Latest / The Swan Effect - Creating and Sustaining Your Financial Wellbeing / S4 E10 The Clarity Arc

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S4 E10 The Clarity Arc · The Swan Effect - Creating and Sustaining Your Financial Wellbeing

• 0:01
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Your legacy isn't just about numbers.
• 0:04
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's about the confidence that comes with knowing your wealth is expertly managed.
• 0:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: At Old Mutual Wealth, we offer solutions that go beyond investment management.
• 0:16
  Arthi Rabikrisson: We're your trusted partner in achieving financial success.
• 0:20
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Together with your financial planner, we uncover what matters most to you.
• 0:25
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Crafting a personalized plan tailored to your unique goals.
• 0:30
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Backed by a team dedicated to your wealth journey, we provide innovative strategies, in-depth research, and award-winning investment expertise.
• 0:40
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Partner with us to take your wealth further with advice-led personalized wealth management, offering clients and financial planners a full suite of industry-leading investment solutions.
• 0:54
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Visit www.oldmutual.co.za /wealth to learn more.
• 1:01
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Hi there, I'm Arthi Rabikrisson.
• 1:09
  Malika Petersen: Hello, I'm Malika Petersen.
• 1:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Welcome he Swan effect Podcast.
• 1:15
  Arthi Rabikrisson: We're your go-to podcast to simplify the complexities of money management, investing, and wealth management.
• 1:23
  Malika Petersen: So that you can get a confidence in your relationship with money and become financially literally independent and free.
• 1:31
  Arthi Rabikrisson: That first step towards freedom is knowledge.
• 1:34
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And you can start gaining that right now by listening to this upcoming episode.
• 1:40
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Hello everyone! Eeek, under 2 months left before Christmas! And then of course, New Year 2026.
• 1:54
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Are we panicking yet, everyone?
• 1:55
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, maybe because we haven't reached our goal for the year yet, I know how stressful that can be.
• 2:00
  Arthi Rabikrisson: But actually, you know what?
• 2:01
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Maybe we're just looking forward to a really, really great summer holiday this year.
• 2:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And yes, for all of those of you listening in who are not in the southern hemisphere, like we are, it's actually a really, really cool summery Christmas that we end up having as well as a new year.
• 2:17
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And I can tell you it's quite amazing.
• 2:19
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, okay, but I'm digressing a little bit here.
• 2:22
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Whatever it is you may be feeling, I'm so glad that you're listening in today because guess what?
• 2:27
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Every superhero needs a moment to pause between battles, to heal, to plan, and to be able to see clearly again.
• 2:34
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So as the year is now drawing a bit to a close, I think this is the perfect time to put on your superhero lenses and let's look at your financial life with fresh eyes.
• 2:45
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And that, of course, brings us to this episode, which is about the Clarity Arc, everyone.
• 2:51
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And this is where every hero needs just that moment to regroup, to refocus, because of course we need to see forward about what really matters.
• 2:59
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Hi, Malika.
• 3:01
  Malika Petersen: Hi, Arthi.
• 3:02
  Malika Petersen: Hello, listeners.
• 3:03
  Malika Petersen: And Arthi, you're so right, right?
• 3:05
  Malika Petersen: This is the ideal time to have this episode.
• 3:08
  Malika Petersen: I'm so excited.
• 3:09
  Malika Petersen: After a season filled with action, resilience, innovation, and generosity, clarity ties it all together so nicely for us, listeners, right?
• 3:19
  Malika Petersen: Absolutely.
• 3:19
  Malika Petersen: It's what helps us align our focus with power.
• 3:23
  Malika Petersen: Like Iron Heart holding her suit from scratch.
• 3:27
  Malika Petersen: Every piece is deliberate, nothing's random.
• 3:30
  Malika Petersen: So clarity is definitely your blueprint.
• 3:33
  Malika Petersen: It's the opportunity that allows you to understand your money story, past, present, and going into the future.
• 3:41
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So everyone, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's discover how clarity can become your financial superpower.
• 3:49
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, so let's actually start here then, Malika.
• 3:51
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Why do we lose clarity with our finances?
• 3:54
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Seems like a simple question, right?
• 3:56
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And I think it's it comes down to a couple of things.
• 3:58
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, sometimes it's information overload.
• 4:01
  Arthi Rabikrisson: There's so many numbers, there's so much of advice, too many voices telling us what you should be doing and could be doing.
• 4:08
  Arthi Rabikrisson: There's also all these different algorithms out there in this tech environment, right?
• 4:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And they kind of are shaping our thoughts about different things.
• 4:16
  Arthi Rabikrisson: At other times, it could be about emotions that we're sitting with, like fear and guilt, even our excitement as well.
• 4:24
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And that all can cloud our judgment.
• 4:27
  Malika Petersen: Yeah, and let's not forget those comparison traps, right?
• 4:30
  Malika Petersen: I mean, nowadays, scrolling through social media, I mean, it's full of highlight reels, right?
• 4:35
  Malika Petersen: And it really feels like we're watching everyone's best moments, biggest wins, right?
• 4:41
  Malika Petersen: It's true, yeah.
• 4:42
  Malika Petersen: And it's easy to feel like you're falling behind.
