Whole Persons know how to live within their income, to enjoy and share the fruits of their labour, and to plan and implement programs for the creation, accumulation and preservation of capital consistent with the stages of their lives.

Page 1 Module 3- Financial

In the world, exchange of goods and services form the foundation of trading relationships between people, communities and nations. In days gone by a man would put chickens in a cage and walk to market and exchange the chickens for potatoes, mielies and bread for example. As communities grew, this was no longer tenable, so currencies replaced the barter system. The currencies were usually back by gold, silver or other precious metals. Eventually in the 21st century and the society in which we live, it is now just a number on a piece of paper, or a computer, or ‘the cloud’. All that said, finance is the engine room fuel that makes the world go round…go round…go round.

VALUE has been attached to everything from water to sand to bricks, ice-cream, rocket fuel etc. The numbers have not only reached 6 digits but are now in the billions and trillions.

Finance can be quite daunting, but good habits start early and learning how to Budget with what money you have at an early age will set you on the right path to managing your finances successfully.

It may sound ridiculous to ask a 7 year old to think about retirement, but the truth is that very few people ever get to think about it seriously, until mid-life when they suddenly realise that retirement may only be 240 to 360 paydays away. Generally speaking, that is too late.

Create your opportunities early in life. Educate yourself to give you the tools by which you can earn a living as well as fulfil your dreams.

Learn to save early in life. Exercise frugality. Learn about the power of Cash versus Credit. Set achievable goals and timelines, and above all, get help from professionals.

Financial life is made up of three basic phases – short, medium, and long-term

Your finances need to follow the pattern:-

Short: 1 to 5 years

Medium: 10 to 20

Long: 40 years plus

The sooner you start each of these phases the more likely you are to achieve your goals, objectives, and dreams

Capital Accumulation… the creation of wealth is all about compounding returns on investments (savings).

Draw up a Life Plan. Get help from professionals. Try not to spend the same Rand twice on the same duplicated item. In other words, you do not need 10 kettles or cars. Draw up a plan and stick to it wisely. Life is not a straight line. It is subject to volatility, deviations, and setbacks. Whilst enjoying your life as you grow, be mindful not to fall into traps or bad habits. There is no such thing as a “fast buck”. It is usually hard earned, so spend wisely. Overall, value is directly linked to quality which is in turn linked to accessibility. Generally speaking, good quality and valuable items are rare and sought after. We live in a “throw-away society” so You are the driver and in control. Listen to other peoples’ opinions, read, learn and inform yourself about the ways of life, and focus on a good grasp of mathematics and science as you will need it in almost every aspect of life.

Be Smart……………Learn Smart……………Act Smart

You never know when someone, May catch a dream from you.

You never know when a little word,

Or something you may do,

Will open up the windows,
Of a mind that seeks the light.
The way you live may not matter at all, But, then again, it might.

And just in case it could be,
That another’s life through you,
Might possibly change for the better, With a brighter point of view.
I guess it might be worth a try,
At pointing the way to the right.
Of course it may not matter at all,
But, then again, it might.

-Anonymous-