From Surviving to Thriving: How Chantel Transformed Her Financial Journey

“Investing my money is the debt I owe to myself.” - Chantel

From Middelburg to money management

Chantel, a self-described "ordinary girl" from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, shares a story that resonates deeply with many fellow South Africans. Growing up in a modest household, she pursued a BCom Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg, later becoming an accountant. Despite her academic background in finance, Chantel, like many others, faced the challenge of managing her personal finances.

“It’s funny because I can balance a balance sheet for a company, but when it came to my personal finances, I was completely lost,” she admits.

Life threw its challenges early on. Chantel became a young mother and found herself supporting both her child and her family back home. Entering the corporate world added lifestyle inflation to the mix, leaving her in a financial whirlwind.

Chantel’s wake-up call: A pandemic pivot

For years, Chantel lived on overdraft, juggling debts and relying on payday to get through the month. 

It wasn’t until COVID-19 hit that she had her wake-up call. With pay cuts and rising uncertainty, she realised her financial situation was unsustainable.

“I couldn’t even afford the pay cut,” she recalls. “I had to sit down, rethink my life, and become very intentional about my finances.”

Her first step was seeking a payment break on her vehicle loan. This gave her breathing room to tackle other debts. She began devouring personal finance content on YouTube, with South African finance guru Nicolette Mashile becoming a guiding light.

For Chantel, financial freedom isn’t just about having money; it’s about feeling secure.

“Being all over the place financially can make you feel sick,” she explains. “Knowing where your money is going gives you peace of mind and control.”

The lessons Chantel learnt in money management 💡

Chantel’s journey to financial freedom wasn’t about big leaps but small, deliberate steps. Here are the strategies that turned her financial life around:

1. Clearing debts

She tackled her clothing accounts and the credit card that had kept her in a cycle of debt. “I started paying off all my bad debts. I lived on overdraft for so long, but I became intentional about breaking that cycle.”

2. Living below her means

Downgrading her lifestyle was a game-changer. Chantel began evaluating every expense, cutting back on unnecessary spending, and focusing on what truly mattered. "Downgrade your lifestyle today to upgrade your future tomorrow."

3. Allocating money with purpose

Chantel adopted a “buckets” approach to her finances, allocating every cent to specific goals such as renovations, holidays, and her emergency fund. “I don’t touch my investments for unplanned expenses. If it’s not allocated, it’s untouchable,” she says.

How Chantel got started investing

After sorting out her debts and gaining financial literacy, Chantel turned her attention to investing. She heard about Franc from trusted content creators and decided to give it a try. Initially, her goal was to save for her 30th birthday celebration.

“I started with R500 a month, and every year, I increased it by R500. Now, I’m at R2,000 consistently. It’s not negotiable. It’s like a debt I owe to myself,” she says.

While she didn’t end up using the funds for her birthday, the satisfaction of watching her investment grow became addictive. “It’s a safe space for me. Even when the market dips, I trust it will come back. Franc has been my best investment decision.”

As her confidence grew, Chantel diversified her investments. Alongside Franc, she explored:

• EasyEquities for individual stocks—“I stick to companies I believe in and evaluate the market before buying.”
• Cryptocurrency —“I only put in what I’m willing to lose.”
• Crowd Farming —“I’ve invested in cows and pigs, not as a farmer but as part of an investment platform.”
• A savings account for short-term, high-interest savings.

Chantel’s lessons for aspiring investors

Chantel’s story is a testament to the power of starting small and staying consistent. Here are her top tips:

1. Educate yourself. “Watch personal finance content, read newsletters, and follow people who know what they’re talking about.”

2. Start small. “Even if it’s just R500, start somewhere. You can always increase it as you go.”

3. Be intentional. “Allocate your money to specific goals. It gives you clarity and prevents overspending.”

4. Trust the process. “Investing isn’t a quick fix. Be patient and trust that your money will grow over time. Every financial setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. Be kind with yourself through the journey.”

A final word of encouragement

Chantel’s journey from financial chaos to intentional investing proves that anyone can turn their situation around.

“I’m just an ordinary girl figuring it out,” she says humbly. “But if I can do it, so can you. There is always a chance to rewrite your story, just start where you are to take control of your finances. Start small, but start smart!