Look
Education and population growth
Africa and India are the two regions driving global population growth, while most other parts of the world face ageing populations and declining birth rates.
A growing population can be a powerful engine for long-term economic growth, but only if paired with investment in education and skills. India has made notable progress in improving access to education (as illustrated in this infographic), especially for girls, which has contributed to lower fertility rates and a more productive workforce.
In contrast, many African countries (note even on this list), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, struggle with low literacy rates and high numbers of out-of-school children, which limits their ability to turn demographic growth into economic gains.
This contrast highlights a significant challenge for Africa. While it has youth on its side, the lack of educational infrastructure risks turning this advantage into a burden. Population growth alone is not enough, and it's what you do with that population that matters.
Listen
How our minds can play tricks on our money.
In a fascinating episode of the Choiceology podcast, behavioural scientist Katy Milkman explores a powerful mental bias called naive realism, which is the idea that our views feel objective and rational. In contrast, opposing views seem misguided or biased.
Remember the dress colour debate? What feels true to us is often shaped by personal experience, emotions, and unseen assumptions.
This is especially relevant when it comes to money. Many of us believe our views on investments, markets, and financial decisions are grounded in fact, yet we're all influenced by stories we've heard, past wins or losses, and fear or overconfidence.
That's where good financial advice matters. A trusted advisor helps you pause, challenge assumptions, and make decisions that align with long-term objectives. This discussion is a timely reminder of the value of perspective, especially in an uncertain world.
Learn
The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey
A father and his son once set out for town with their donkey. As they walked, they passed by some people who scoffed: "Why walk when you have a donkey? One of you should ride!"
So, the boy climbed on. Soon after, they passed others who muttered, "What kind of child rides while his father walks? So disrespectful!"
Feeling guilty, they switched places. But not long after, someone else commented, "A grown man riding while a child walks? That’s cruel!". So, they both got on the donkey.
Then came the remarks: "Two people on one donkey? Poor animal!"
Desperate to silence the criticism, they got off and carried the donkey. Onlookers laughed and pointed, "Now that’s just silly!"
Eventually, they stumbled, and the donkey fell into the river. In trying to please everyone, they lost what mattered most.
What this fable teaches us about financial planning
This fable is a timeless reminder that trying to tick every box or please everyone, whether it’s family, friends, headlines, or even your conflicting desires, often leads to poor decisions.
In financial planning, much like in this story, there's seldom a perfect solution or strategy. Each option has its strengths and compromises.
Maybe Product A gives you estate planning flexibility and tax benefits, but it costs more compared to Product B.
The real question you should be asking is: What matters most to you?
Trying to find the “perfect” solution often leads to frustration or missed opportunities. When you are clear on your priorities and objectives, the right solution often becomes clearer to you, even if it doesn’t deliver on all fronts.
Let’s not lose the donkey. Build a financial plan that carries what’s most important to you.
Ponder
In this section, I invite you to think about a question I may pose or a thought I may share.
Is there something in your life you’re willing to be disliked for? If not, how has that worked out for you?
Oenophilia
“Oenophilia simply refers to enjoying wine, often by laymen.”
Keermont is a small, family-owned wine farm tucked away in the beautiful Blaauwlippen Valley, otherwise known as Paradyskloof. What makes their wines special is the unique location, situated high in a cool valley with a mix of soil types, which lends the grapes an amazing character and depth.
Everything is done by hand on the farm, from growing grapes to making wine. They prioritise quality over quantity, creating elegant, age-worthy wines with a sense of place. If you appreciate thoughtful, well-crafted wines, Keermont is a gem worth discovering.
This winter, try the Keermont Syrah 2018. This vibrant red with notes of cherry, raspberry, spices, and vanilla will perfectly pair with a warm winter stew or Moorish soup.
Stay curious,
Elke Zeki