Hi Manna Family,

I hope your year has got off to a really good start 😊

In this issue, we’re getting into some of the practical side of managing your money and what it really means to be a good steward. One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “So… where do you invest your money?”

Today, I’m starting to unpack that answer. The honest truth is, I believe strongly in spreading risk, which usually means making sure all your eggs aren’t sitting in one basket. For that reason, I tend to favour a multi-asset approach, spreading investments across different asset types rather than relying on just one area of the market.

The real goal isn’t copying what someone else is doing, it’s making informed, educated decisions that align with your own circumstances.

All investing involves risk. There is no such thing as a guaranteed return, despite what social media might suggest. The real issue isn’t whether something is risky, it’s whether the risk is appropriate for the person taking it.

Crypto and many blockchain-based investments sit firmly at the high-risk end of the spectrum. Prices can swing wildly, regulation continues to evolve, and for many investors, the underlying assets are not fully understood.

High risk can mean high reward, but it can also mean high loss. And here’s the uncomfortable truth, if you cannot afford to lose the money, you should not be investing it!!!

Yet I regularly see the opposite happening.

This is the part that genuinely concerns me.

I see individuals with:

…putting money into investments they don’t fully understand because someone on the internet made it sound easy.

That’s not investing, that’s gambling with your future.

And it’s often driven by fear, fear of missing out, fear of being left behind, fear that this is the only way to get ahead.

My role as a Financial Adviser and Financial Coach isn’t to fuel that fear, it’s to slow things down and help people make decisions they won’t regret later.

A multi-asset approach means spreading investments across different types of assets, for example cash, bonds, equities, property, and other suitable investments depending on your circumstances.

I’ll say this plainly.

If losing that money would:

Then that money should not be invested.

Investing should be done with surplus money, not rent money, not food money, not “I hope this works because I’ve got no backup” money.

Before you invest in anything, especially higher-risk assets, here are five non-negotiable steps.

1. Build an emergency fund
You need accessible cash set aside for life’s surprises. Investing without this safety net is like driving without brakes.

2. Clear or manage high-interest debt
Paying 20% interest on debt while chasing 10% returns elsewhere doesn’t make financial sense.

3. Understand what you’re investing in
If you can’t explain it in simple terms, you don’t understand it well enough yet. Complexity is not a badge of honour.

4. Know your risk tolerance and time horizon
How much can you realistically afford to lose, and how long can your money stay invested? These answers shape everything.

5. Have a plan, not a punt
Investing should be part of a wider financial strategy, not a reaction to hype, trends, or pressure.

I’m not anti-innovation. I’m not anti-technology. And I’m certainly not anti-wealth.

I am pro-education, pro-stability, and pro-people building wealth in a way that doesn’t sacrifice their peace, security, or future.

There will always be another opportunity.
There is only one you.

If you’re ever unsure, ask questions, get advice, and take your time. Financial freedom is built steadily, not rushed.

The Manna Membership is being created as a safe, grounded space for learning and discussion, where factual financial information is shared clearly and responsibly, not advice, and where questions are welcomed without pressure, hype, or fear-based messaging.

If you want to build financial confidence, deepen your understanding, and feel more equipped before making decisions, this membership is for you. It’s designed for people who value clarity over noise and education over trends.

Register your interest to be the first to hear when doors open, get early access to details, and help shape the final offer. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to stay in the loop.

More soon, and trust me, it’ll be worth the wait 😊

This month’s focus has really been about intention, where we get our information, who we listen to, and how we make financial decisions that stand the test of time. My approach, including why I don’t focus on crypto, comes back to one simple principle: clarity over noise.

Financial growth doesn’t have to be fast to be faithful, and it certainly doesn’t need to be risky to be meaningful. For most people, progress looks like understanding what you own, why you own it, and how it fits into the bigger picture of your life. That’s where confidence is built, not in chasing the latest trend, but in steady, well-informed choices made with purpose.

This is also the heart behind the Manna Membership. A space for learning, thoughtful discussion, and factual information, without pressure, hype, or fear of missing out. Just support, structure, and wisdom you can actually apply.

As you move through the weeks ahead, remember this: slow, intentional decisions made consistently will always outperform rushed ones made out of anxiety. Stewardship isn’t about doing what’s popular, it’s about doing what’s right for you, again and again.

With Love,

Natasha

Founder | Manna Financial Freedom CIC

The information shared in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Financial advice can only be provided after a full assessment of an individual’s personal circumstances, objectives, and needs.