By Sonia du Plessis*
Let me ask you something. If your partner weren’t around tomorrow, would you know how to access your retirement accounts? Would you know what you’re invested in, how much risk you’re taking, or how long the money is meant to last?
For many women, the honest answer is no. And that’s not because you’re careless, it’s because financial planning all too often becomes the responsibility of just one person. And that’s usually still the man.
You trust him. You’ve built a life together. You have peace of mind that there is enough life and disability cover, for when the unfortunate might happen. Maybe there’s a retirement annuity in his name, you have signing powers on a family trust, but who are the other trustees and beneficiaries. You’ve got enough on your plate already — work, kids, parents, life. Thinking about the household finances is not as high on the priority list, as it rightfully should be.
But trust is not the same as visibility. And when life changes through illness, job loss, divorce, or death that lack of visibility can leave you financially exposed, stressed and scrambling.
Your reality doesn’t match the retirement formula
The standard retirement advice says: start saving 15% of your gross salary from your 20s, stay invested for 40 years, and you should be able to replace around 75% of your income when you retire.
But that formula assumes no interruptions. It doesn’t account for maternity leave, career breaks, part-time work, or the pay gap. It doesn’t consider that women often earn less, take on more unpaid care work, and are statistically more cautious with investment risk, which can slow long-term growth.
It also doesn’t reflect the fact that women, on average, live longer than men by four years globally, and in some countries by more than a decade.
That means that woman need more retirement savings than men — not less — the reality is clear woman have less time and income to build up their retirement pot.
How to take control before life forces you to
You don’t need to become a financial expert. You don’t need to take over every spreadsheet. But you do need to stay close enough to the plan that you can confidently step in, if you ever need to.
Here’s where to focus:
- Stay in the room
If your partner is meeting with a financial adviser, go too. Ask questions. Even the ones that make you feel awkward. You’re not expected to know everything, but you are allowed to understand what’s being planned with your money.
- Keep saving, even if it’s small
If you’re freelancing, in between jobs, or taking time out to raise a family, keep up your retirement contributions if you can. The amounts may be smaller, but the habit and the compounding interest matter more.
- Know what’s yours, and how it works
What assets are in your name? What assets are in a trust? How does your marriage contract affect ownership or debt? You don’t have to manage every detail, but you do need to understand the structure. Many women only discover the implications of this when it’s too late to change them.
- Update your will, and review your partner’s
Wills are so often overlooked, especially by women. Yet they are one of the most powerful tools to protect your family and your financial future. If you’re unsure what’s in yours, or whether it reflects your current life, get help to update it.
- Work with someone who sees you
Not just your partner. Not just the household. You need a financial adviser who understands that your reality includes career breaks, caregiving responsibilities, and unequal pay. Women report feeling more confident and more in control when they’re part of those planning conversations, not just informed after the fact.
Lastly, You’re in a financial relationship, not just a romantic one
Financial stress affects nearly 40% of South African women, often because they’re juggling multiple roles and income sources just to keep things going. You don’t have to carry it all — but you do need to stay in the loop. Because when you’re not part of the plan, you’re left reacting to someone else’s decisions.
This isn’t about distrust. It’s about protection. It’s about knowing where you stand and how long your money will last.
So, take the time. Ask the questions. Keep your future in sight.
And if you’re not sure where to begin — that’s what I’m here for.
* Sonia du Plessis, CFP®, is Head of Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch
Ashley joined Brenthurst Wealth in January 2025 as Office Administrative Assistant and Receptionist for the Stellenbosch Office.
Michelle joined the Brenthurst Wealth Team in 2025 as a paraplanner assisting Iniel Van Zyl and Leslie Greyling in our Fourways office.
MARIA is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®️ professional, a member of the Financial Planning Institute of SA and is fully qualified to give advice on all investment matters.
Anelle joined Brenthurst Wealth as a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to Brian Butchart in the Cape Town office in December 2023. She has a wealth of knowledge from working as a liaison between Financial Advisers and clients at TMA and Absa Investment Management Services (Aims) since 1998. She obtained her B. com degree from the University of Port Elizabeth in 1997.
René Heystek joined Brenthurst Wealth in November 2023, as receptionist and administrative assistant in the newly established George/Garden Route office.
Sanet was appointed in April 2020, joining our Cape Town team as an Executive Administration Assistant to Renee Eagar. She has been in the financial services industry since 1990. Her previous experience includes positions at Sanlam, BJM and ABSA. She spent her last 12 years working at Alexander Forbes Private Client Wealth as a Senior Wealth Management Assistant. She has received numerous accolades over the years which include but not limited to, Alexander Forbes Client Service Excellence – Silver award in 2014,2015 and 2017. Sanet has also obtained her Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5) in 2012 and achieved “Best Student of the Year” from Moonstone.
ADMITTED ATTORNEY | FINANCIAL PLANNER & HEAD OF BRENTHURST FOURWAYS
