The Swan Effect - Creating and Sustaining Your Financial Wellbeing

Arthi Rabikrisson and Malika Petersen

Money makes the world go round, and if this is true, do you struggle to understand the complex workings of finance, money and investments? Join us, Host Arthi Rabikrisson and co-host on Season 2 Malika Petersen, both women in finance, as we delve into simplifying the complexities that come with managing your finances and investments. The theory of Black Swan Events is a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, and is often rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. The opposite of that are White Swan Events which are characterized as being more certain. Because life can be uncertain, there are Grey Swan areas and The Swan Effect is a monthly podcast that dives into some of those grey areas to empower persons in all walks of life to make better money decisions, and ultimately improve their relationship with money. A tribute and thank you to the late co-creator and co-host on Season 1 of the Swan effect podcast, Lucille Sikosana: you set the benchmark high, and we are proud to continue to elevate the important message on financial wellness and financial literacy globally. Your tenacity and optimistic attitude will always be the wind beneath our wings. read less
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Episodes

S3 E2 Prop Yourself Up For Wealth
Mar 3 2024
S3 E2 Prop Yourself Up For Wealth
In Season 3 episode 2 Arthi & Malika continue with the advent calendar of investments discussing real estate as an investment. They explore some of the most common ways to make money through property investment, the first being buying a physical property. Arthi lists a few of the ways in which you can influence your decision when purchasing a property.Malika shares a highly useful fact based on renting out space on your property, which can offer a sense of safety & community,  but further assists in paying off your mortgage or home-loan at a faster rate. The positive impact of this is that it reduces significantly how much of interest you pay over term or length of the home-loan, you pay your mortgage off quicker which means you save money.  Another option could be investing in a holiday home to rent out for additional income. A family vacation spot plus income when you are not on the property. Arthi introduces another property type which is commercial property which can be upcycled in terms of purpose,  such as storage, recreational centres, co-working spaces to name a few.Malika details the strategy of flipping houses and introduces us to REITs.Thus, there is a wealth of ideas to help one prop(erty) one's up for long term wealth creation. Listen in to the episode to hear:Income generation options to assist with your mortgageRenting out space to assist with the monthly expensesProperty crowdfundingShort term rentalsBusiness related properties and the pros & cons that can go with this type of property. Flipping propertiesReal estate investment trustFarmlandand so much moreRemember: “property value does increase over time”.We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S3 E1 2024 Explore!
Jan 31 2024
S3 E1 2024 Explore!
Welcome to 2024 and Season 3 everyone! Co-hosts Arthi Rabikrisson and Malika Petersen are excited to be back to continue the journey of exploring the path to financial freedom together! This season they will dig a little bit deeper into the investment side of things and thereby expand the  moneyverse opportunity set, almost like an advent calendar, where each month a new opportunity will be discussed.In this first episode, Arthi and Malika start off the investment theme by discussing education and how this is a form of investment in ourselves and for our children. Arthi discusses more on adult education which includes formal & informal pathways, and the potential rewards that can emerge from that. A key highlight is when accounting for costs of doing further studies, Arthi reminds us that beyond the explicit financial cost there are opportunity costs of not making this investment. Malika explores investment in children's education and provides some tips and tricks to help us budget for these expenses. Arthi highlights that what could be a success factor often not considered, is that children can, should and need to be involved, invested & informed about the costs required to achieve the desired education and goals. Malika and Arthi discuss more on the episode about:The definition of investmentEducation as a key investmentTips for education budgetsCost education calculatorand so much more!Remember: “when your hand is open to give, it is open to receive”We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2E16- Reset For Success
Nov 30 2023
S2E16- Reset For Success
Can you believe this is the final episode of the year 2023? In episode 16 of  season 2 Arthi & Malika discuss the importance  of  setting aside time to set ourselves up for a successful 2024.The first step with any goal is to define your goal correctly and accurately. Once you have a clear goal, in order to not overwhelm yourself Arthi suggests breaking down that goal into smaller chunks and reminds us of the SMART method. Ensuring that you follow the SMART principles  when setting a goal will mean you are able to be clear, track, budget, be realistic and implement your steps all of which will help this goal to be a success. Malika reiterates the importance of PTP (plan-track-plan) and that you should be updating your budget monthly in order to make the best decisions and ensure your 2024 is filled with wealth. Ensuring financial success is not only about planning but a big aspect is having various means of income. Both Arthi & Malika  dive deeper into some of the aspects of setting up a side hustle,some interesting stories  and Malika gives all the listeners a challenge for 2024.Ending off this insightful discussion Malika shares a quote “a dream written down with a date becomes a goal, a goal, broken down into steps becomes a plan and a plan backed by action makes your dreams come true”Listen to the full episode to hear Malika and Arthi discuss:Making sure you have SMART  (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time) goalsNever forgetting the  PTP (planning, track, plan again)Side hustles & entrepreneurship Entrepreneurial tipsAnd so much more!Remember: “we feel the pinch, after the fact”We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2 E15 Avenging The Christmas Bonus
