History: Johan Gouws of PPS Wealth Background

Interview with Johan Gouws, Wealth Magnate:

Got a tip for nailing that sweet deal?

Know exactly what you're getting into before scrawling your John Hancock on those sheets—long-term commitments are no joke, buddy!

What was your first gig in the financial world?

I cut my teeth as a foreign exchange clerk in the international division of Absa back in '93, mate.

First payday, first expenses?

Around R2k a month. I put it to work, investing in unit trusts. Couldn't resist that smart money move!

What didn't you know then that you know now?

Your initial job might not be your dream gig, but it'll school you on the ins and outs, setting you up for bigger things down the line.

If the whole South Africa thing could be fixed, what'd you pick?

I'd make sure folks are financially prepped for the golden years with the right advice and a solid plan in place.

Got a hidden talent?

I dare say I've got a bit of an artistic streak, which I manage to incorporate into my work and whatever endeavor I pursue.

One investment misstep?

I got sucked into the small-cap stocks frenzy on the JSE back in the late '90s—100% returns in a year, but boy did it punish those who were unprepared when it burst! But I'm much wiser (and wealthier) now.

Best investment gamble?

Pouring three and a half years of blood, sweat, and tears into my book, Ultimate Personal Finance Guide. It's been a journey, but sharing it with the world and helping people make better financial decisions has been beyond priceless.

Fave read lately?

Stressproof by Richard Sutton. It's a roadmap for execs looking to foster a culture of resilience and peak performance amid the increasingly stressful post-Covid workplace.

Hardest life lesson learned?

Losing my old man in 2020. You're never truly prepared when you lose someone you love, no matter how much you expect it.

Advice for my younger self?

Start saving early, save often, and trust the power of steady investments and compound growth to help you conquer the world of personal finances.

If I were President Ramaphosa, I'd…

Protect our future and ensure investors see the potential of South Africa, cushioning the way for its economic growth and prosperity.

Johan Gouws, who started his financial journey as a clerk in the international division of Absa, believes that everyone should invest wisely in markets, such as unit trusts, to ensure their personal-finance wellbeing.
Incapable of resisting the temptation of small-cap stocks in the late '90s, Johan Gouws experienced a investment misstep, learning a hard lesson about the importance of being well-prepared before investing.
Johan Gouws, a champion of financial education, advocates for a solid plan and the right advice to help people prepare for their golden years, a concern that he would address if given the chance to influence South Africa's markets and business landscape.
Fostering a culture of resilience and peak performance in the workplace during stressful times, as outlined in Stressproof by Richard Sutton, is an interesting read for Johan Gouws, who understands that personal wellbeing is vital when navigating the world of business and finance.
Offering advice to his younger self, Johan Gouws stresses the importance of starting to save early, saving regularly, and trusting in the power of steady investments and compound growth to help conquer the challenges of personal finance.