Satrix CEO: How Motherhood Changed My Money Mindset

Fikile Mbhokota is the CEO of Satrix, a runner, and PhD student. She’s also a mom to a ten-year-old (who wants to be a future CEO and detective, naturally) and a seven-year-old, who keeps her on her toes. This Mother’s Day, Fikile shared answers on how motherhood changed her money mindset. And how mouthwash fits into her family’s financial lessons.

Q: How did having children impact your perspective on wealth building and leaving a legacy?

I’ve always tried to live a life of purpose, making a difference in my country and community. But having children made it clear that this purpose starts at home. Coming from a previously disadvantaged background, my parents weren’t exposed to investing until a certain time in their lives. 

I often share a story about my dad – he wanted his money to work for him, but he only knew to leave it in a 30-day account. This has since changed but, imagine if he had invested it for the long term back then; the power of compound returns could have changed so much for us as his family. That’s the legacy I want to leave for my family: empowering them, and others, to invest wisely and at a low cost. It must start at home.

Q: How did becoming a mother shift what mattered most to you, especially when it comes to your money mindset?

Being a mom changes everything. You want to do better, not just for yourself, but for them. I became more determined to improve on what previous generations couldn’t, simply because they didn’t have the opportunities at the time. My grandparents didn’t finish school. My parents’ generation fared better; many were teachers or public servants. I was fortunate to study what I wanted, but I started with nothing. My father did his best, and I’m grateful for that. 

But now, I want my children to have a head start – whether that’s a car or flat when they need it or the option to study abroad and to create generational wealth for them. Motherhood made me laser-focused on using my opportunities to create something better for the next generation and the generation after that.

Q: How do you balance the demands of today – bills, kids, life – with planning for your children’s future?

It’s not easy! But that’s where the beauty of investing comes in – the power of compounding. I believe in the process: just start, stay consistent, and give it time. I always keep two ‘kitties’ – one for long-term goals like education and wealth creation, and another for short-term needs, like emergency expenses or new shoes when the kids’ feet grow overnight! Having clear, separate funds helps me stay disciplined and avoid dipping into long-term savings. When it comes to big milestones like school or university, you have to start early and stay consistent.

Q: You juggle so much – being a mom, CEO, a runner, and a student for a PhD! How do you manage it all? Why is it important to you to express your identity in different ways?

For me, it starts with knowing what’s important – my kids, my work, staying physically and mentally healthy, the things that matter to me. I don’t look at what others are doing; I focus on what fulfils me, so I can keep doing these things with conviction, without getting bored or uninspired. I stay in tune with who I am and my purpose – that makes even the boring tasks more fulfilling. They’re my tasks, my goals, my choices, my commitments.

I always ask myself, "I’ve got 24 hours – how do I optimise them?" Whether it’s a morning run or inspiring chats with my kids during school drop-off, I structure my day around my priorities. Never underestimate what you can do with 24 hours. Every small action compounds. One day, you’ll look back and realise you’ve accomplished something beautiful from those small, consistent efforts.

Your choices need to be practical and simple enough to stick to. I feel like sometimes we tend to complicate things or want quick results – such as wanting wealth fast and wanting to see impact immediately. But it doesn’t work like that. It’s about consistently making an effort each day, putting in the hours and doing something small, and trusting that over time, it pays off.

Q: Did having kids make you a better financial decision-maker?

Absolutely. It made me more focused – and there’s definitely less spending on myself now! Automating savings has also been key. It’s about setting systems that keep you disciplined without having to think about it too much.

Q: What are you hoping your kids learn from you about money and investing?

I really want my children to have a problem-solving mindset around money. My kids love mouthwash, but they kept using too much and running out within days of purchase. Now, they’ve learnt to plan, so they never run out. That’s exactly how money works: if you plan properly, it’s there when you need it. I think it’s important for children not to have a scarcity mentality; an abundance mentality comes from solving the problem and a part of it involves planning or having a strategy.

Q: Any final advice for moms feeling overwhelmed about starting their investing journey?

Start small and keep it simple. When you get overwhelmed, you risk doing nothing at all – so just start. If you didn’t grow up in a family that invested, you may not truly understand the power of compound returns until you experience it for yourself. 

But once you begin, you’ll see the benefits, and that will motivate you to stay the course. Try to learn a little about investing every day; take 30 minutes to read, research, listen to a podcast, or chat with an adviser. Those small, consistent efforts will add up over time. Trust the process. Once you see the results, you’ll find more focus, greater clarity, and real conviction.

Disclaimer

_{Satrix Investments (Pty) Ltd is an approved FSP in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS). The information does not constitute advice as contemplated in FAIS. Use or rely on this information at your own risk. Consult your Financial Adviser before making an investment decision.
Satrix Managers (RF) (Pty) Ltd (Satrix) is a registered and approved Manager in Collective Investment Schemes in Securities.
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