Oct 31 2023
S2 E15 Avenging The Christmas Bonus
It's Episode 15 of Season 2 and with the end of the year fast approaching, Arthi and Malika prompt you to remember all the advice shared ahead of the festive or 'silly' season. In a fun twist, analogies from the cartoon comic Asterix and Obelix form the underlying basis of this episode (can you believe there was a Roman legionary called Christmasbonus!).If you are lucky enough to receive a Christmas bonus or thirteenth cheque in November, it may be very tempting to immediately splurge this extra income on non-essentials. However, this might leave you feeling in the doldrums come 2024. The good news is that if you have been listening and implementing all the useful hacks provided since February, that bonus can be used smartly and effectively allowing your 2024 to begin with ease. Malika and Arthi recap tips and tricks to enable you to be in a much better financial position. These include thinking ahead, using loyalty points, dining at home, sticking to your budget, shopping online, and recycling decorations. Arthi reminds us about how to prioritise investments at this time of year and how to spend wisely.Highlights from this episode's  discussion:The do’s and don'ts when it comes to the festive seasonWhat to do if you are not prepared for this time of year?How you can be better prepared next year.Mindfully rewarding yourself for sticking to your budgetRemember to Plan-Track-Plan (PTP)The questions posed at the end of 2022And so much more!Remember: “that small changes in behaviour and that the decisions we take with our money can really make a huge difference to our wealth”.Stay on track to avenge you Christmas bonus from previous years, to secure you financial village into the future!We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2 E14 The Way It Makes You Feel
Oct 3 2023
S2 E14 The Way It Makes You Feel
With only three months left of the year, Arthi & Malika use episode 14 in Season 2 of the Swan Effect podcast, to discuss how your moneyverse makes you feel and how a positive mindset is really key to achieving wealth. Arthi associates the brains’ prefrontal cortex as being your internal financial advisor  further explaining how integral the brain is when it comes to creating & managing your wealth. Arthi explains that we can rewire our brains to ensure that we are making the best decisions for our moneyverse and shares two techniques to help you begin.Malika reminds us how education is another key investment and allows us to  create the kind of wealth mindset ensuring we are open to opportunities. Arthi shares an experience she recently had with a Finnish ambassador and how the mindset in Finland around entrepreneurship has resulted in businesses viewing taxes as an investment  that directly results in better knowledge and workforce. This inspired Arthi to create the habit loop for us all to try.Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi highlight:How our brains play a vital role in managing our financesTechniques to changing how your brain works when it comes to your moneyverseHaving awareness of the cons of wealthThe habit loop  (cue-routine-reward)Importance of short and long term goalsInspiring other people to change their mindsetAnd so much more!Remember: “mindset is way more important than any amount of money that you can have”We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2 E13 Spend Your Way To Wealth
Sep 3 2023
S2 E13 Spend Your Way To Wealth
In episode 13 Arthi and Malika change things up a little, by discussing how you can spend your way to wealth. Yes, you read that right. This episode is about what you do with your money that can truly pave the way to financial abundance. In essence its about shifting the mindset from focusing on income to focusing on how you spend instead, with some practical examples. Arthi reminds us to make conscious choices such as investing in experiences and assets rather than spending recklessly on these temporary pleasures.Malika encourages us to spend by investing in yourself which can lead to a return, whether that be in education or personal self growth or simply your health. Malika shares an encouraging story which in essence reminds us that it is never too late to save, investment and have the opportunity to create wealthMalika and Arthi discuss:What it means to be "wealth conscious" Insightful questions you can ask yourself in order to fully understand your spendingMalika debunks the misconception that many people believe that the more money you earn, the richer you will become.How assets generate wealthCompound growthWhat is "lifestyle inflation" And so much more!Remember: “wealth creation is a journey and how you spend your money can determine how far you go”We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2 E12 FemPower!
Jul 31 2023
S2 E12 FemPower!
We're celebrating Woman's month in August in South Africa and so this episode 12 in Season 2 of The Swan Effect Podcast is dedicated to female power (FemPower)!Arthi and Malika discuss the power of women have and the importance of women becoming financially literate and confident. This is key for a number of driving factors: women earn less than men, women more often than not take time out of the workforce to care for the family, and women are more likely to live longer. Arthi provides some shocking statistics about women and finances such as the large pay gap between men and women, and that this gap isn't closing significantly anytime soon. Arthi and Malika go through the various milestones that a women goes through in life and discuss the finance steps in order to plan and be organised for each of these stages.Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi discuss:Finance statistics around womenThe importance of teaching your family about finances and breaking any unhealthy habitsRetirement goalsThe sandwich generationIncreasing income sourcesTaking a break from your career for motherhoodStarting our in your careerAnd so much more!Remember: “a woman who is convinced that she deserves to accept only the best challenges herself to give the best, then she is living phenomenally.”We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2 E11 Create Your Infinity Legacy
Jul 3 2023
S2 E11 Create Your Infinity Legacy
In Season 2 episode 11, Arthi & Malika take your moneyverse to the next level by discussing how to create your infinity legacy. This really is about taking those steps to ensure that the wealth that we create is able to stand the test of time and allow future generations to build on it.Using the example of a 23 year old who's entering the job market and doesn't have any financial history or baggage just yet, gives us insights into the decisions that can be made at that stage, that creates a financial and educational legacy. Malika reminds us of the strategy of paying yourself first and outlines how to split that payment into savings & investments. Arthi explains the next step in creating a lasting  legacy and moneyverse is having multiple sources of income and generously provides an abundance of ideas & income revenues.Malika & Arthi discuss how career paths are not as rigid as they once were and the importance of growing & developing yourself and being flexible while you navigate in your path. Both ladies share their own stories and  the changes of their paths. Lastly Arthi reintroduces the term debt solutions and how these are not all created equal. The hosts discuss securing fixed assets in order to use the leverage to generate wealth over time.Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi:Explain the difference between saving & investinghighlight the importance of diversificationshowcase having various sources of  incomehow you can grow & develop  your career pathoutline relevant debt solutionsunderscore the importance of having a financial advisorAnd so much more!Remember: “we not defined by the career that we have or what we earn, but rather than the decision that we take when spending”We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S3 E10 In Your Best Interest
Jun 1 2023
S3 E10 In Your Best Interest
It's episode 10 of Season 2 and we are already in June, feeling that the end of the year is  fast approaching. Arthi and Malika thought it was the perfect time to discuss what is in your best  INTEREST,especially since in South Africa, we are experiencing an increase in interest rates which is impacting our budgets and quality of life.In this episode, they help us understand the drivers of interest rates, and how they impact us. Arthi introduces four factors that affect the interest rate, firstly inflation. Companies increase the price of the goods and services when there's more demand, because this can lead to less supply, and those differences result in inflation.The next two factors are the stock markets and international events and the decrease in available funds directly results in changes in the interest rates. The final driver which affects interest rates is fiscal borrowing and in South Africa we have a large fiscal deficit. The deficit is the difference between governments income versus their expenses and when the government spends more money than what is coming in this means that in order to have the funds to pay back the markets, the rates are increased.Arthi and Malika offer insights and tips into how you can respond and work with the change in interest rates and to look for opportunities within the chaos. Arthi also explains how it is not all negative and that there is a plus side to higher rates.Listen in to hear Malika and Arthi discuss:the mechanism the Monetary Policy Committee,MPC in South Africa, uses to control inflation i.e. the repo rateMore about the four factors that influence the interest rate decisionthe true impact of interest rates on your spending plans or budgetThe behavioral psychology aspect of spending & saving and how delayed gratification can help Thinking like a wealthy person especially in times of every increasing ratesHow to become that person who finds opportunity in chaosAnd so much more!Remember: “never pay for an item longer than, which that item may last”We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S3 E9 Assetify your portfolio
May 2 2023
