Episode 05: Why We Are Feeling the Rising Cost of Living

Episode 05: Why We Are Feeling the Rising Cost of Living

Inflation might be sitting at seemingly benign headline levels, but in the real world, it’s still biting hard. That disconnect is exactly what this episode tackles. The Finance Ghost sits down with Mike Moore (WellsFaber) and Rupert Hare (Prescient) to unpack why clients are feeling financially squeezed despite low CPI prints. From grocery bills and electricity to medical aid and municipal rates, the discussion highlights how “personal inflation” often looks very different to the official numbers. The conversation then moves from diagnosis to strategy. What do you actually do when costs keep rising, especially in retirement? And how should portfolios be structured to not just keep up with inflation, but meaningfully beat it? Rupert explains the importance of diversified, multi-asset portfolios targeting real returns (like CPI + 6%), while Mike highlights the behavioural realities of clients managing drawdowns, lifestyle adjustments, and the emotional side of financial planning. The core message is clear: inflation is unavoidable, but being unprepared for it is optional. Key takeaways: * Headline inflation isn't personal inflation - your spending basket matters more than CPI * Clients are increasingly requesting higher income drawdowns, signalling real pressure on cost of living * Major pressure points: groceries, electricity, medical aid, and municipal costs * Imported inflation (fuel, currency weakness) plays a big role in South Africa * Lifestyle inflation (e.g. growing families) often gets mistaken for price inflation * Sitting in cash or fixed deposits can be riskier than investing, as inflation erodes purchasing power * Beating inflation requires a deliberate strategy, not hope * Diversification and time in the market are the two “free lunches” in investing * Balanced funds provide exposure to multiple asset classes to smooth risk and enhance returns * A target like CPI + 6% helps protect capital and enable sustainable withdrawals * Financial planning is as much behavioural as it is mathematical * Early, incremental lifestyle adjustments are better than crisis-driven decisions Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only. For bespoke personal financial advice, speak to a WellsFaber wealth manager and visit the WellsFaber website [https://www.wellsfaber.com/] for more information. WellsFaber is an authorised FSP number 639. The views shared on this podcast are those of the individual concerned and do not necessarily represent the views of The Finance Ghost or of WellsFaber.

Episode 04: Building a Business from the Ground Up

This episode dives into the realities of starting and scaling a business in South Africa, with Kevin Dolley from WellsFaber and Matt Beckett, founder of n plus 1. We explore the challenges founders face early on - from understanding their numbers to managing compliance, overheads, outsourced specialists, and the mental load of doing everything themselves. Matt shares what he’s learned from working with entrepreneurs at all stages, and why combining skills, capital and proper support is critical from day one. Kevin brings the wealth‑planning lens, unpacking the structures and protections founders often overlook - from personal financial foundations to employee benefits and succession planning. Together, the conversation highlights a simple theme: entrepreneurs don’t need to do this alone. With the right partners, a clear plan, recognition of the value of coaching and a focus on what actually matters, founders can build stronger businesses and long‑term wealth. Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only. For bespoke personal financial advice, speak to a WellsFaber wealth manager and visit the WellsFaber website [https://www.wellsfaber.com/] for more information. WellsFaber is an authorised FSP number 639. The views shared on this podcast are those of the individual concerned and do not necessarily represent the views of The Finance Ghost or of WellsFaber.

Episode 03: Reclaiming Power - Navigating Your Finances Post-Divorce

Cheryl Steyn is an excellent example of what can happen when your life is turned upside down by a major loss event. Although in her case it was divorce, the reality is that there are many ways in which your best laid plans can be cast aside by something unexpected. With kids to think about and long-term needs to consider, Cheryl had to reinvent herself and rebuild her plan one step at a time. Mike Moore, Wealth Manager at WellsFaber, was there every step of the way. This is an inspiring story of how to dust yourself off and move forwards in life despite the challenges that it may throw you. It's also a great reminder that having a proper financial plan is absolutely critical even when you are starting from the ground floor again. Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only. For bespoke personal financial advice, speak to a WellsFaber wealth manager and visit the WellsFaber website [https://www.wellsfaber.com/] for more information. WellsFaber is an authorised FSP number 639. The views shared on this podcast are those of the individual concerned and do not necessarily represent the views of The Finance Ghost or of WellsFaber.

Episode 02: Financial Fitness for the Aging Mind

Forgetfulness. Slower decision making. Confusion around things that used to be easier to understand. Are these just normal bandwidth issues in our always-on world, or could it be something deeper? Distinguishing between the normal side effects of aging and potentially deeper medical problems is the passion that drives Dr. Craige Dietrich, The Memory Doc in Cape Town. Mike Moore, Wealth Manager at WellsFaber, sees the impact of these challenges in his older clients as they begin to struggle to manage their affairs effectively. Nobody likes talking about this stuff, but it's just so important to get on top of it early and put the right steps in place. In this excellent discussion, Dr. Craige Dietrich helps us understand the medical side of this issue, while Mike Moore explains the practical considerations that he's seen with his clients. Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only. For bespoke personal financial advice, speak to a WellsFaber wealth manager and visit the WellsFaber website [https://www.wellsfaber.com/] for more information. WellsFaber is an authorised FSP number 639. The views shared on this podcast are those of the individual concerned and do not necessarily represent the views of The Finance Ghost or of WellsFaber.

Episode 01: Health & Wealth (with Kevin Dolley and Dr. Michael Mol)

We all know what a lifespan is, but what is a healthspan? And why does extending it have so many benefits for not just your happiness and lifestyle, but also your financial future? Dr. Michael Mol is well-known for his work in television and media, but he is on a mission that goes well beyond that: as a medical doctor with a passion for helping people live longer and healthier lives, he delivers global talks on practical and simple insights into living better. Kevin Dolley is a wealth manager at WellsFaber, so his work is dedicated to helping WellsFaber clients reach their financial goals and achieve the financial freedom. This means he is perfectly placed to show the benefits of extending your healthspan and what this means for retirement planning. Hosted by ex-investment banker and now media entrepreneur The Finance Ghost, the WellsFaber podcast is about helping you live the life you want. Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only. For bespoke personal financial advice, speak to a WellsFaber wealth manager and visit the WellsFaber website [https://www.wellsfaber.com/] for more information. WellsFaber is an authorised FSP number 639. The views shared on this podcast are those of the individual concerned and do not necessarily represent the views of The Finance Ghost or of WellsFaber.