When author, money columnist and founder of Woman and Finance — a personal finance blog — Mapalo Makhu took to the stage at the recent #JSESheInvests, guests commended her uplifting style of money talk. The event, organised by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, was geared towards encouraging women to invest in each other, as well as sharing pivotal money and investment lessons. “There are 12 months in a year, so make time to learn something new about money every month,” said Makhu, who also kept reminding attendees that they were not broke, but pre-rich. You’re Not Broke, You’re Pre-Rich also happens to be the title of her debut book, set for release in early October. The style of writing, she says, is very conversational. “I hope that people find it an easy read because I believe that money education should be simple. I also think that the financial industry is to blame because they make things complicated and intimidating,” explains the 31-year-old.
IN THE BEGINNING
During an unplanned gap year after matric, Makhu challenged herself to start reading any and everything that wasn’t a Mills and Boon novel. This new resolution saw her reading Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad, which she says altered the course of her life, and further inspired her to pursue a career in financial investments instead of her initial passion, Media Studies. “I suddenly became interested in learning how money worked,” she explains.
