Memories over margins: The emotional calculus of installing a pool

Loading player...
Should every big life decision be optimised purely for the spreadsheet?
In this episode, our middle-aged family man dives into the highly emotive subject of installing a swimming pool. He acknowledges the classic arguments - cost, hassle, maintenance - and applies a practical perspective, explaining his deliberate financial calculus (utilising the home loan) to avoid depleting cash reserves.
The key lesson, however, is the emotional return on investment. We explore how the pool serves as an automatic creator of family respite and joy, demonstrating that sometimes, the true purpose is to alleviate the daily grind by fostering family connection.
From watching the physical effort required for construction to making the final deliberate choice, this is a reminder that the best decisions often weigh memories over margins.
18 Nov 6AM English South Africa Society & Culture · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

The sibling shadow: When your youngest wants a new school

What do you do when your Grade Two child insists on changing schools, but can't articulate why? In this personal episode, our host shares a central parenting conundrum: accommodating his youngest son’s persistent, yet unexplained, request to move schools - a decision that throws a wrench into the family's dual-school…
10 Dec 11PM 2 min

From late fees to $400 billion: The power of a 'dare to dream' idea

Who can forget the pain of Blockbuster's late fees? In this motivational episode, we explore the incredible journey of Netflix, which began as a simple snail mail DVD service focused on solving a single customer problem, and today boasts a market capitalisation of over $400 billion with 300 million subscribers…
9 Dec 11PM 1 min

Building calm: Puzzles, Lego, and surviving the school holidays

The school holidays are here, and the struggle for parental sanity is real. This episode dives into the family’s secret weapons for surviving the break - from a 1000-piece Batman puzzle and the lure of an F1 Lego set (congrats, Lando Norris) to backgammon and chess. We’re asking: What’s your…
8 Dec 11PM 1 min

Million problems to one: The health crisis that redefines wealth

What is the only true wealth you possess? Inspired by Robin Sharma's book, The Wealth Money Can't Buy, our host reflects on the second and most vital form of wealth: Health. He shares a deeply personal moment at Melkbos beach alongside his mother, who is navigating life in a care…
7 Dec 11PM 1 min

The three sides to every story: Why your viewpoint is always magnificent

What does the magnificent view of Table Mountain teach us about disagreements? In this introspective episode, inspired by a memory from Blouberg Beach, our host reflects on how our physical vantage point shapes our view - and why that applies perfectly to every conflict we have. The lesson is clear:…
3 Dec 11PM 1 min