• 4:46
  Malika Petersen: But it's, you know, it's easy to forget that, like superheroes, for example, Iron Heart or aka Ruby Williams, the genius who takes over from Tony Stark, or Quizy even, right?
• 4:57
  Malika Petersen: Our very own South African superhero.
• 4:59
  Malika Petersen: Every victory takes sleepless nights and many many failed prototypes.
• 5:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Yeah.B here's the thing superheroes can fight effectively.
• 5:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Or they can't, sorry, they can't fight effectively when theyres right?
• 5:14
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's important that we clean our lens so that we can see our true target.
• 5:19
  Arthi Rabikrisson: In other words, we need to clear the financial fog and all of that noise, right?
• 5:24
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So let's talk about that.
• 5:25
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Let's talk about how to clear that fog.
• 5:27
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And kind of what's the one thing that's crowded your financial vision this year, Arthi?
• 5:34
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, if I'm being really honest, I think for me, the fog creeps in when I'm really trying to do everything all at once.
• 5:41
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Yeah.
• 5:41
  Arthi Rabikrisson: That means like investing and then planning, saving, thinking about diversifying.
• 5:47
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I end up feeling like I'm more like Iron Man than Iron Heart.
• 5:51
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I'm so armored up, but I'm also exhausted because I'm trying to do so much at once.
• 5:56
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Malika, I remember a few years ago, I actually had some cash available.
• 6:00
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, I had this idea as well.
• 6:02
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, before the cash hit my bank account, like, okay, this is what I'm gonna do with it.
• 6:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: and no everyone it was not to spend it.
• 6:08
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, okay, maybe a small allocation was towards consumption.
• 6:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: But all of a sudden, when the cash hit my account, I was suddenly like, okay, let me look at this investment, let me look at this diversification.
• 6:20
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Yeah.
• 6:20
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And sort of thinking, ooh, that's gonna be really nice if I put a little bit there.
• 6:24
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And eventually, what happened, everybody?
• 6:27
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It just affected my ability to take action.
• 6:29
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I think I was a bit paralyzed for a while because I didn't know what to do.
• 6:33
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I realized I was now trying to struggle, I was juggling like all these different goals.
• 6:38
  Arthi Rabikrisson: In the process, I actually lost sight of what really mattered the most.
• 6:42
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So eventually, it did take a little bit of time, but I eventually I did come back to my original thought and I proceeded with that option.
• 6:50
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, because again, what happened to me was there was just so much of information out there.
• 6:54
  Arthi Rabikrisson: There's so many options, be it cryptocurrencies, ETFs, traditional unit trusts, share portfolios, I mean, multiple sources of income you could invest in.
• 7:05
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, we could go on and on and on.
• 7:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And we have covered all of these options in our previous episodes, everyone.
• 7:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So you know what?
• 7:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It is easy to become distracted, right?
• 7:14
  Malika Petersen: Yeah, no, I can absolutely relate to that.
• 7:16
  Malika Petersen: I mean, the information overload is next level, right?
• 7:20
  Malika Petersen: And I mean, it happens in other ways too.
• 7:22
  Malika Petersen: Like for me, when I get other people's opinions, family, friends, even strangers online.
• 7:28
  Malika Petersen: It's crazy.
• 7:31
  Malika Petersen: It makes me second guess my choices.
• 7:34
  Malika Petersen: Now, I mean, I'm obviously blessed to have the technical knowledge that allows me to know exactly what needs to be done, right?
• 7:40
  Malika Petersen: I mean, that's that is a blessing.
• 7:42
  Malika Petersen: But sometimes I must admit when it comes to my own financial freedom, the voices of others can get me sidetracked.
• 7:50
  Malika Petersen: I mean, I recently had a situation where an investment opportunity or opportunity in inverted commas was offered to me, right?
• 7:59
  Malika Petersen: Okay.
• 7:59
  Malika Petersen: Promising these amazing and awesome returns.
• 8:03
  Malika Petersen: Now always.
• 8:04
  Malika Petersen: Exactly.
• 8:05
  Malika Petersen: Now, some of my investments have offshore exposure, right?
• 8:09
  Malika Petersen: In in rand terms, because that's just how I diversify some of my investments.
• 8:13
  Malika Petersen: And the RAND has strengthened quite a bit against the dollar from the beginning of the year to now, from the beginning of 2025 to now.
• 8:20
  Malika Petersen: So that means that my year-to-date performance isn't looking amazing as it was before because the rand has strengthened.
• 8:28
  Malika Petersen: Now I know full well that now is not the time to sell and realize that loss.
• 8:33
  Malika Petersen: I, the technical me, knows that I should wait for the recovery and I should wait for that thing.
• 8:39
  Malika Petersen: But there was a little voice in my head that you know almost led to me taking the bait, which thankfully I didn't.
• 8:47
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Thank goodness, Malika.
• 8:48
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Oh my gosh.
• 8:49
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, and everyone, listeners, I think, you know, maybe this is almost like a time or an opportunity to take a moment or to take a pause.
• 8:58
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Right now, right now, you know, as as you're in your chair or wherever it is you're listening, just kind of sit back and think, or even write it down, or even just say it aloud.
