Iona Minton

In 1988, she was a member of the team that took those stock market training methods to the USA and rewrote the course to suit the American markets. During 1994, she was involved with developing financial education products in response to the disturbing personal debt trends in the United States. She also studied the emotional aspects of why people get into financial difficulty, and developed a keen interest in the subject of emotional intelligence. Through her PR capabilities and knowledge of the media she built up Financial Fitness Consulting into a household name.

Iona Minton's 20 years of experience in diverse financial markets has given her a broad and detailed knowledge of how the money world works. As a result of her knowledge and passion to help individuals achieve financial independence, she has been featured on many radio and TV stations, and has had permanent tenures on 3Talk, 702 and Metro FM.

In addition to her writing and consulting, Iona is frequently asked to do public presentations on the subject of personal finance. She is the author of two best selling books, Financial Fitness for Women and "The Property Game" which helps first time buyers deal with the intricacies of purchasing a home.

Due to her PR, marketing and writing expertise she often consults to large financial institutions. Iona recently completed the entire content solution for the re-launch of Standard Banks Achiever Plan.

She has a strong interest and knowledge in all aspects of finance, including the Property market, Stock Market, Insurance and Investment arenas. She has written on more technical subjects like currency trading, venture capital, corporate governance, tax, specialist banking, technical analysis and e-business/commerce.

Iona explains her mission in this way: "Our objective is to explode the myth that only hard work and good luck will make you wealthy".

PRESENTATION TOPICS

INVESTING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
The markets are always uncertain!

This talk covers the important concept of long term thinking when it comes to investing. Iona points out that even the best investment products in the world will not yield returns if they are bought and sold like second hand cars.

MONEY AND RELATIONSHIPS

How to stop the money wars between, spouses, parents and employers.

FINANCIAL FITNESS FOR WOMEN

 Why women can no longer take the back seat regarding their finances.
 How to build a retirement plan that works.
 How to get out of debt.
 Identifying financial milestones.
 Coping with financially demanding kids.
 Saving for education.
 How to manage the seven most important contracts you will sign in your lifetime.

RETIREMENT PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

This talk covers the importance of retirement planning and covers the milestones that should be reached at certain ages and the most appropriate type of product for each stage.

DEMYSTIFYING THE INVESTMENT ARENA

Iona explains how the stock market works and the relationship between the equities markets and other investment vehicles.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MONEY MANAGEMENT AND THE ABILITY TO INVEST

These topics can be stand alone or rolled into one.

TESTIMONIALS

"Iona Minton ­ South Africa's most accessible personal finance writer and speaker ­ has made the business of managing your money both understandable and achievable. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to take control of their lives ­ and their bank balance."
Deborah Herd, Editor of Edgars Club Magazine

"If you're one of those people who shudder at the business section of your local newspaper, Iona Minton's no-nonsense approach to all matters financial will give you all the confidence you need – from how to save on your next car service, to spotting a fraud or simply taking loan."
Jason Brown, Editor of Men's Health

"Women simply cannot afford the luxury of pleading helplessness about financial management, any more than we can afford to not know the effect of cheesecake on how jeans fit. Financial Fitness for Women is a brilliantly logical, compelling read, which dismisses all our excuses, and provides the wherewithal to get over the mental blocks. It's long overdue."
Heather Parker, Editor of SHAPE Magazine

"Iona is the Agony Aunt of the financial world. She offers sound practical advice with empathy and warmth and encourages women to take their heads out of the sand when it comes to managing their money. Consider this book for a wealthy ever-after."
Yvonne Kramer, ClicksCard Editor

"Iona Minton has the knack of explaining personal finance in an accessible way combining the bedside manner of a trusted family physician with the incisive skill of an investigative journalist. She understands the psychology behind money which makes the advice that she imparts on iafrica.com so compelling."
Brett Hilton-Barber, Editor in Chief, iafrica.com