For many women, personal finances feel like a constant storm—numbers swirling, deadlines looming, and the overwhelming sense that it’s all too much to handle. We worry about saving enough, earning enough, or being prepared for emergencies. It's stressful, and often, it’s hard to even know where to begin.

But what if there’s a way to step back, take a deep breath, and find calm amidst the chaos? What if we could approach our finances with clarity and confidence, knowing that we have more time than we think?

The Pressure Cooker of Financial Stress

Money stress doesn’t just happen when there’s a crisis. It’s a simmering anxiety that builds over time:

• The nagging thought that you should’ve started saving earlier.
• Comparing yourself to others who seem to have it all together.
• Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of financial planning.

It’s no wonder that so many of us want to bury our heads in the sand. But here’s the good news: finding calm isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about reframing your mindset, focusing on what matters, and realising that time is on your side.

A Shift in Perspective: The 100-Year Life

We often feel rushed to “have it all” by a certain age—whether it’s buying a house, building a retirement fund, or hitting career milestones. But with extended lifespans, we’re living what some call the 100-year life. This means we have more time than we think to achieve our goals.

Instead of sprinting toward financial freedom, imagine your life as a marathon. There’s no need to exhaust yourself by age 35 when you might live to 95—or beyond. The long view allows you to pace yourself, make thoughtful decisions, and embrace a sense of calm.

How to Find Your Financial Calm

1. Focus on What You Can Control

Financial stress often comes from fixating on things outside your control—interest rates, the economy, or what other people are doing. Shift your energy toward what you can control:

• Setting a realistic budget.
• Building an emergency fund, even if it’s small to start with.
• Educating yourself about personal finance.

Every small step is progress. You don’t have to fix everything at once.

2. Slow Down and Prioritise

In a world that glorifies hustle, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. But remember, financial freedom is not a race. Start by identifying your top priorities.

• Do you want to pay off debt?
• Save for a home or your children’s education?
• Build a safety net for the unexpected?
• Save 15% of your income for retirement?
• Start a side job that can increase your income?

When you focus on one or two key goals, it’s easier to quiet the noise and work steadily toward what matters most.

3. Build a Buffer for Peace of Mind

One of the simplest ways to reduce financial stress is to create a buffer. Whether it’s an emergency fund, a small savings account, or even just a bit of breathing room in your monthly budget, having a cushion makes life feel less precarious.

South African life can be unpredictable, but small, consistent savings—no matter how modest—can add up over time.

4. Reframe Your Relationship with Time

Many of us feel we’re “too late” to fix our finances. But this is rarely true. With lifespans stretching, you might have decades to achieve your goals. The key is to start.

• Begin investing, even if it’s a tiny amount. Consider dipping your toe in tax-free savings. Compound interest works wonders over time. 
• Make incremental progress toward paying off your debt. Research the snowball or avalanche methods of paying off debt.
• Learn as you go. You don’t have to be an expert overnight.

When you stop rushing, you give yourself the space to make better, more thoughtful decisions.

5. Mindset Matters: Practice Financial Mindfulness

Money is as much about emotions as it is about numbers. Practicing financial mindfulness can help you find calm:

• Stay present: Focus on what you can do today instead of worrying about the future.
• Gratitude: Celebrate small wins, like paying off a bill or sticking to your budget.
• Self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Financial mistakes don’t define you—they teach you.

Calm Is the Foundation of Confidence

When you cultivate calm, you can think more clearly, make better decisions, and approach your finances with confidence. Remember: financial wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, persistence, and taking care of yourself in the process.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself: you have more time than you think. Life isn’t a race, and neither are your finances. Step by step, choice by choice, you can build a future that feels secure, abundant, and—most importantly—aligned with what truly matters to you.

Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.