Money Has A Personality. What's Yours?

One of the most compelling ideas in Fulu’s book is the notion that money isn’t neutral. It has a personality, and eventually it takes on your own.

“For some people, money lives the fast life of Joburg,” writes Fulu. “It quickly comes, and it quickly goes. For others, money is a distant relative who keeps to himself and never visits, and when he does visit, he doesn’t stay long.”

But for some, money is well-behaved, hard-working, and grows quietly in the background. For others, it is a wild child, ill-disciplined and ungovernable.

“The important thing to note,” says Fulu, “is that we give money the personality it has in our hands.”

An enduring financial myth is that success is measured by how much you earn. In Fulu’s world, and in reality, it’s about how you handle what you earn. Growing up, Fulu observed this firsthand.

“My mother was a nurse and managed to build a life for us, raise her children, and stay afloat. But I also had relatives who earned more and had little to show for it. That’s when I realised it’s not the amount, it’s the mindset.”

The Invisible Cost of Adulting

Like many graduates, Fulu was excited to finally earn a salary. But she quickly learned that adulting comes with invisible costs.

“You don’t think about Wi-Fi, electricity, or water, especially if you’ve been living in student residence.

Suddenly, everything has a price tag. Groceries run out. Rent is due. There are transport costs, household items, and endless little things you didn’t budget for.”

Despite being in a high-earning profession, Fulu realised that her initial expectations were unrealistic.

“I had to recalibrate,” she says. “It took me about three to four months to really understand what my budget looked like in real life.”

Her advice? Don’t overestimate your ability to save before you’ve factored in the full cost of living.

And don’t fall into the trap of lifestyle inflation, where a higher income leads to higher spending but not necessarily greater financial security.

Resist the Pressure to Overspend

One of the biggest traps for young earners is the pressure to upgrade, when flashy cars, credit cards, and high-limit overdrafts suddenly become available. Fulu resisted, and she’s glad she did.

“I didn’t apply for credit for a full year,” she says. “No credit card, no loans. I just kept things simple. A basic transactional account and a savings plan. It was one of my proudest decisions.”

When she did eventually buy a car, it was on her terms. She set a strict budget, of no more than R7 000 a month, including insurance.

She did her research and chose a car that was fuel-efficient, safe, and practical, even for the rough rural roads back home in Limpopo.

Beware the Property Pitfall

When Fulu decided to buy her first property, off-plan in a new development, she thought she was making a smart investment. Instead, she walked into a drawn-out legal and emotional ordeal.

“The property wasn’t built. There were delays. I couldn’t get out of the contract easily. It ended up costing me around R20 000 just to exit.”

The experience taught her a powerful lesson. New doesn’t always mean better, and emotion can be the enemy of sound investing.

“It’s so important to get a lawyer to review your contracts. I wish I had.”

Trust the Pros When it Comes to Investing

While property was a rough ride, Fulu took a steadier approach to investing. She started with a small monthly debit order into a managed fund — just R1 000 at first — and grew it as her income increased.

She trusts professionals to handle the bulk of her long-term investments, but also keeps a small personal portfolio, “just to learn and experiment.”

This balanced approach lets her build wealth while staying grounded.

“I don’t have time to track the stock market all day. I need to know my money is working for me while I’m working too.”

Insurance is A Gift to Your Future Self

Few earners of Fulu’s generation want to hear the simple truth about insurance: that it matters. As an actuary, she knows the maths.

“The younger you are when you take out life or income protection cover,” she says, “the less you’ll pay. It’s one of the best gifts you can give your future self.”

Fulu complements her employer benefits with personal cover and reassesses her needs as her life evolves.

“Turning 30 is a good time to revisit everything, from medical aid to critical illness cover.”

So what are the takeaways from Fulu’s journey? Start small. Think long-term. Avoid pressure. Plan for surprises. And most of all, mind your cents.

Whether you’re fresh out of university or starting your financial journey later in life, Fulu’s story is a reminder that the path to financial freedom is personal, practical, and entirely possible.