Hi and thanks for checking out my personal finance blog! Read up about TakeChargeOfYourMoney and while you’re here why not have a look at my very first post about why I started, and the list of podcast and radio interviews I’ve done.
My name is Brendan and I’m a software developer (now Scrum Master) working a regular 9 – 5 job. I’m 40-something years old, married and living in Cape Town (South Africa).
I often wish that I didn’t need to “slave away” at my job as there is so much that I would love to be doing! Life is short and I want to make the best of it and hence I am forever working towards a goal of financial freedom and the idea for this blog is to create a collection of thoughts, ideas, tools, useful videos etc that are helpful to me, and hopefully to you too! I am taking charge of my money and hence the title for the blog; TakeChargeofYourMoney.
People have often told me “you’re good with money” and that’s really just because I refuse to be drawn into the consumerism and debt cycle. There’s no magic trick, just some common sense and looking at situations and and decisions in a logical and non-emotional way.
If you feel that your money is out of control and that you have no idea how to fix things then follow me on Twitter or Facebook and join the conversations.
A great resource of personal finance information and financial literacy in South Africa.
If you want to find out more about my personal journey to financial freedom, have a look at this Q&A session I had with 10x Investments and also see my own debt story. I am also available for freelance writing and have been published in City Press newspaper, Estate Living magazine, People magazine, Old Mutual magazine, and several online sites. Use the Contact form to get in touch.
Start here:
All the basics of personal finance in one place
Financial spreadsheets and resources
I blog about common sense personal finance for everyday folk who want to take charge of their money and start fixing the mess they’re in.
See some of the feedback I’ve received
Hi there! I just binge read about 3 hours worth of your blogs! Love it! Good luck on your journey (I share the same hobby and passion regarding personal finance as you do and am on a similar financial path). Also Capetonian so your blog resonates with me. All the best!
Craig
Hi Brendan, its always good to read your blogs… makes me look at my debt in a different way. We bought a house 18 months ago and with the child on the way we looking at downsizing our cars to a cheaper paid off car to make money available for nappies and things. We really looking at our expenses and seeing what we can juggle to get everything we want but also keep the house. Ultimately we like our house and willing to do anything to keep it. There is no real right and wrong, just what are we willing to put up with…
Nic
Thanks for keeping our heads in the anti-debt game
I’ve been following your work for some time now and thanks for the great advice and posts you share. I’ve learnt a lot and I continue to learn, therefore have improved my financial literacy and life.
Tebogo
And you’re still reading?
Fantastic! And now if you want to hear my voice you can listen to the podcasts from my Cape Talk Radio interviews. Most of the links below also include the recording from the show but there have been occasional interviews where either the presenter or I waffle a bit off topic and I’ve deiced to exclude the recordings. LOL. All my interviews for takechargeofyourmoney blog.
Recent Podcasts
Mortgage free in South Africa in less than 5 years – Andy Hill – 16 Sep 2021
Honest Money Podcast with Warren Ingram – 28 Jun 2021
Radio interviews
Interview with Lerato on Bush Radio – 25 October 2021
Chatting about online shopping on Khaya FM on 23 June 2020
Talking about the 52 Week Savings Challenge on RiseFM on 14 January 2019 (no podcast available)
UCT Radio on 30 April 2018 (no podcast available) – this was my very first radio interview.
Weekly Cape Talk Radio interviews
Discussing travel insurance with Africa Melane on 29 September 2019
Talking to your kids about money with Mpho Molotlegi on 27 July 2019
Selling your house could leave you at a loss with Mpho Molotlegi on 20 July 2019
Risks and Benefits of owning two vehicles with Jeremy van Wyk on 13 July 2019
Tumi’s debt story with Jeremy van Wyk on 6 July 2019
Cashing in your Provident Fund with Mpho Molotlegi on 29 June 2019
How much do you spend on debt? with Mark Johnson on 15 June 2019
Strategies to ensure your financial security with Mark Johnson on 8 June 2019
What to do when you’re involved in an accident with Zaine Johnson on 1 June 2019
Understanding your credit score with Keenan Williams on 25 May 2019
Beware of Lifestyle Creep with Ismail Lagardien on 18 May 2019
Discussing Insurance Shortfall with An Wentzel on 11 May 2019
Investment fees and why they matter with Zain Johnson on 4 May 2019
What the 2019 Budget Speech means for us with Jeremy van Wyk on 20 April 2019
5 Warning signs that you’re not control of your credit card with Mark Johnson on 13 April 2019
Is it better to save money or to pay off debt? Keenan Williams on 6 April 2019
I’m poorer now than I was last last year – chat with Jeremy van Wyk on 16 March 2019
My pension fund is dropping with An Wentzel on 9 March 2019
Discussing 3 Money Ideas for the week with Zain Johnson on 2 March 2019
Imagine winning the 232 million is the lotto with An Wentzel on 23 February 2019
Canceling your store cards and calculating your Net Worth with Jeremy van Wyk on 16 February 2019
The 52 Week Savings Challenge with Jeremy van Wyk live on 9 February 2019
Is physical swiping better than paying digitally? With Jeanne Michel on 2 February 2019
Budgeting for clothing with Jeremy van Wyk live on 26 January 2019
Create a buffer in your budget 19 January 2019
A quick chat about whether it’s better to save money or pay debt (related this post on Save Money or Pay Debt) 12 January 2019
Talking about spending habits and how small expenses can all add up – 5 January 2019
How to avoid the traps of Debt-cember 8 December 2018
4 Mistakes to avoid when you’re involved in a car accident 1 December 2018
Post Black-Friday blues (related to the post Tips to avoid Black Friday) 24 November 2018
Talking about buying & selling property privately 17 November 2018
Retirement planning in uncertain times 3 November 2018
The true cost of your home loan initiation fee 27 October 2018
Cash flow matters! (Part 1) 20 October 2018
Start planning for Christmas now! 13 October 2018
Budgeting weaknesses & challenges 6 October 2018
Questions from listeners (buying a house on a personal loan & how often to upgrade your car) 29 September 2018
Why buy property in a Trust? 22 September 2018
Help! Where’s my money gone? 15 September 2018
Surviving the ever increasing petrol price 8 September 2018
How we’re taught that we need debt 1 September 2018
Finding the best pet insurance in South Africa 25 Aug 2018
The pros & cons of Credit Cards 18 August 2018
5 Habits to improve your financial health 11 August 2018
Who needs life insurance? 4 August 2018
My partner won’t budget 28 July 2018
Make this a Savings Month for you! 21 July 2018
Anything else about takechargeofyourmoney that you should know?
I take my money seriously and I would love to encourage others to do so too. I really believe that one can improve ones finances and future life by following some simple principles and habits which I share throughout the blog.
Take charge of your money! Personal finance in South Africa!
South Africans in general are negligent financially. They do not save and plan for the future or emergencies
That’s a broad statement but true for many. Hence my blog and the drive to help people take charge of their money!