renzi Thirumalai, Chief Investment Officer of FNB Wealth and Investments, to unpack th...

In the latest Money Bootcamp episode, Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu are joined by a special guest, Nonhlanhla Bakasa , founder of AdoWord Multimedia, to discuss the reality of living with a disability. Nonhlanhla has been a "wheelchair rider" since the age of 12 when she suffered a spinal injury in a car accident. Nonhlanhla provides an honest and frank insight into the challenges she faces...

In the latest episode of Retirement Reimagined, we examine what retirement means to those over 60. Using the findings from the FNB retirement survey, host Maya Fisher-French speaks to Renee Coughlan of FNB Wealth and Investment about the reality facing many retirees who feel less prepared than ever before.   Individuals over 60 report a lack of confidence in their retirement readiness, exacerbated...

We asked many single moms what their greatest concerns were regarding drawing up a will. Host Maya Fisher-French asked fiduciary expert Deenisha Nadesan of Capital Legacy to answer them. For most moms, their concerns were around who would look after their child, who would manage the money on behalf of the child, and whether they had enough to provide for their living costs and education. We covere...

In the latest episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, we discuss the sensitive topic of debt. While we all need credit, especially to purchase a home or a car, if it is not managed carefully, it can become a debt trap which undermines all our other important financial goals. Brian Mphakoanyane from Summit Financial joins hosts Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu to explain credit...

People are surprisingly confident about their retirement plans, so why are so many people underfunded? In the latest Retirement Reimagined episode, host Maya Fisher-French and Ester Ochse, head of Integrated Advice at FNB, unpack why confidence does not mean preparedness when it comes to retirement. While 25-27% of South Africans feel confident about their retirement preparedness, only 10% can act...

In this episode of the Insure your Future Money Bootcamp, hosts Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu discuss the financial journey of one of Maya's mentees who is in the process of buying her first home. They share practical insights and personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of thorough financial planning before making such a significant purchase. Understanding the Costs of Homeownership...

As retirement approaches, many people find themselves grappling with the reality of their financial plans – or lack thereof.   In the latest Retirement Reimagined episode, host Maya Fisher-French and Sizwe Nxedlana, CEO of FNB Private Segment explore the increasing trend of individuals pursuing second careers or side businesses as part of their retirement strategy. With many people finding themsel...

In the third episode of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, hosts Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu welcome the Thokozani, a budgeting superhero and one of Mapalo's mentees from last year. Thokozani shares her inspiring journey from financial struggle to mastering her money management skills, revealing how a shift in attitude transformed her relationship with finances. From Struggles t...