S3 E9 Assetify your portfolio
On episode 9 of Season 2 of the Swan Effect podcast, Arthi and Malika continue the journey into understanding and simplifying financial investments, by introducing and explaining the fundamental building blocks available to grow one's moneyverse: assets.In coining the terms 'assetify', which is meant to describe making one's portfolio asset-rich through diversification, Malika and Arthi talk about traditional asset types and non-traditional ones too, some that can produce income creating side hustles.Arthi further explains how these can be used effectively to diversify a portfolio while seeking guidance and advice from an ecosystem of support including financial planners, advisers and coaches.Listen in to hear Arthi and Malika share about:- traditional asset classes - equity, property, bonds, cash- what is a balanced fund- Active fund management versus passive fund management- examples of diversification in a portfolio- things to consider such as fees and taxes when building your asset porfolio- non traditional assets - cryptocurrency, NFTs, capital assets that produce income.And so much more!Hear practical tips on how having an asset rich portfolio and making your assets work together in harmony, can bring you closer to your financial goals.Remember, "you are your greatest asset!".We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2 E8 Choosing The Right Investment Vehicle For Your Journey
Apr 2 2023
S2 E8 Choosing The Right Investment Vehicle For Your Journey
Our moneyverse is shaping up really nicely so in episode 8 of Season 2, Arthi and Malika provide details of the technical aspects of investments to ensure that your moneyverse grows to counteract the negative impact of taxes.To get you into the correct mindset, Arthi imparts some practical ways to take your mind off the stressful elements around your finances that will help lift your mood and position you away from the comfort and fear zones, towards the learning and growth mindset and zones. Malika channels thinking towards selecting the correct investment vehicle for one's investments and assets, with Arthi and Malika providing high level understanding of the popular choices, being a retirement annuity, a unit trust, tax free investments and linked wrapped vehicles.In the episode Arthi and Malika further discuss:How to take your wealth freedom to the next levelUnderstanding the fundamental aspects of your moneyverse or as Malika prefers to say choosing the right vehicle for your financial freedom journeyProvide amazing tips on how to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed to make sure you have the confidence to move forward into a eye-opening learning zoneThe difference between the investment vehicle & asset composition and in actual fact what do these phrases actually mean.The cost of your investmentsRemind you of the importance of  diversity within your finances  It is important to still obtain professional advice from a financial advisor when it comes to  financial growth and development.Remember: “the outcome of this game around your money it's still in your hands”We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2E5 The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Dec 1 2022
S2E5 The Gift that Keeps on Giving
In our 2022 wrap up episode 5 of Season 2, Arthi and Malika helps you look at a truly wonderful gift that really does keep on giving: your investments.The festive season is upon us and it is very easy to become swept up with wanting to spoil loved ones (and yourself) with treats, especially with all the specials around, pots Black Friday and Cyber Monday too. That 13th cheque or bonus that you may receive this month could be used to feed that desire, or can be used to set you up for even greater spoils down the line.To help you think about it from this perspective Malika and Arthi nudge you to think about the following questions, as part of your reflection for the year that has been and what you are hoping to gain in 2023:Why do I need to invest?How much risk do I need to take to grow my wealth?How long should I be invested for?When is the right time to disinvest?How do I prioritise investing when I have so many commitments and responsibilities to other?How do I deal with the voice in my mind that tells me to spend without thinking of the consequences?As part of these reflections, Arthi and Malika offer:how to use visualisation as a way to stop immediate consumption and consider investing to reach those goals you truly desirepractical examples of the impact and benefit of compounding - one of the best friends you can ever have!real world investor habits who use investment opportunities wiselymaking investing a forethought, not an afterthoughtthe concept of delayed gratification and how it can offer a substantial opportunity for legacy creationIt can be a difficult journey figuring out how and where to go about investing. Seeking out support is crucial. But if you hit a setback in your money management and investing journey, follow what Arthi says: "if you fail once, you don’t throw in the towel, rather fetch a new towel and hang it up differently!"We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.Have a fruitful festive season and New Year listeners and subscribers!This episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2 E2 To will or not to will(power)!
Sep 1 2022
S2 E2 To will or not to will(power)!
In Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Swan Effect podcast, Arthi and Malika helped to identify those financial superpowers we all have that we can use to unleash our money management potential. This month, the hosts are enabling you to commit to your financial goals and build your willpower to keep going. Joining as a guest is Sandra Segers, Head of Strategic Management Relationship at Old Mutual Wealth.Sandra shares how her first memory of money shaped her own relationship with her finances and management thereof. More important there arose key learning from that which she uses today such as managing her debt carefully, and being frugal on where and how her money is spent.Listen in to the discussion where we together further unpack:·       How to alter the effects of our memories with money to be more productive·       Practical ways to start our journey towards better money ·       How to prioritise where to start the journey·       Why goal setting and key to the success of achieving your goal and how to go about it·       Being cognisant of blind spots and roadblocks that may hinder our progress·       Learning how to open to opportunities even in what may seem to be a chaotic context·       Your mindset and owning your choicesAnd so many more tips and ideas that will not only motivate you but commit you towards progress with your money management goals.We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.About Sandra Segers:Sandra entered the financial industry over 20 years ago after spending some time in education and retail. Her positions in the industry range from training consultant and manager, to business development and strategic relationship manager for a team of Financial Planning Coaches. Their goal is to train, mentor and coach financial planners to have engagements with their clients which is centred around who they are, what is important to them followed by a best advice framework for financial decision making. Sandra’s vision is for all South Africans to live purposeful lives enabled by sound financial decisions. This Episode is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.
S2 E1 Unleashing your Financial Superpowers!
Aug 1 2022
S2 E1 Unleashing your Financial Superpowers!
We Are Back on Air!After a hiatus of 8 months, The Swan Effect Podcast is launching Season 2 with host Arthi Rabikrisson and co-host Malika Petersen!As August is Woman's month in South Africa, this episode spotlights that we women have the ability to unleash our financial superpowers, given inherent strengths and capabilities. Many of these are actually shaped by our narratives or stories of how money was managed around us. Arthi shares her narrative around her mum being key to controlling the disbursement of money in the household even though her dad was the sole income earner. This has shaped how hands on Arthi is with her money management. Malika shared an opposite narrative of a friend who's father controlled every financial decision in the household, resulting in her friend not wanting to take control of her own finances today. And yet, within both those narratives, lie very key traits that actually can be those financial superpowers that lead us on the  path to financial wellbeing.Listen in to the discussion where we share:Superpower 1: Know your Money PotSuperpower 2: Monetise your passionsSuperpower 3:  the P-T-P (plan-track-plan some more!)Superpower 4: Spending LeashWe also offer some practical advice and ideas on how to move ahead with using these superpowers, through budgeting, will and commitment to the plan, and of course, over time, resulting in this augmenting the narrative we each have with our personal finances and investments.We would love to hear your views based on the concepts covered in this episode. Do rate, write a review, and share with others.#TheSwanEffect #FinancialCoaching #Debt #FinancialWellbeing #WomenInFinance #Saving#Investing #Financialwellness
Swanning out for now - 2021
Nov 11 2021
Swanning out for now - 2021
To the subscribers, well-wishers and supporters of the Swan effect podcastIt is with a heavy heart that I inform you that co-host Lucille Sikosana, passed away in October 2021.It has been a difficult time for her friends and family, to come to terms with the loss of this beautiful person. I too have often been overwhelmed with thoughts that my co-host is not longer here to tackle upcoming episodes of the podcast together. Indeed,, our brainstorming, pre-production and post-production sessions together were fun yet serious.We built and bootstrapped The Swan Effect podcast together, with the intent on demystifying managing personal and business finances so you, our listeners, could claim your opportunity, to manage your finances easier. That remains the intent of The Swan Effect Podcast.To preserve the legacy of my co-host Lucille's presence on this first season of the show, I have opted to press pause on season 1 and allow you the time and opportunity to catch up on episodes you have missed. Download and do share, as the insights and practical advice offered by Lucille, myself and our esteemed guests can assist someone in your network to get on a productive financial footing.Season 2 of The Swan Effect podcast will launch in 2022 and I look forward to your comments, feedback and ideas to make this show successful, while living up to the intent that Lucille and I crafted together.Thank you for listening to us!Swanning out for nowArthi Rabikrisson