Save and invest, for sure. You should; just don’t end there.
Life is bigger than money. Think about it: relationships cost more than money. Yes, they cost money too.
Have you seen the bill for dining out with your loved ones of late?
It’s huge! Cook at home like in the past; you could actually improve both your wallet and your relationships.
Investing in Relationships: The Returns You Can Enjoy Today
Financial investments require time and patience.
They are like the mondo grass I am growing in my courtyard.
As I observe how this grass is taking time to grow, I can’t help realising that relationships are much the same.
Just like gardening, relationships require patience, consistency and watering.
Meanwhile, relationships can reward you today.
Compound interest works, but there’s no need to wait decades to experience the returns of time spent with people you care about.
The laughter of today with family and friends is its own kind of happiness medicine.
After all, happiness isn’t always expensive. You can find it over a home-cooked potjie.
No need to cook like Jamie Oliver either; food cooked with love tastes better.
Why Relationships and Community Matter for a Happy Life
Happiness is the all-important buzzword. Community, friendships and relationships are all keys to a successful life.
Many people make life harder for themselves by trying to go on a solo hike.
It’s okay once in a while to embark on a personal journey. Just don’t do it too often.
Life is a communal adventure; you need someone to laugh with.
Even crying can be easier with others. Tears shed together can be tears wiped away.
If life is an adventure, imagine packing your camping tents on your own, with no people or friends to enjoy a bonfire with.
You might reach your destination, but what is the fun in having no one to share the experience with?
How Strong Relationships Improve Your Well-Being
If relationships are viewed through the lens of investment, they become something essential that should not be ignored.
When we neglect our relationships, we risk affecting the very people we were supposed to connect with.
Investing in meaningful relationships can add to our overall well-being.
It gives us people to celebrate with, people to learn from and people who can stand beside us when life gets difficult.
None of us has to figure everything out alone.
You don’t just need people to carry your coffin one day; you need people who can help carry your load today.
Spending Money on Family and Friends Without Wasting It
Money is a big part of investing in relationships too.
Obviously, there’s no need to buy relationships, but relationships can cost both money and time.
Whether you prefer a catch-up at Vida Café, a fancy restaurant or just home-cooked food, spending money on relationships can be worthwhile.
The important thing is to spend intentionally and within your means.
Financial independence therefore becomes a real asset since it can allow you to spend more time with people.
The connection between intentional saving and spending becomes especially important to those keen on living a happy and healthier life.
For me, it brings me joy to spend money on those close to me, whether family or friends.
For this reason, money spent on entertaining people is not necessarily money wasted; it’s money invested in experiences and relationships that matter to me.
If life were a ball, relationships would be the game of soccer.
Imagine playing the game on your own.
There is no fun in that! In fact, it’s not much of a game if you go solo.
Even golfers understand this. Although golf is an individual sport, part of the fun is being together.
Part of life is being stretched and challenged by others.
Think about it: vulnerability is part of what makes us human. We all have battles, and hiding them can leave us feeling isolated and depressed.
No one is born with life skills or money skills. It’s trial and error, and we can learn a lot from one another along the way.
Building and growing relationships can be just as important as earning money. Healthy relationships can also open doors to opportunities, shared knowledge and personal growth.
After all, if relationships are part of the bedrock of a happy life, the fulfilment of your life is no longer measured only by your net worth, but also by the strength of your network.
People are social beings; it’s our interactions and collaborations that help shape us.
No wonder smiling at each other is such a normal part of life. For most people, at least, smiling and kindness come naturally.
If you’re not one of the easy ones, don’t be offended.
We can all work on our relationship investment, one kind smile or warm gesture at a time.
Next time you overthink life, remember that you are not alone.
Smile and spread some love to the people around you.
The returns might make you richer in relationships and could even create financial opportunities over time.
I write this reflecting on all the people who have invested in getting to know me. You are all part of my wealth. I definitely include you in my network and my net worth spreadsheet.
What one act could you take today to grow your network more meaningfully than simply adding social media followers?
Real relationships are built through genuine connection, not algorithms alone.
So, save and invest for sure.
Build your assets, work towards financial independence and be intentional with your money.
But don’t forget to invest in the people who make the journey worthwhile.
Sometimes, the best return on your investment is not measured in rands at all.
Reflecting from Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal –18 October 2026
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