One thing that has been bemoaned by many readers in our coverage is the lack of Zimbabwean literary works. The fact of the matter is Zimbabwean non-fiction work is scarce. Even more scarce is Zimbabwean non-fiction work that does not feel derivative of globally recognised works. It gives me great pleasure to not only say that we found and read a great Zimbabwean book on matters of personal Finance but to also couple our book review with a giveaway of 5 copies of The Personal Finance Game Plan by Shalom Govero.
Shalom Govero
Shalom Govero is an established financial literacy trainer who you can find on Facebook, Twitter and her website. Shalom Govero is the Founder & Financial Education Trainer at TheFinanceWiz. Over 1000 participants have engaged with her training on various platforms in Zimbabwe and the region. Shalom is also a trained e-facilitator, a co-host for a local radio money show, and a coach for various business women networks. She is a member of the Global Shapers Harare Hub leading the Financial Literacy team. Her articles have been featured in publications such as The Sunday Mail, Bulawayo24, and the ILO Social Finance page. Shalom is also a business entrepreneur, running several family businesses. With a wealth of experience working on the ground, Shalom thought to share her practical perspective through her maiden book.
The Personal Finance Game Plan
I have a strange tendency to hesitate when it comes to starting a book because of how much time I think it will take. This says nothing about how much I will enjoy the book. And after my initial hesitation, I opened the Personal Finance Game Plan to realise it is a short book. Govero uses stories and this is perhaps my favourite part of this book. As human beings we understand facts but we relate to stories and the difference between those two words is huge. Even more so when we are talking about principles and ideas we would like to apply in our own personal finance journeys. Another element I absolutely loved was that the author leans heavily on principles and ideas. While most would be looking for methods (how-to guides and lists) the pursuit of the ability to identify, evaluate and even create your own methods is much more valuable.
Inclusive
By now it should be obvious to you that I recommend this book. Who do I recommend it for? A simple answer would be everyone who takes their personal finances seriously. A more accurate answer would point out that the book is written to be inclusive. Whether you are frustrated with the state of your finances and have just decided you want to do something to change them or you have started your journey to controlling your finances and want a refresher on important principles. The same goes for personal finance experts, there is a lot to be gained from this book by all. Realistically in any pursuit beginners and experts do the same things. By focusing on principles the book can be understood by all readers from their own level and help them reach for the next one. This book I would suggest is also eligible for re-reading.
Where you can get it?
To get The Personal Finance Game Plan, follow the links below.
The ebook is $3 or $360zwl
The printed copy is $5 or $600zwl
Zimbabwean buyers (system takes Ecocash, one money and Zimswitch)
https://thefinancewiz.co/shop/
International buyers
To buy physical copies with cash:
1. Olive Branch Pharmacy, Cnr Blakiston and Chinamano, Harare
2. Crystal Gates Shop at Westgate shops, Harare
3. IBS Gift Shop pick up only
Number 8 upstairs
Zonkizizwe Shopping Centre
Bradfield
Bulawayo
Giveaway
The part you have all been waiting for is here! We have purchased 5 copies of the Personal Finance Game Plan which we will be giving away to 5 lucky readers. All you have to do is comment and tell us your biggest personal finance problems or questions. Make sure you share the post after commenting and that you follow Startupbiz on at least one of our platforms. For ease of contact we encourage leaving your phone number as well. The competition will run until Friday 29th May with winners being announced Monday the 31st of May. The competition is open to people all across the world however if you require a physical copy of the Personal Finance Game Plan you will have to arrange collection in Harare or shipping and handling to your location.
You can catch Shalom Govero on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as well as The Finance Wiz website.
The Financial Question is:
1. How do you balance between your financial plan as a business and your financial plan as an individual separate from the business?
Thank you for the question and feedback Lloyd. You may find this https://startupbiz.co.zw/separating-your-small-business-finances-from-your-personal-finances/ useful.
what is the best way to secure a strong financial freedom plan for the general zimbabwean after retiring, since the Nssa pension in our country is pathetic.
Its exciting to finally have a financial literacy book in the Zimbabwean context. One that can relate to the challenges we face when it comes to savings and money management. My question is how to invest long term in Zimbabwe and save for long term assets/education.
Thank you for the feedback and question Hazel. Have you looked at this article on long term investment alternatives in Zimbabwe? https://startupbiz.co.zw/long-term-investment-alternatives-in-zimbabwe/
Thank you for the feedback Nyasha. Keep your eye on the website as we will create an article to address your question in the near furture.
Quite an interesting review, though too short to get a proper grasp of the book itself.
the world over, people can use financial methods to calculate future earnings, or future values of present investments, what can we do in Zim, to ensure that we can be able to do so, in light of the inflationary conditions (both in Z$ and US$ terms)?
say, to calculate how much i need to invest per time period to achieve a certain amount in twenty years’ time.
Yes, I know the formulas, but how can we make them practical in our context
Thank you fro the feedback Alfonce. Your question is an important one and we will certainly cook up something to address it.
Thank you for the credit.