Maya Fisher-French and Sylvia Walker, Author and Financial Planner, Andrew Prior Consultants, provide practical steps to reclaim your financial power, grow your wealth and create your designer life.

As a bestselling author, I know the value of good information. Whether it’s in the area of true crime, or being able to rise to life’s many financial challenges, practical, accurate information is worth its weight in gold.

I write about money on a freelance basis for magazines and selected websites, and have written several non-fiction books, including smartwoman, a book for women about money and growing their wealth. One of the other books I co-authored, Steeped in Blood, was shortlisted for the Alan Paton Award in 2011. I have also produced a number of books for corporate clients, providing a turnkey service including research, writing and publishing.

As a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and encouraging people to own their money and their financial futures. I have addressed thousands of people across South Africa and Namibia over the years, and women, in particular, are close to my heart.

I am also an independent financial planner, providing my clients with the tools to chart their financial futures, whether its investment planning, retirement planning or protecting their assets and income. Life changes all the time, and with a flexible, dynamic financial plan in place, the future is secure.

Around 60% of South African children have absent fathers and more than 40% of South African mothers are single parents, far higher than in many other parts of the developed world. Being a single mother (or parent) can be a tall order both from an emotional and financial perspective. I shed some light on the specific financial challenges, and how to overcome them and thrive in this special family situation.