• 9:07
  Arthi Rabikrisson: What's clouding your financial vision right now?
• 9:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 9:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So, you know, again, take as much time as you need around that.
• 9:16
  Arthi Rabikrisson: But the reason I'm asking you to do this is because clarity starts with awareness.
• 9:22
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 9:22
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So let's think of our superheroes, like Vision from Avengers.
• 9:26
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 9:26
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You can't fix what you can't see.
• 9:28
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So we need to become a little bit more like, let's say, Shuri from Wakanda Forever, where you know, she would always step out of her lab, she would look into the horizon, she'd spend some quiet moments kind of recalibrating what's going on out there, and then bringing that back into the lab to check on her tech and upgrade and all of that.
• 9:48
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, so just that process of stepping a little bit outside can give us that level of clarity.
• 9:54
  Malika Petersen: And I think that step and taking that time is so important, right?
• 9:57
  Malika Petersen: And then once you've done that, you would have identified the fog, right?
• 10:01
  Malika Petersen: So let's start to talk about the tools that we can use to clear that fog.
• 10:05
  Malika Petersen: Great.
• 10:06
  Malika Petersen: First up, and I mean, Arthi and I are now going back to season one, right?
• 10:11
  Malika Petersen: But the budget check-in.
• 10:13
  Malika Petersen: So important, right?
• 10:15
  Malika Petersen: What has worked for you this year?
• 10:18
  Malika Petersen: What didn't, right?
• 10:19
  Malika Petersen: Please, guys, this is not a segment or tool for you to be able to shame yourself or judge yourself.
• 10:26
  Malika Petersen: It's just an honest reflection, right?
• 10:28
  Malika Petersen: I mean, you will remember we spoke about budget tracking tools so many times.
• 10:32
  Malika Petersen: We started in season one.
• 10:33
  Malika Petersen: We spoke about Vault 22 and all of these amazing tools that exist.
• 10:37
  Malika Petersen: Have you implemented them?
• 10:39
  Malika Petersen: Have you stuck to them, right?
• 10:40
  Malika Petersen: It's important that you recognize that a couple of missed months, or even if you've completely forgotten about this thing, that's fine.
• 10:48
  Malika Petersen: That's not, you know, that's not the issue.
• 10:51
  Malika Petersen: It's it's not, you need to let go of it.
• 10:53
  Malika Petersen: You'll forgive yourself, dust yourself off and just get right back at it.
• 10:58
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Oh, I love that, Malika.
• 10:59
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You're so right.
• 11:00
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, we have to forgive ourselves, you know.
• 11:01
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Otherwise, we're holding ourselves ransom to the past and what's happened, right?
• 11:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So I love that you're helping our listeners sort of say, you know what, let's start from now.
• 11:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: No matter what's kind of happened, if you haven't been trying these things or it's been very on and off that you've been doing it, it's okay.
• 11:17
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's okay.
• 11:17
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Because what we're wanting you to do is start and get that momentum going.
• 11:22
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Momentum is everything, even in your setbacks, right?
• 11:25
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So let's start the process, even today.
• 11:28
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, so I think the next thing then, it's important to remember that we must also have our emotional check-in, right?
• 11:35
  Arthi Rabikrisson: We often forget this.
• 11:36
  Arthi Rabikrisson: We are swayed by our emotions, as we said earlier, actually, that can drive how we're spending or how we're investing.
• 11:43
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So think about everyone am I spending or investing from a place of peace or actually from pressure.
• 11:51
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Now, everyone, this is a really important reflection because when your spending is aligned to the plan that you're working towards for financial freedom, you're gonna feel it.
• 12:02
  Arthi Rabikrisson: When you're acting from peace, it's like you're Okoye, you know, from Wakanda's Royal Guard.
• 12:08
  Arthi Rabikrisson: She's very poised, she's very strategic, she's very steadfast in what she's doing.
• 12:13
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Right.
• 12:14
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And therefore, the plans end up working out really well.
• 12:17
  Arthi Rabikrisson: But when you're acting from pressure, I think you're more like the Flash, right?
• 12:21
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You're really fast, but pretty much directionless, if I do say so myself.
• 12:26
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, so it's quite important to go back and reflect and remind ourselves about you know, some of these sacrifices that we're going to be making.
• 12:35
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's all part of the bigger plan.
• 12:37
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, I'm speaking from personal experience, and I'm sure you also know this, Malika.
• 12:42
  Arthi Rabikrisson: The satisfaction that, you know, I get when I'm reaching a financial freedom milestone that I have for myself, that feeling, there's no instant gratification purchase that can actually top that feeling that I have when it happens.
• 12:56
  Malika Petersen: Yeah, and it's completely unlikely that any instant gratification would ever top that feeling, right?
• 13:01
  Malika Petersen: Because I agree.
• 13:02
  Malika Petersen: Because I mean, it's all about working towards that bigger plan.
• 13:06
  Malika Petersen: So, everyone, here's a practical framework that we love.
• 13:10
  Malika Petersen: We know that you guys have given us feedback, like give us practical things to do, right?
• 13:14
  Malika Petersen: And we call it the 3 R review, which is about reflect, reframe, reframe, and refocus.
• 13:20
  Malika Petersen: So when you're reflecting, it's important to ask yourself what you did this year to get closer to achieving financial freedom, all right?
• 13:30
  Malika Petersen: Even in those times when you are considering some of those instant gratification purchases that I mentioned, ask yourself the question will this take me one step closer to achieving financial freedom or not?
• 13:44
  Malika Petersen: The second part of reflection, look back on this year and say, what did I learn from my financial behavior, some of the actions that I took around my finances this year?
• 13:55
  Malika Petersen: Secondly, the reframe part.
• 13:57
  Malika Petersen: Ask yourself very clearly, what could I possibly do differently?
• 14:01
  Malika Petersen: And how can I see some of the challenges that I've faced over the last year and reframe them into opportunities?
• 14:10
  Malika Petersen: It is so important, guys.
• 14:11
  Malika Petersen: Challenges are an indicator of opportunity.
• 14:14
  Malika Petersen: I believe that I've never I've always followed that theory and I've never gone wrong.
• 14:19
  Malika Petersen: The minute I'm faced with a challenge, I ask myself, what is this challenge trying to teach me and show me is the opportunity?
• 14:26
  Malika Petersen: And then lastly, refocus.
• 14:29
  Malika Petersen: So again, forgive yourself for the mistakes.
• 14:33
  Malika Petersen: They no longer matter.
• 14:34
  Malika Petersen: They are in the past.
• 14:34
  Malika Petersen: There's nothing you beating yourself up is not gonna help you in any way, shape, or form.
• 14:39
  Malika Petersen: But also take the time to reward yourself with some of those wins.
• 14:42
  Malika Petersen: So you might have had a scenario in the last year where you really wanted to spend on something and you decided, you know what, I'm going to invest this money for my financial freedom.
• 14:52
  Malika Petersen: Reward yourself with that win, right?
• 14:54
  Malika Petersen: But what is most important, and please, guys, we've said this a few times.
• 14:58
  Malika Petersen: I'm gonna say it again because we can't say it enough.
• 15:01
  Malika Petersen: You always need to move forward.
• 15:03
  Malika Petersen: It is imperative.
• 15:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Such a good reminder.
• 15:07
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I love the 3R.
• 15:09
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Really, really love it.
• 15:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's something everyone, you won't forget it, right?
• 15:13
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And you can use this every time where you're feeling that you need a bit of a recharge.
• 15:19
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Yeah.
• 15:19
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Think of it almost as if it is your superhero recharge cycle.
• 15:23
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 15:24
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's like it's like Shuri upgrading her tech, you know, before she goes into battle.
• 15:28
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's like America Chavez opening a brand new portal to something new.
• 15:32
  Arthi Rabikrisson: That's what it's gonna be.
• 15:33
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 15:34
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Each reflection that you do is a much needed energy boost.
• 15:39
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 15:39
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So in the vein of even more practical things, listeners, I'd love for you to grab a notebook if you don't have one in front of you already and actually let's try this.
• 15:48
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And we're calling it a financial clarity journal exercise.
• 15:53
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 15:54
  Arthi Rabikrisson: What we'd like you to do is write down one financial win, one financial challenge as well that you've experienced, and also one lesson that's come out from either these the wins or the challenges for this year.
• 16:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 16:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Pause this episode if you need to, to just give you some time to do that.
• 16:15
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And of course, we'll be back when you get here.
• 16:18
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So do that.
• 16:20
  Arthi Rabikrisson: All right.
• 16:21
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So once you have done that, reflect on your notes.
• 16:24
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Take a look, take a step back, look and read what you've written.
• 16:27
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Firstly, celebrate the win.
• 16:29
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, give yourself that pat on the back.
• 16:31
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Because you know what, I'm pretty sure you haven't done this before, and neither have you given yourself that pat on the back to actually say, Well done that I did that.
• 16:38
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 16:39
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And recognize everyone that that is your power move.
• 16:42
  Arthi Rabikrisson: This is something that you would want to try and replicate and amplify going forward, right?
• 16:48
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Continue to deepen that process.
• 16:50
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 16:50
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So that's done.
• 16:51
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Now review that challenge that you've noted.
• 16:54
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Thinking about it, ask yourself potentially, what did that challenge teach me?
• 17:00
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And that's what Malika is talking about.
• 17:02
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Because in every challenge, there's a lesson, and that lesson becomes part of your armor.
• 17:08
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Now, even though we asked you to write a separate lesson, it might not have been necessarily related to the challenge or the opportunity.
• 17:16
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So this just gives you that chance to do that again.
• 17:19
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Now, this is such a small exercise, right?
• 17:23
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It can literally take you a few minutes if you're doing it regularly.
• 17:27
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And we encourage you to do that.
• 17:29
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And imagine doing this and coming out with lessons and kind of congratulating yourself for things that you're doing well.
• 17:36
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And think about how that will help you move forward.
• 17:38
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I think it's going to help you move forward with purpose.
• 17:41
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Don't you agree, Malika?
• 17:42
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Absolutely.
• 17:43
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And here's the thing again, clarity isn't just about the numbers, it's about the meaning.
• 17:50
  Arthi Rabikrisson: What does wealth mean to you, everyone?
• 17:52
  Arthi Rabikrisson: What does well-being, especially financial well-being, what does that look like in your financial freedom story?
• 17:58
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So ask yourself, keep asking yourself these questions rooted in that.
• 18:02
  Malika Petersen: Yeah.
• 18:02
  Malika Petersen: And I think that is why purpose-based decision making is absolutely key.
• 18:07
  Malika Petersen: I mean, it is like America Chavez punching through dimensions.
• 18:12
  Malika Petersen: You end up opening new doors because you are able to see a bigger picture.
• 18:17
  Malika Petersen: And when your financial goals connect with your life value, every decision feels more intentional and clear, right?
• 18:27
  Malika Petersen: I mean, think about decluttering your financial priorities the same way you declutter your home.
• 18:33
  Malika Petersen: Become like Storm and balance your own environment by considering what's essential, what is just taking up space, what don't I need anymore, right?
• 18:43
  Malika Petersen: I mean, it's like Superman focusing on, you know, his extra vision.
• 18:47
  Malika Petersen: See through the distractions to what truly matters and let go of what's chaotic and noisy so that you can restore calm.
• 18:56
  Malika Petersen: I mean, we have such an a great example of this with somebody that I had a conversation with recently.
• 19:01
  Malika Petersen: This person felt like they had too much debt.
• 19:04
  Malika Petersen: And I use the word felt because that is a very important point that I'm making.
• 19:09
  Malika Petersen: And when they came into some money and they were considering, you know, to pay off all of that debt and not invest that money.
• 19:18
  Malika Petersen: And we started to look at what their actual debt ratio was and how much interest they're really paying on that debt, right?
• 19:27
  Malika Petersen: They didn't have short-term debt, they had long-term asset back, you know, debt, which, guys, as we've said before, that allows you the opportunity to leverage.
• 19:36
  Malika Petersen: And when they actually consulted with a financial advisor and did the calculations, it would not have been in that individual's best interest to pay off their debt.
• 19:47
  Malika Petersen: It would actually have been in their best interest to invest that money, get a bigger return than what they were paying on their debt, and that allows them to achieve financial freedom.
• 19:55
  Malika Petersen: Now, the noise and the feeling of I am over-indebted was so loud that this individual had not even considered that potentially I need to invest this money as opposed to clearing my debt.
• 20:08
  Malika Petersen: And only once they consulted with the financial advisor to provide that clarity and that holistic and bigger picture view, only then could they see the sense of potentially investing the money.
• 20:21
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, such a great story to showcase what's actually happening there, Malika.
• 20:25
  Malika Petersen: Yeah.
• 20:26
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Especially listeners, if you're really feeling overwhelmed by investment options, I mean, maybe take it back even to what I like to call first principles, which is your values.
• 20:36
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Yeah.
• 20:36
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, just map out your values.
• 20:38
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And, you know, let's assume, for example, security, freedom, family.
• 20:43
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Maybe those three are your values.
• 20:45
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And now when you think of all of these options and where things are going, use that to suddenly help you open up where potential decisions, where potential choices need to be starting and being made.
• 20:59
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Because now it's tying in very, very deliberately with those.
• 21:02
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, and and ultimately, when you're starting to make those right decisions and choices, things are going to start to glow like vibranium in Shuri's lab.
• 21:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's going to feel right.
• 21:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It really, really is.
• 21:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And it's going to go to play.
• 21:14
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Yes.
• 21:15
  Malika Petersen: Yeah, I know, absolutely.
• 21:16
  Malika Petersen: I mean, charity is vibrant for your mind, right?
• 21:19
  Malika Petersen: And it absorbs pleasure, it transforms it into purpose.
• 21:23
  Malika Petersen: When you know your why, your how just naturally flows because it cuts through all of that noise.
• 21:32
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And that's what we need to cut through the noise.
• 21:35
  Malika Petersen: Absolutely.
• 21:36
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, so let's just do a quick recap, everyone, right?
• 21:39
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So reflection brings direction.
• 21:42
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 21:42
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, even Loki, the god of mischief, even he had to pause and redefine his purpose.
• 21:48
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, it was a bit misguided sometimes, but he redefined his purpose before rewriting his own story.
• 21:54
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 21:54
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And getting honest about your story, as Malika said earlier, you know, there's no judgment, there's no shame.
• 22:00
  Arthi Rabikrisson: But it means that you can then chart a better path forward.
• 22:06
  Malika Petersen: Right.
• 22:07
  Malika Petersen: We are calling it your captivation moment.
• 22:11
  Malika Petersen: Right.
• 22:11
  Malika Petersen: Well, I think before the year ends, take at least one action that will bring you clarity, right?
• 22:20
  Malika Petersen: And I want you to make sure that that action either brings you clarity, it allows you to move forward, it helps you get closer to your purpose, or it re-energizes your mindset and well-being.
• 22:32
  Malika Petersen: Okay, so let's, and I mean it can be anything.
• 22:35
  Malika Petersen: Let's share some ideas with you.
• 22:36
  Malika Petersen: And some of these activities will boost awareness through defection, and it'll help you to get greater clarity.
• 22:43
  Malika Petersen: Right.
• 22:44
  Malika Petersen: Let's talk about the Mirror Moment.
• 22:46
  Malika Petersen: Now, I love this one.
• 22:48
  Malika Petersen: By the way, I try and do it at least twice a year.
• 22:51
  Malika Petersen: But take 15 minutes to write what money habits serve me and which ones sabotage me.
• 23:00
  Malika Petersen: Right.
• 23:01
  Malika Petersen: Remember what we've said.
• 23:02
  Malika Petersen: Awareness is your first act of power, so don't name it.
• 23:05
  Malika Petersen: Like name the stuff that serves you.
• 23:08
  Malika Petersen: Name the stuff that sabotages you, right?
• 23:10
  Malika Petersen: Don't be scared to do that.
• 23:12
  Malika Petersen: Secondly, let's talk about the Financial Fog Lift.
• 23:16
  Malika Petersen: I want you to choose one confusing area.
• 23:20
  Malika Petersen: Whether it's insurance, debt, investment, whatever it may be, right?
• 23:25
  Malika Petersen: And schedule a 15-minute clarity order.
• 23:30
  Malika Petersen: Simplify the thing, break it down into its smallest part.
• 23:34
  Malika Petersen: Rename it, reframe it, research it in your own words.
• 23:38
  Malika Petersen: It is extremely important for you to debunk some of the stuff that you might potentially believe in that confusing area.
• 23:46
  Malika Petersen: Lastly, Values e Compass.
• 23:49
  Malika Petersen: I want you to write down your top three life values.
• 23:53
  Malika Petersen: Now, I've met people who don't know the top three values.
• 23:58
  Malika Petersen: They say, actually, you know what?
• 23:59
  Malika Petersen: I don't know this.
• 24:00
  Malika Petersen: I've never done the work.
• 24:01
  Malika Petersen: There are so many online values questionnaires that'll help you to identify your top three life values and map one financial decision to each of those.
• 24:11
  Malika Petersen: So let's assume family is in one of your top three values.
• 24:16
  Malika Petersen: How is your budgeting honoring that?
• 24:18
  Malika Petersen: What are some of the goals that you put together to make sure that you are able to do things as a family?
• 24:25
  Malika Petersen: That's very important.
• 24:27
  Arthi Rabikrisson: These are so excellent, Malika.
• 24:29
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Oh my gosh.
• 24:29
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I've I've made a note of them as well.
• 24:31
  Arthi Rabikrisson: All right.
• 24:32
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So I think I'm also going to share some Cape Activation ideas.
• 24:36
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Um, and this one, everyone, these ones at least that I'm going to share, are maybe going to focus you more about action and structure.
• 24:44
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 24:44
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So how to put on those types of capes around that.
• 24:47
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 24:47
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So the first one I'm going to share with you is what we're calling the Budget Reboot.
• 24:52
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 24:52
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Again, as we said earlier, we like to harp on this because it's so important.
• 24:57
  Arthi Rabikrisson: But actually, let's get back into managing and understanding where our money is going.
• 25:02
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, for example, open up your banking app.
• 25:05
  Arthi Rabikrisson: We all have our apps, right?
• 25:07
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Just open up the statement or the transactions.
• 25:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And let's look at last month's spending.
• 25:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 25:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And as you're looking through, suddenly you're becoming aware of okay, you know what?
• 25:17
  Arthi Rabikrisson: There's one expense that seems to be happening regularly.
• 25:20
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I don't need to have that as an expense anymore.
• 25:23
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Could I redirect that towards savings or something that will help me towards my dream goal?
• 25:29
  Arthi Rabikrisson: That is actionable, everybody.
• 25:31
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Right?
• 25:32
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Let's do that.
• 25:32
  Arthi Rabikrisson: The second one, Malika and I are calling it the Iron Heart Build.
• 25:37
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 25:37
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And this is where you can create or update one personal system that will make you future proud.
• 25:47
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 25:48
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So what that means is think about an investment tracker, right?
• 25:53
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Maybe let's put that into place if we don't have one.
• 25:55
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Consider maybe even that emergency fund, a folder for some details around that, for some savings towards that.
• 26:02
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 26:03
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Or how about actually putting together a 90-day or three-month saving challenge for yourself?
• 26:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Right?
• 26:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Put in a little sprint.
• 26:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Let's do this.
• 26:13
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Let's help build up that armor for you.
• 26:15
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 26:16
  Arthi Rabikrisson: The third one that I want to mention is what we're calling the Okoye Discipline Drill.
• 26:22
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I hope it's making sense now why we're actually talking about all of these superheroes in our discussion, right?
• 26:28
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Because they hold such great qualities.
• 26:30
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 26:30
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So let's think about practically how can I commit to a no-spend weekend?
• 26:37
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, for a lot of you hearing that, you're thinking, oh my God, is that even possible?
• 26:41
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Yes, absolutely it is.
• 26:43
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 26:43
  Arthi Rabikrisson: In fact, why not even stretch that even further?
• 26:47
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Could we do a seven-day mindful money challenge?
• 26:51
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Meaning I'm really, really clear about what it is I'm doing with my money, whether it's spending, whether it's saving or investing.
• 26:59
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 26:59
  Arthi Rabikrisson: This is how everyone warriors train.
• 27:02
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's in small, steady sprints.
• 27:05
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And can you imagine the satisfaction you're going to feel if I actually did emerge from that weekend and I didn't spend any money?
• 27:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, I can imagine the elation.
• 27:14
  Malika Petersen: I actually really like that last one, right?
• 27:16
  Malika Petersen: The Okoye Discipline Drill.
• 27:18
  Malika Petersen: Remember, yeah.
• 27:19
  Malika Petersen: We have covered discipline as one of our superhero tapes earlier in the season.
• 27:23
  Malika Petersen: So listen back if you can't remember.
• 27:26
  Malika Petersen: But just some more ideas for purpose and legacy purpose Capes, right?
• 27:31
  Malika Petersen: Because they are really important.
• 27:33
  Malika Petersen: The Vibranium Vision Board.
• 27:35
  Malika Petersen: So print or pin three images that represent the life you are finding.
• 27:41
  Malika Petersen: Now, guys, this doesn't have to just be material goals.
• 27:45
  Malika Petersen: It can be emotional ones too.
• 27:47
  Malika Petersen: You can have a picture reflecting peace or time or travel freedom or time freedom or any of these things.
• 27:53
  Malika Petersen: I like to keep it on my cell phone as a lock screen so that every time I pick up my cell phone, I see them.
• 28:00
  Malika Petersen: Any three images.
• 28:02
  Malika Petersen: When you constantly see that, it reinforces what you're working towards.
• 28:06
  Malika Petersen: Okay.
• 28:06
  Malika Petersen: Then the Kezi Community Act, very important.
• 28:10
  Malika Petersen: Support one local woman-owned business, a stockpile, or any initiative that aligns to your financial values, right?
• 28:18
  Malika Petersen: Heroes strengthen their ecosystem.
• 28:21
  Malika Petersen: Why?
• 28:21
  Malika Petersen: Because they understand that when the ecosystem is strong, they are strong.
• 28:26
  Malika Petersen: So this is a key one.
• 28:28
  Malika Petersen: And then, lastly, the Legacy Letter.
• 28:31
  Malika Petersen: I want you to write a short note to your future self.
• 28:35
  Malika Petersen: And I want you to word it as if things have already happened.
• 28:39
  Malika Petersen: So you say, Dear Malika, when you are reading this, you would have bought X, Y, and Z.
• 28:45
  Malika Petersen: And you would have achieved A, B, C.
• 28:48
  Malika Petersen: And you have become a person that does X, Y, and Z.
• 28:52
  Malika Petersen: I want you to seal that letter.
• 28:55
  Malika Petersen: Please make sure it's a written letter, guys.
• 28:57
  Malika Petersen: Don't send yourself an email.
• 28:58
  Malika Petersen: Seal that letter and then open it up next December, December 2026.
• 29:04
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Oh, I love this.
• 29:04
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I love this.
• 29:05
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I'm so excited, Malika.
• 29:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Oh my gosh, these Capes are so wonderful.
• 29:09
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, I am going to be doing all of these.
• 29:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And I love writing letters.
• 29:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So this last one as well.
• 29:14
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I'm going to even put a wax seal, make it really fun, and open it in December 2026.
• 29:20
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Use beautiful stationery.
• 29:21
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, why not?
• 29:23
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Why not?
• 29:24
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's a beautiful letter to yourself.
• 29:26
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 29:26
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 29:27
  Arthi Rabikrisson: All right.
• 29:28
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Listeners, let's not also forget about that mindset and well-being that we've been talking about.
• 29:33
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So let's give you some ideas on those types of Capes as well, right?
• 29:36
  Arthi Rabikrisson: That you could activate.
• 29:38
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 29:38
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So one that comes to mind is what we're calling the Storm Reset.
• 29:42
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 29:43
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So remember Storm, the character, she controls and balances the weather.
• 29:47
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 29:47
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So oftentimes when we're feeling overwhelmed, right?
• 29:51
  Arthi Rabikrisson: We are stuck in that storm of our own.
• 29:53
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Everyone just step outside, like literally step outside of where you are.
• 29:57
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Go breathe in some fresh air, feel That cool breeze on your skin, take some deep breaths.
• 30:03
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 30:03
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Just ask yourself, what can I actually control right now?
• 30:07
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I cannot tell you how often I speak to my coaching clients about this.
• 30:13
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And overwhelm happens because we're starting to feel out of control.
• 30:17
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So this simple exercise of really stepping out of the little bubble where you're feeling stressed and just taking it to someplace else, typically something nature-related if possible, or just a quieter space where you can take a few deep breaths, that starts to regulate you a bit better.
• 30:33
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So let's use that as well to just think about how am I feeling better in the moment so that I can think clearly and make those right decisions that we were talking about.
• 30:44
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 30:44
  Arthi Rabikrisson: The next one is the America Chavez Portal.
• 30:48
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 30:48
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And how do we open portals and new dimensions?
• 30:51
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It's through learning.
• 30:52
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay, so let's learn.
• 30:53
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Let's learn one new thing about money or one new thing about technology around finances that can open up a whole new world for you.
• 31:02
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, like our podcast.
• 31:04
  Arthi Rabikrisson: We're opening dimensions, hopefully, for everyone as well.
• 31:07
  Arthi Rabikrisson: But, you know, how about attending a class?
• 31:09
  Arthi Rabikrisson: How about picking up a new book?
• 31:11
  Arthi Rabikrisson: There's so many options for learning, everybody, and so many that are readily and freely available.
• 31:16
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You may not need to pay for them.
• 31:18
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 31:18
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And then the third one that I was thinking about in this particular Cape Activation is what I'm calling the Wonder Pause.
• 31:26
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And that I know people find this very difficult, Malika, because what I'm asking you to do, everyone, is to do nothing.
• 31:33
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Absolutely nothing.
• 31:35
  Arthi Rabikrisson: For five minutes, other than breathe, of course, but do nothing else.
• 31:39
  Arthi Rabikrisson: No phone, no lists, no 10 million things going on in your mind.
• 31:45
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Just be.
• 31:45
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Stillness, everyone, is also a strategy.
• 31:49
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And actually, in that stillness, some of the best clarity can land for you.
• 31:54
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Okay.
• 31:55
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, I love these.
• 31:57
  Arthi Rabikrisson: In total, we've given everyone about 12, hey Malika, 12 different Activation ideas.
• 32:03
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And you know, I know between Malika and I, we're gonna do all of them again.
• 32:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Some we haven't tried, some we have been doing for ages.
• 32:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: But I think an amazing, amazing way to kind of end off and wrap up our conversation today, because I think now we're at parting shots, huh Malika.
• 32:19
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So what would you say is your parting shot from our discussion?
• 32:23
  Malika Petersen: Yeah, look, firstly, this has been a phenomenal episode.
• 32:25
  Malika Petersen: I think we had a lot of fun putting it together, number one.
• 32:29
  Malika Petersen: But number two, I do want to encourage our listeners, even if you do one of the 12, five of the 12, 10 of the 12, that's fine.
• 32:40
  Malika Petersen: But do something, right?
• 32:42
  Malika Petersen: And I think for me, from a parting shot perspective, I think the reality is that when you see clearly, you are able to lead clearly, right?
• 32:53
  Malika Petersen: And that's okay within all of us, right?
• 32:56
  Malika Petersen: We need to remain calm under pressure, we need to stay anchored in our own truth.
• 33:01
  Malika Petersen: When we are anchored in our own truth, guys, trust me, things just open up for you, right?
• 33:05
  Malika Petersen: Let it spring fought with quiet force.
• 33:08
  Malika Petersen: You know, that means that you always respond rather than react, which means you can progress with purpose.
• 33:15
  Malika Petersen: What about you, Arthi?
• 33:16
  Malika Petersen: What's your your parting shot today?
• 33:19
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Oh, I think for me, if I could just put it so simply, it's that clarity doesn't come from knowing everything.
• 33:28
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Yeah.
• 33:29
  Arthi Rabikrisson: But I think it comes from knowing what matters most.
• 33:32
  Arthi Rabikrisson: You know, that point that we made a little bit earlier about that connection to values.
• 33:38
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I mean, our values are unique for us and our situation, our experience, our context.
• 33:43
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And that is for me what matters most for us individually.
• 33:46
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So, everyone, if we're aligning to that and we start taking small steps, taking action, you know, as Malika said, anywhere from one to 12 to even more than that, because you may come up with some additional pieces that are relevant to you.
• 34:01
  Arthi Rabikrisson: I think you'll just see the benefits cascade, unfold.
• 34:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: And it's all going to be positive.
• 34:07
  Arthi Rabikrisson: It really is.
• 34:08
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Even if there's setbacks, there's going to be positives.
• 34:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Yeah, that's my parting shot for today.
• 34:13
  Malika Petersen: Absolutely.
• 34:14
  Malika Petersen: So, listeners, thank you.
• 34:16
  Malika Petersen: Until next time, keep gliding forward with courage and clarity, like theSS silver surfer.
• 34:22
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Until next time, everyone.
• 34:24
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Remember, heroes don't wait for light, they create it.
• 34:28
  Arthi Rabikrisson: So you can you can do that too, okay?
• 34:30
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Ciao everyone.
• 34:32
  Malika Petersen: Ciao for now.
• 34:33
  Malika Petersen: Bye.
• 34:34
  Malika Petersen: Thanks for joining us.
• 34:36
  Malika Petersen: We hope you found these ideas and guidance useful.
• 34:40
  Arthi Rabikrisson: We're both seasoned in the investments industry.
• 34:43
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Malika is at the coal face of how, where, and why people invest the way they do.
• 34:50
  Malika Petersen: I certainly am.
• 34:51
  Malika Petersen: And you, Arthi, you've witnessed different types of investor behaviors around money too.
• 34:58
  Malika Petersen: And now work as a global award-winning coach to free us from the mindsets that stop us from becoming financially free.
• 35:06
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Do subscribe, share, and write a review or send us comments.
• 35:10
  Arthi Rabikrisson: We would love to hear from you.
• 35:12
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Catch you on the next episode after Swa fjdopjfaSwanakcdok Effect Podcast. ev Bye for now.
• 35:18
  Arthi Rabikrisson: Ciao.