Every January, the phrase “back-to-school” carries a familiar rhythm. School shoes are polished, stationery lists are ticked off, and learners step into new classrooms, some excited and some nervous, as they move into a new grade, a higher level, a fresh chapter.
But what if “back-to-school” is not only a moment for our children? What if it is also an invitation for us, as parents, professionals, and breadwinners, to step up a grade in our own lives, especially when it comes to our finances?
I think the back-to-school season should be seen as more than a calendar event. It should be viewed as a moment to step things up. When learners move up a grade, expectations change. They are expected to apply what they have learned before, adapt to new demands, and grow. As adults, we should be asking ourselves the same question: are we evolving, or are we repeating the same financial patterns year after year?
Learners do not return to school to repeat the same work. They return to step into new grades and grow. Each new grade requires deeper thinking, new skills, and greater responsibility. Financially, the same principle applies.
Returning to our normal lives as adults after the holidays should not mean slipping back into autopilot. It should mean reassessing our plans, adjusting our strategies, and being open to learning, especially in an environment where the cost of living is rising and financial choices are becoming more complex.
As we all know, financial growth does not happen by accident, but requires intention, guidance, and a willingness to learn, just like education.
One of the most powerful lessons learners embody is teachability. They ask questions. They accept that they do not know everything yet, and they rely on teachers to guide them through unfamiliar territory.
As adults, we often lose that sense of openness. We assume we should already know how to manage money, plan for the future, or make the right decisions, yet many people are navigating increasingly complex financial systems without support.
Being teachable is not a weakness, it is a strength. Seeking advice, learning new financial behaviours, and adjusting old habits are signs of progress.
This is where trusted financial advisers play a critical role by helping individuals and families understand their financial curriculum, identify gaps, and move confidently to the next level.
Just as learners do not move from Grade 1 to matric overnight, financial progress is built step by step. The back-to-school season is an ideal time for parents to pause and reflect on a few important questions, such as:
- Are my financial goals still aligned with my current stage of life?
- Have my responsibilities increased, much like a learner progressing to a higher grade?
- Is my financial plan keeping pace with my current reality?
Education is evolving, and so is financial planning. Today’s learners are taught to think critically, adapt, and embrace innovation. Financial empowerment follows a similar approach.
As our children shoulder their backpacks and step into new classrooms, perhaps it is time for us adults to do the same, metaphorically speaking.
Back to school can be a reminder that growth is continuous, learning never stops, and progress requires effort. Financially, it is an opportunity to elevate planning, embrace guidance, and approach the year ahead with curiosity and openness, while learning how to step things up.
Moving up a grade in life is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow.
And just like our children, when we do, the future becomes far more promising.
* Mapukata is the executive general manager of sales and distribution for Old Mutual Mass and Foundation Cluster.
PERSONAL FINANCE
