Solving The Riddle Podcast

Alec Riddle & Andrew Whitewood

Financial decisions shouldn't feel like a mystery. Solving the Riddle simplifies the world of money, providing the tools and topical advice you need to master your personal finances and secure your long-term wealth.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Cracking the Retirement Code & The Just Retirement Survey Results

    Cracking the Retirement Code: Blended Solutions & The Just Insights Survey Hosts: Alec Riddle & Andrew Whitewood  Special Guest: Bjorn Ladewig ,Actuary and Retirement Income Specialist at Just Are you on track for a secure retirement, or are you navigating a hidden shortfall? In this eye-opening episode of Solving the Riddle, hosts Andrew Whitewood and Alec Riddle dive deep into the sobering realities of the South African retirement landscape. With the latest Just Retirement Insights Survey hitting the streets, the data reveals a staggering 48% gap between what the typical retiree expects to need and what they actually have saved. Worse yet, stats show that 94% of South Africans cannot afford to retire comfortably, leaving many to rely on family and children to make ends meet.   To help unpack these financial riddles, Andrew and Alec welcome actuary and retirement income specialist Bjorn Ladewig. Together, they confront the traditional, binary choice between living annuities and life annuities to introduce the "10th wonder of the world"—blended annuity solutions.   In this episode, you’ll discover: •⁠  ⁠The Reality Check: Why drawing 7%+ from a standard living annuity could cause retirees to hit a brick wall in just 13 years. •⁠  ⁠The Power of Pooling: How life annuities offer guaranteed income for life, insulated from market volatility.   •⁠  ⁠The Blended Blueprint: How combining the flexibility of a living annuity with the security of a life annuity maximizes sustainable drawdown rates—giving you the best of both worlds.   •⁠  ⁠Defeating the Risks: Why protecting your portfolio against sequence of return risk early in retirement is critical to longevity of capital.   You can download Just Retirement insights on this link: http://Retirementinsights.co.za Whether you are a youngster who needs to start saving earlier, a professional phasing into retirement via consulting, or an adult looking out for elderly parents, this episode provides the practical frameworks needed to secure financial independence and protect your dignity. Tune in to learn how a smart, blended strategy can potentially double the runway of your retirement journey!   Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with anyone looking to build lasting wealth. Follow our personal accounts:@alecriddle @andrewwhitewood THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINANCIAL ADVICE IN ANY WAY OR FORM. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT A FINANCIAL PLANNER TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ADVICE BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION SHARED.

    38 min

  2. May 13

    The Hidden Flaw in Bank Tax-Free Accounts

    In this episode of Solving the Riddle, Andrew Whitewood and Alec Riddle answer the practical financial questions they face daily in their planning practice. Following their discussions on the national budget and hedge funds, they shift their focus toward helping listeners navigate current market volatility and long-term wealth strategies.  In this episode, we discuss: • Tax-Free Savings Strategy: Why holding your tax-free savings account (TFSA) in a bank might be too conservative and how to target growth assets instead. • Global Diversification: Understanding that "time in the market" is more critical than trying to time the Rand's performance. • Controlling Emotions: Using analogies like the Comrades Marathon and Ironman to explain why investors must stay focused during geopolitical noise. • Active vs. Passive Investing: A simple look at tracking indices versus picking specific stocks and the benefits of blending both styles. • Estate & Debt Basics: The importance of beneficiary nominations and practical tips for managing and settling debt. Key Questions Answered: • Should we open a tax free savings account with our banks? • Should we invest offshore? • The middle east crisis - what happens now? • Active vs Passive investing • Start saving with a big lump sum or monthly contributions? • Do you need to update your will? • Misconception on beneficiary nominations? • How can I detonate my debt? If you found these insights helpful, please leave a comment or a question on your preferred podcast platform to help us continue solving these financial riddles together. Follow our personal accounts:@alecriddle @andrewwhitewood THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINANCIAL ADVICE IN ANY WAY OR FORM. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT A FINANCIAL PLANNER TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ADVICE BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION SHARED.

    36 min

  3. Apr 29

    Unpacking Hedge Funds in Financial Planning

    In Episode 03 of Solving the Riddle, Andrew and Alec are joined by investment specialist Waldo Booysen from Peregrine Capital to demystify the role of hedge funds in modern financial planning.   Once reserved for the ultra-wealthy, hedge funds are now highly regulated and increasingly accessible to South African investors — offering powerful tools to manage market volatility and protect wealth.    You’ll also gain practical insights into:  • How hedge funds generate returns in rising and falling markets  • Real-world strategies like pair trades and special situations  • Why hedge funds can help manage risk in retirement portfolios  • How fees work — and what you’re actually paying for  • What global institutions get right about hedge fund investing Whether you’re refining your strategy or exploring new opportunities, this episode breaks down how hedge funds can play a role in building and protecting long-term wealth. Follow our personal accounts:@alecriddle @andrewwhitewood THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINANCIAL ADVICE IN ANY WAY OR FORM. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT A FINANCIAL PLANNER TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ADVICE BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION SHARED.

    50 min

  4. Apr 15

    How Much Is Enough?

    In Episode 02, Andrew and Alec tackle one of the most important — and often misunderstood — questions in personal finance: how much is enough? They unpack the complexity behind this question by exploring the key numbers that shape your financial future, from the capital you build to the income you ultimately need to sustain your lifestyle. Drawing on their experience in financial planning, they dive into the real questions people should be asking — how hard should your money work, for how long, and how much do you actually need to live off? You’ll also gain practical insights into:• The relationship between capital and income — and why it matters • How different retirement phases impact your financial plan • Why your strategy needs to evolve as your life changes • The importance of a dynamic plan in an unpredictable market • Understanding risks like sequence of return and portfolio volatility By breaking down these concepts into simple, practical ideas, this episode helps you move closer to defining your own “enough” — and building a plan that supports it. _________________________________ Follow our personal accounts:@alecriddle @andrewwhitewood THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINANCIAL ADVICE IN ANY WAY OR FORM. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT A FINANCIAL PLANNER TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ADVICE BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION SHARED.

    45 min

  5. Apr 1

    Start Investing Today: Lessons From the Budget Speech

    In this episode, Andrew and Alec unpack the real reason this podcast exists — to simplify the often overwhelming world of personal finance and help you make smarter, more confident money decisions.They dive into powerful lessons from their own journeys in financial planning, including why waiting for the “perfect time” can cost you, and how starting early (even small) can completely transform your financial future.You’ll also get practical insights from the latest budget speech, including:The real power of tax-free savings accountsWhy compounding is your greatest wealth-building tool. How to think about offshore investing and diversification. Key tax changes that could impact your long-term plan whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, this episode lays the foundation for building lasting wealth — one smart decision at a time. Follow our personal accounts:@alecriddle @andrewwhitewood THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINANCIAL ADVICE IN ANY WAY OR FORM. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT A FINANCIAL PLANNER TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ADVICE BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION SHARED.

    39 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Financial decisions shouldn't feel like a mystery. Solving the Riddle simplifies the world of money, providing the tools and topical advice you need to master your personal finances and secure your long-term wealth.

Information

  • Creator
    Alec Riddle & Andrew Whitewood
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Solving The Riddle Podcast
  • Show Website
    Solving The Riddle Podcast

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