Iona started her working career in the field of consumer finance with a large bank. After two years she moved into the corporate sector. It was here that she gained a broad understanding of the financial world.

In 1983, she joined Progressive Systems College , to market and develop a revolutionary way of effectively teaching private investors how to win in the stock market. The resulting training course was a world first in combining correspondence education with telephone help lines and simulated brokerage accounts. This gave students the opportunity to sharpen their skills before investing.

In 1988, Iona was part of the team that took those stock market training methods to the USA and redesigned the course to suit the American markets.

During 1994, she was involved with developing Financial Fitness - The Easy Way in response to the disturbing personal debt trends in the United States . Iona also studied the emotional aspects of why people get into financial difficulty, and has counselled many people.

Currently, Iona is a financial journalist and the communications director for Financial Fitness Consulting (FFC). FFC specialises in teaching individuals and corporations money management and investment skills. She writes for many leading publications including Leadership, Men's Health, Shape, True Love, The property professional, many in-house financial publications, She is also the financial editor for iafrica.com. She was the resident financial expert on SABC TV3's programme 3Talk for two years and still consults regularly for the show.

Iona presented the "Financial Tip of the Day" on Radio 702 with Gareth Cliff for over two years. She currently presents the Financial Fitness slot on Wednesdays on Metro FM. Iona is the Author of the book 'Financial Fitness for Women', which has sold over 20,000 copies and her second edition is now available in Exclusive books. Her new book, The Property Game was published in November 2004 and is also heading for the best seller list. .

Iona been addressing corporations on the subject of money management and investing for 7 years and has consistently been rated as a top speaker and trainer.

Topics for speeches.

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.

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 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 wherewithall to get over the mental blocks. It's long overdue.

Heather Parker Editor 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.