Brothers and financial gurus Geo and PJ Botha have been around the block a few times, from using marbles as school currency on the playground to co-hosting a financial series. And now they’re spilling the beans to help you make some moolah too.
If growing wealthy has always been somewhat of a head-scratcher for you, then scratch no more! Financial advisors Geo Botha and PJ Botha are uncovering and sharing the secrets and tactics of those who are creating wealth, so you don’t have to!
It comes as no surprise that both bros have always had a knack for numbers. While Geo got his honour’s degree in internal auditing, PJ went on to become a Chartered Accountant. Add a pair of diplomas in financial planning to the mix, and the duo’s got themselves a recipe for success. It was only a matter of time until they joined their dad’s financial advisory firm.
“My dad, Geo and I regularly discussed the strategies and processes followed by successful clients in various industries. When we realised the knowledge was worth sharing, we released a book, Welvaartskeppers (Wealth Creators), with my dad as the main author.”
After the release of the book, they felt compelled to share what they had learned with an even larger audience, which led to the creation of Welvaartskeppers, a programme on kykNET aimed at enabling viewers to create and manage their own wealth – goodbye Compulsive Buying Disorder.
The brothers – who like to describe themselves as bookends – have one apparent, though complementary, differentiator. PJ is the analytical thinker who establishes new structures within the firm. Geo is the dreamer with a strong inkling toward marketing. And it suits them… and the firm perfectly!
Beyond that, the two are inseparable best friends, all of which has served to fuel their success as financial advisors, writers and co-presenters.
Only three years after the release of their father’s book, the dynamic duo released their first – Word Ryk, Bly Ryk (Get Rich, Stay Rich) – which is focused on the four phases of the prosperity cycle in life. Making, managing, enjoying, and lastly, transferring money. They add that, “It’s our passion to help ordinary South Africans make money, and grow wealth in a challenging environment. We want to guide them on their journey to wealth and its fruits. And depending on where you are in your financial journey, you will relate more to that certain part of the book. We want families and spouses to read it together. We hope to open the conversation about money.”
Through their series and podcast, The F Word, they are living their passion to educate as many people as possible. They are also excited to be working on the second season of the show, which will include tips and ideas from successful people, as well as practical advice.
Can’t wait until the season airs? Geo and PJ share some insights into the mind of a financial advisor to get you thinking.
Details: Follow @GeoBotha and @pjbotha1 on Insta and Geo & PJ Botha – Wealth Manager on Facebook
Fave part of doing what you do?
Geo: Making a difference in the lives of our clients is really fulfilling. And gaining knowledge from successful clients and guests we interview is an added benefit.
PJ: It’s a good mix between technical, and people skills. You also get to meet a lot of interesting people as advisors and as co-presenters.
Your best piece of advice to make more money?
Geo: Know yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on your strengths, and outsource or delegate your weaknesses.
PJ: Don’t focus on money and your own desires. You must add value to clients or your employer. Money is secondary.
Your take on side-hustles?
Geo: Focus first! I don’t believe in having many income streams at the start. Focus first on what you are good at. Upskill yourself and become the best in your industry. Only once you have achieved that, you will have the finances and the freedom to have side hustles.
PJ: A side-hustle is great way to create new skills and test different options. But if you want to create wealth you have to be expert in your field. Focus on one big thing to create more income. You can then use that income to invest in different assets that can give you extra streams of income.
The key to growth and moving forward?
Geo: Exercise daily. Eat healthy, fresh food. Get enough sleep. The standard of your work will depend on the energy and focus you put into it. You can only be really effective if you look after your body and take care of your health.
PJ: Taking stock, know where you are. Identify your goals and measure progress. Be positive and look for opportunities.
One book that changed your life?
Geo: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. It gives many practical tips and ideas which I still use on a regular basis.
PJ: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Don’t focus on the destination but on the journey.
The biggest limiting belief when it comes to making money?
Geo: That it is only for a select few and that you will have to neglect other aspects of your life in order to be wealthy. Wealth and success is about more than just money.
PJ: You must earn high income before you can save/ invest. Start as soon as possible!
Do you have to be business-minded to be a successful entrepreneur?
Geo: No, everybody can be successful. Know yourself and identify what you are good at.
PJ: You don’t have to have a business mind to be successful, but you need to know yourself and your limitations. There are various ways you can be successful. You just need the right team around you to assist with your blind spots.
One thing you’ll always spend your money on?
Geo: Experiences! I love trying new things, eating great food and enjoying good service.
PJ: Coffee. I’ll cut other expenses to get my coffee.
The biggest lesson your dad taught you?
Geo: To listen more than you speak.
PJ: Do the work every day. We all have big dreams and want to make it happen right now. It takes time and all you can do is keep your head down and do the work.
Your life motto?
Geo: Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today. This quote used to be on a James Dean poster I had in my childhood room. It means that you should dream big and aim high, but also to stay present and live each day to the fullest.
PJ: It doesn’t help being negative and moaning the whole time. Come up with a solution or get out of the situation.
You’ll find Word Ryk, Bly Ryk (published by Lapa Uitgewers) at all major bookstores and online at lapa.co.za and graffitiboeke.co.za for around R250.
6 Common myths about money
- You need to have a lot of money to be rich. Wealth is very personal and for some people R1 million is a lot of money and for others it is not.
- Money will make you happy. Money will take stress away (but sometimes bring more stress) and make you more comfortable, but at the end of the day if you are not happy right now, money won’t change that.
- People with money are greedy. Most of the time people with money aren’t greedy and have the self-discipline not to use everything at once. That is the reason they still have the money.
- Money is evil. Money is not evil. It is the love of money or greed that is the root of all evil.
- Money in the bank is the best investment. Just because it is safe does not make it a good investment. Know what your goal is and invest accordingly.
- There is a secret to make money fast. There is no secret or the next best thing. Everyone wants to get rich fast, that is why there are casinos and scams everywhere. Stick to the basics and be patient.
7 Tips to save money
- Save before you spend. People look at what is left after expenses to save. You should save first and see what is left to spend.
- Start saving even if the amount is ‘too small’. It is more important to build a savings habit. If you can’t save small amounts, you won’t save big amounts.
- Save in line with your income. Work on a percentage that you want to put away. Ideally close to 20 percent.
- Know what your savings goal is. Are you saving for a rainy-day fund or children’s university fees.
- For long-term goals. Invest rather than save. For long-term you want money rather in the stock market than in a bank account.
- Automate your investments. The investments should go off every month with a debit order. Take the option to invest out of your mind. It will feel like a big expense at first, but you’ll get used to it.
- Measure your savings/ investments. Take stock of where your investments are each year. After few years you will see that it is working, and your future self will thank you.
