• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Get Real. Get Rid. Get Rich. 

June 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken
financial-freedom.png

by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

Stuck in a financial rut?  Maybe too much debt, too much retail therapy, too much of a people pleaser, too little money, or just not sure how to take control of it all? Financial freedom is within your grasp.  By changing your outlook, you can change your life.  


Get real

Face your realities and stop living in a dream world.  The ‘fake it till you make it’ concept is utter nonsense when it comes to money, unless you want to be the best dressed defendant in the insolvency court!  Know what’s coming in and what you are spending it on. A simple budget goes a long way towards understanding your financial priorities and making the right choices. Never spend more than you earn. It’s a recipe for disaster long term, and you may end up having to sell things that you need, just to survive.

Spend some time thinking about goals and dreams that you have for your life. Some of these may have financial implications. Be realistic though – I have heard people say, “I’m going to retire at age 45” but they do little to make plans to get there.  Remember, a goal without a plan is just a pipe dream – good to have, but worth little at the end of the day. Goals must be realistic and achievable.

Get real – spend only what you earn – live the life you can afford.  

Get rid

So many of us walk around with heaps of baggage – whether its guilt because we are working or single mothers, issues from our childhood, guilt towards our parents, or other areas where we feel we need to compensate.  Some of us are just people pleasers – do whatever it takes to keep the people around us happy, often ignoring our own needs.

Spending excessive amounts of money on our children, ourselves, or other people may feel like a quick fix, but long term, does little to address the issues that rattle around in our heads.  We need to understand these, and seek professional help, if necessary.

A consequence of this, of course, is over compensating, or over spending, and this leads to other problems – you work hard, you earn good money, but feel that there’s little to show for it.

Ditch the guilt, the hatred, the regrets, the baggage.  What is done is done and there is nothing you can do to change it.

Tackle the challenge of balancing career, children and a social life, and try to find some equilibrium and make some time for yourself.  Set aside time to work on a plan to balance all aspects of your life. If your life is balanced, there is less guilt.

Realize that it’s not always about money. The richness of life comes from so many other aspects that we can offer to our fellow human beings – love, support, friendship to name but a few.

So, get rid – excess baggage just weighs one down.  Remember: look forward – you cannot drive a car with your eyes permanently fixated on the rear-view mirror.

Get rich

Rich is such a loaded word.  We all have different ideas as to what it is. Firstly, we think of it in the financial sense, but one can also be rich in other aspects of your life – your health is arguably your greatest form of wealth, your relationships with other human beings is part of your wealth, your spirituality and feeling of self actualization, all form part of what we consider our wealth, or richness of life.

The financial aspect runs through all of this. Money is an enabler – it doesn’t make you happy to have lots of it, but rather, having enough of it allows you to do things that make you happy. The old cliché “money is a means to an end” is exactly that.

So how do we “get rich”?  Face our financial realities, stop wasting money on unnecessary material things (such as salving our feelings of guilt), and set realistic savings goals.  Instill the discipline of paying yourself first – before you pay anyone else, you pay yourself first, like you would with any other creditor.

Then you have to beat inflation! Inflation erodes the buying power of your money every year, so your investment must at least keep up with inflation or grow at a higher percentage, for you to get make money.  Investment options range from a bank account (which will not deliver good long-term returns) to equities (which deliver excellent long-term returns).  It’s a minefield, and professional advice is critical. A trained financial adviser or broker will be able to direct you to an appropriate investment

When it comes to getting rich, the recipe is simple. You must invest:

  • over a period of time so you benefit from compound interest

  • in an inflation beating investment

  • with a reputable company that will not disappear with your savings overnight

Three easy steps – get real, get rid and get rich – that will put you on the path to financial freedom and open up new vistas for your life.


Screen Shot 2018-01-10 at 12.52.12 PM.png
Screen Shot 2018-01-10 at 1.10.52 PM.jpg

Sylvia Walker is highly skilled and experienced in the financial services industry, having spent a large part of her career as a marketing manager for a blue-chip company. During this time, she worked closely with the media, conducting hundreds of presentations, doing radio and TV interviews and writing many articles for publications such as O, the Oprah magazine, Good Housekeeping / Goeie Huishouding, Sarie, The Mercury, Plus 50 and many others. She left the corporate world at the end of 2014 to pursue her interests further afield. She is also a published author. She contributed chapters on financial planning in Mary Ann Shearer’s Take Control the Natural Way and Nadia Bilchik and Lori Milner’s Own Your Space. She authored Dealing in Death – Ellen Pakkies and a Community’s Struggle with Tik and co-authored Steeped in Blood, the memoirs of Dr David Klatzow, which was shortlisted for the Alan Paton Award in 2011. She also co-authored and published Reflections for Old Mutual in 2013. Sylvia is currently a financial planner, writes articles, and conducts workshops on various aspects of financial literacy and planning. She is also the resident financial guru on the Cape Talk Early Breakfast Show, and is on air every Friday morning. Her latest book, SmartWoman, has just been published, and is a culmination of many years of experience in advising women on how to gain financial freedom and grow their wealth. SylviaWalker.co.za

 

More articles by Sylvia....

Featured
Don’t Mix Business and Pleasure
Feb 26, 2022
Don’t Mix Business and Pleasure
Feb 26, 2022
Feb 26, 2022
Managing the cash crunch – small business survival 
Oct 30, 2020
Managing the cash crunch – small business survival 
Oct 30, 2020
Oct 30, 2020
Covid-19: Getting your finances back on track
Jun 5, 2020
Covid-19: Getting your finances back on track
Jun 5, 2020
Jun 5, 2020
Coping with Covid-19: A financial perspective
May 8, 2020
Coping with Covid-19: A financial perspective
May 8, 2020
May 8, 2020
Avoid the festive season financial hangover!
Dec 8, 2019
Avoid the festive season financial hangover!
Dec 8, 2019
Dec 8, 2019
Make sure that your shopping trip doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg!
Sep 7, 2019
Make sure that your shopping trip doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg!
Sep 7, 2019
Sep 7, 2019
Where There’s a Will, there’s a Relative
Jul 29, 2019
Where There’s a Will, there’s a Relative
Jul 29, 2019
Jul 29, 2019
Get Real. Get Rid. Get Rich. 
Jun 8, 2019
Get Real. Get Rid. Get Rich. 
Jun 8, 2019
Jun 8, 2019
DONT in 2019
Jan 18, 2019
DONT in 2019
Jan 18, 2019
Jan 18, 2019
Success: you or the universe?
Nov 21, 2018
Success: you or the universe?
Nov 21, 2018
Nov 21, 2018
Black Tax: Don’t become the family ATM
Sep 29, 2018
Black Tax: Don’t become the family ATM
Sep 29, 2018
Sep 29, 2018
Staying the course through thick and thin
Jul 27, 2018
Staying the course through thick and thin
Jul 27, 2018
Jul 27, 2018
In Guest Blog Tags Sylvia Walker
← Run Your Life Like a Business Avoid These 3 Phrases that Derail Your Success →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
Image of the Day / Marabou Essentials

African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f
Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing
Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing
Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq
Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f
Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t
Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo
Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h
Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964
Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Marabou Essentials

African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.