Financial pressures often loom like a shadow, casting a considerable emotional toll on individuals and is often intertwined with societal expectations. Those pressures can take a significant toll on us, affecting all areas of our lives and especially our mental health.
From the emotional wreckage left in the wake of business and professional failures to the relentless weight of financial obligations, we may find ourselves grappling with a myriad of emotions - including feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. An added layer of emotional complexity emerges when there is an expectation by both immediate and extended family that they must be financially supported. Financial pressures are often exacerbated when family members assume that “successful” relatives have an endless well of resources to share.
Listen to the episode
In this episode, we aim to shed light on the complex relationship between financial stress and mental health, and provide you with tools, insights, and practical advice to navigate the storm when faced with the overwhelming burden of economic hardship.
Meet the panel

Vangile Makwakwa
Author
Vangile Makwakwa
Author
Vangile Makwakwa is an author and financial wellness coach based in South Africa. With a background in finance and a passion for helping people achieve financial freedom, Vangile has become a sought-after speaker and coach in the field of personal finance. Her work has been featured in various media outlets, and she is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to take control of their finances and build a better future.

Tracey Ward
Team leader and Investec Financial Adviser
Tracey Ward
Team leader and Investec Financial Adviser
Tracey Ward is an accomplished Senior Financial Adviser and Team Leader of the Western Cape Financial Advisers, bringing a wealth of experience to her role. She joined Investec in 2018, just after the launch of Investec Life, showcasing her commitment to being at the forefront of the industry. With a passion for holistic financial planning, Tracey thrives on incorporating wealth creation and wealth protection into her strategies. With 25 years of experience, she has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of the financial landscape and incorporating the needs and priorities of her clients.
Tracey holds an MBA from the University of Cardiff in Wales, and her Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning further demonstrates her commitment to excellence. Beyond her professional achievements, Tracey is happily married and the proud mother of two accomplished adult daughters. In her leisure time, she enjoys cycling, running, and exploring the Western Cape as a newbie.

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