Page 8 - TODAY magazine Issue 1 2021

UPFRONT // ONE-MINUTE READS
Contributors
Meet a few of the writers featured in this issue. Because all four are freelancers, we asked them what it’s like to be your own boss.
KEMONG MOPEDI
After being a full-time magazine editor, Kemong went freelance two years ago. As a young mum, it was a big leap.
Do you like being your own boss?
‘It’s completely liberating. In the same breath, I’m constantly negotiating my money anxiety, but I traded having a monthly salary for my mental wellbeing.’
Has working for yourself changed your attitude to money? ‘Clients pay sporadically and getting money in, say, on the 15th of the month is still fairly new to me – and dangerous, because I’m an impulsive spender. But I’m learning to respect money.’
What is the biggest money lesson you’ve learnt in your life? ‘Every cent counts. It’s not the big debit orders that eat away at my bank balance, it’s the small amounts I spend mindlessly.’
Did you set yourself any financial goals for this year?
‘To put every extra penny into my savings and emergency funds, to pay my bills as soon as I am paid and to spend less on food and more on experiences.
Kemong explores second-hand shopping on page 36.
NEESA MOODLEY
Neesa writes for the likes of Daily Maverick, Tech Central and Moneyweb, but her real love is blogging about personal finance at moneyissues.co.za
Why did you start freelancing?
‘I did it seven years ago, largely so that I could spend time with my son who was six at the time and had just started Grade 1. It was, without a doubt, the best decision I ever made.’
So you never regretted it?
‘No, but I have to admit that freelancing can be scary. You have to be disciplined with your time, your resources and your money. My father committed suicide due to financial problems when I was 17. Every article I write that helps someone, even in a small way, is a tribute to him.’
You had open-heart surgery at a relatively young age. How has that affected your priorities? ‘It was life-changing and made me realise just how much I want to live! Time is our most precious commodity. Also, now every day is an opportunity to dress up. I’m done saving my clothes for special occasions.’
Neesa compares renting and buying a home on page 44.
HELEN UECKERMANN
Helen began writing about personal finance to share the lessons she learnt from her own money difficulties.
How would you rate freelancing?
‘Accepting a retrenchment package and going freelance was my best decision ever. There were lots of highs, but mostly it’s being independent and being able to work from anywhere. As long as there is Wi-Fi, I can work. The lows include not working for two months because of burnout.’
What mistakes do many self- employed people make? ‘Not realising that you are only as good as your last job, and not making financial provision for times when you may not have work for a while.’
And your own biggest money lesson?
‘Debt can swallow you whole. At a time when interest rates went up on a regular basis, I could not keep up with my expenses and lost my house. It was a shattering experience after which I worked full out for five years to get my finances in order.’
Helen explains how to get more from car insurance on page 40.
TREVOR CRIGHTON
Trevor is a writer, photographer and PR consultant who has been self-employed for half his career.
Why did you leave your full-time job?
‘I was working at a PR agency and hated every second of it. After yet another soul-destroying meeting, I resigned, worked out my notice period and started my first freelance gig the day after I left.’
You’re not very active on social media, unlike most other freelancers and startups. How do you find work?
‘I’ve been lucky to retain clients for long periods since I started freelancing, and word of mouth – thanks to that – has helped to grow and sustain my work.’
What is the biggest money lesson you’ve learnt?
‘Get a good accountant! I’m good at managing my finances, but not at understanding the ins and outs of structuring them properly to maximise benefits on things like tax. I got some shocking tax bills in my first few years as a freelancer when I tried to do my own returns.’
Trevor looks at online job hunting on page 38.
// 6 // ISSUE ONE 2021
PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: FREEPIK, GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED