Money management - TKO Money Academy | Personal Finance for Millennials

By Tokiso TKay Nthebe Life is unpredictable. One minute you’re thriving, the next minute you’re dealing with a major health scare, a car accident, or unexpected property damage. For many young professionals and small business owners across Africa, these events can cause major setbacks, not just emotionally, but financially. That’s where insurance comes in. But let’s be honest: the insurance industry has a reputation for being confusing, full of jargon, and honestly... a bit intimidating. If you’ve ever read a policy and felt like you needed a translator, you’re not alone. At TKO Financial Wellness we’re all about simplifying your financial journey. In this post, we unpack the basics of insurance in a relatable, clear, and actionable way—so you can protect yourself, your business, your loved ones, and your peace of mind. Why Insurance Matters for Your Financial Health Insurance isn’t just a product you’re forced to buy. It’s a critical part of financial planning and money management. It’s about risk management—protecting yourself from unexpected events that could shake your financial foundation. Whether you're a young creative freelancer in Lagos, a small business owner in Nairobi, or a rising professional in Maseru, understanding how to protect your income and assets is essential for long-term financial health. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Insurance: What’s the Difference? Let’s break it down: Short-Term Insurance Think of this as insurance for things. Your car, your laptop, your business premises, your phone, your home contents. These policies usually last for a year and are renewable. If something gets stolen or damaged, the insurer steps in to cover the loss (as long as it’s covered in the policy). Long-Term Insurance This covers people—you and your loved ones. It includes life insurance, disability cover, funeral policies, and severe illness benefits. These policies are usually longer than a year and help cushion your loved ones in the event of death, chronic illness, or disability. Real Talk: What Are You at Risk Of? Let’s be honest—life can change in an instant. Here are some real-life risks that insurance can help protect you from: Loss of income due to retrenchment, illness, or injury. Car accidents or damage to property. Theft of valuables or home break-ins. Professional liability if you run a business or work in a field like law, medicine, or finance. Loss of life or critical illness, especially if you’re the breadwinner or support family members. Many of us are one emergency away from financial stress. For men in particular, financial pressure often takes a silent toll on mental health. There’s still stigma around asking for help or talking about stress, but we must normalise conversations about money, risk, and mental health awareness. So, How Does Insurance Actually Work? Insurance allows you to transfer financial risk to a third party (an insurance company) in exchange for a monthly or annual payment called a premium. In return, if that risk becomes a reality—say your phone is stolen, you’re hospitalised, or a loved one passes away—the insurer pays out a certain amount to help you recover financially. Here’s what makes it legit: Premiums: You agree to pay regularly. Payout: The insurer agrees to cover the financial loss if the event happens. Insurable Interest: You must have a real financial interest in the item or person being insured. Timing Matters: With short-term insurance, the object must exist and be valuable at the time of the incident. With long-term, the life must be alive when the policy is taken. TKO Financial Wellness Tip: If you’re building wealth, you must protect it. Having no insurance is like trying to build a house on a shaky foundation. Sure, you might save a little by skipping the premium, but one accident, illness, or theft could wipe you out completely. Let’s Make It Practical: What Should You Do Now? Audit your current risks – What assets or people depend on you financially? Start small – Begin with essential cover: medical aid, car insurance, funeral policy. Ask questions – Understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how claims work. Protect your business – If you’re a freelancer or small business owner, consider liability insurance. Talk about it – Start conversations with your partner, family, and colleagues about the importance of insurance and mental health. In Closing: Insurance is Not a Luxury. It’s a Necessity You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to understand the value of insurance. It’s one of the best ways to protect your money adventures—and your peace of mind. At TKO Money Academy, we believe in empowering you to make smart financial decisions that support your goals, protect your assets, and honour your mental wellbeing. Don’t let fear or confusion keep you from securing your financial future. Need help navigating insurance? Reach out to us at TKO Money Academy at www.mymoneyadventures.com —we’re here to guide you through every step. Tokiso TKay Nthebe is an author, podcast host, financial coach and lead advisor at TKO Financial Wellness & Advisory who is passionate about financial wellness, education and financial planning.

Tag: Money management

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