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By Charize Beukes*
As a financial advisor, I am laser-focused on helping my clients achieve their long-term financial goals. One of the biggest hurdles is often not the lack of finances to save enough, but rather an understanding of this journey that you’re on.
As with any journey, you need to travel through points B, C, D and so on to get from point A – Z. And what do you do when going on a trip? You plan. Otherwise, you might get lost.
The same principle applies to your financial journey. The easiest way to explain what to expect and what to do along this journey is to look at key milestones in your life, specifically your life stages as you age.
By taking a decade-by-decade approach, I work together with my clients to build wealth in a way that is manageable and tailored to your specific situation.
The early years
In your 20s, it is crucial to start investing early. I know it can be tempting to put this off until you feel financially stable, but the truth is, time is on your side at this age. This is not only because of the power of compounding interest, but especially because the long time horizon allows you to recover from market setbacks.
That means you can ignore short-term market fluctuations and focus on investing in quality companies that should withstand the test of time. In your twenties, investing is less about quantity than it is about quality. Investing a little money wisely will take you much further than investing a large amount in the wrong place.
You can start saving for retirement by opening a retirement annuity (RA) or a tax-free investment. These products come in handy when it comes to tax planning and estate planning later in life.
Another priority at this age is to start building your emergency fund. Having at least 3-6 months’ net income set away goes a long way to helping you ride out any rough patches.
Your blossoming career
As you move into your 30s, your income will probably grow, providing more opportunities to maximise your retirement savings. While you’re working on increasing your retirement fund, it’s essential to continue building your emergency fund to keep pace with current expenses.
At this time, you should also start considering estate planning and life insurance policies to protect your family and assets in the future. Preparing for death may send shivers down your spine, but not planning properly can lead to family disputes, assets landing in the wrong hands, lengthy court litigation processes and expensive estate taxes.
Beyond looking to the future, you need to also keep an eye on your current lifestyle. It’s easy to begin overspending as your income increases, leaving you living paycheck to paycheck. You can avoid lifestyle inflation by setting clear financial goals, working with a financial planner to prioritise your goals and spending wisely on assets that grow in value. Flashy cars, extravagant holidays and luxuries do not fall into this category.
The roaring forties
When you reach your 40s, you may have significant investments across various asset classes, but this decade comes with its own unique financial challenges. Expenses like schooling and tertiary education quickly add up and the best way to prepare for that is to start an education fund for your kids as early as possible.
You might be tempted to dip into your retirement savings to pay for these expenses, but that is definitely not recommended.
This decade is also an excellent time to start paying off high-interest debt and creating a stable foundation for building wealth. It’s impossible to build wealth when you’re paying off more on interest than you’re saving, and cutting debt payments takes you one step closer to financial independence.
Needless to say, you should continue to save for retirement and ensure you have a solid emergency fund set aside.
Read more: 7 bad habits robbing you of a comfortable retirement
The nifty fifties
By the time you reach your 50s, you’re likely to have already made significant progress towards achieving your long-term financial goals.
However, this doesn’t mean that you’re out of the woods quite yet. Close liaison with your financial advisor regularly will help you to make sure your investment portfolio remains balanced and that you’re maximizing your retirement savings.
At this time, it might be wise to shift the balance of your investments away from risky growth assets into more stable income funds. The exact balance and investment types should be discussed with your financial advisor who can help you to make sure your savings keep up with inflation without taking on too much risk.
Now is also a good time to review life insurance policies, beneficiary nominations and your will to ensure that everything is in order should the unthinkable happen to you.
The golden years
Finally, when you reach your 60s, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. If you had remained diligent and dedicated to your long-term financial plan, you should finally be able to retire and enjoy a comfortable pension.
However, even in retirement, it’s important to keep an eye on your finances and continue working with a financial advisor to ensure you’re making the most of your investments.
I’m sure that you’ll agree that viewing your investment journey from this perspective removes the fear and uncertainty. It’s much easier to see the way forward and assess whether you’re currently in the right place because you have a plan. Use this to your advantage to stay on track and avoid wandering off the path in search of Eldorado.
- Charize Beukes is a Financial Planner at Brenthurst Wealth Pretoria.
Megan joined the Brenthurst Wealth team in March 2026 as an Administrative and Fiduciary Services Assistant at our Val de Vie Office in the Western Cape. Prior to joining Brenthurst, Megan gained three years of experience in the retail sector, where she developed management and client service skills.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Esmarelda Isaacs-Andreas joined the Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch office in October 2025, taking on the dual role of Receptionist and Fiduciary Administrator.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Ashley joined Brenthurst Wealth in January 2025 as Office Administrative Assistant and Receptionist for the Stellenbosch Office.
René Heystek joined Brenthurst Wealth in November 2023, as receptionist and administrative assistant in the newly established George/Garden Route office.
Michelle Heystek has built a career in the financial services over the last two decades, after obtaining her B.Com degree in Financial Management in 2005. Once she joined Brenthurst in 2006, she continued her academic journey, obtaining her Certificate in Wealth Management from INSETA in 2007, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State. In 2008, she earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.
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.
ADMITTED ATTORNEY | FINANCIAL PLANNER & HEAD OF BRENTHURST FOURWAYS
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.
Maria Smit is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 10 years of experience in the financial planning industry.
