By Leslie Greyling*
Women face distinct financial hurdles, so it’s not surprising that survey data from Money Stress Tracker reveals that South African women are 10-15% more financially stressed than men. With overall financial anxiety increasing notable as women shoulder heavier burdens across home life, personal health, and workplace demands.
Key financial challenges:
- Cumulative wealth gap: Earning less than men on average over a career means you have lower saving and investment potential.
- Career interruptions: Taking time off work for maternity or family care reduces women’s cumulative income and retirement fund contributions and growth.
- Longevity risk: Living longer means your retirement nest egg must stretch across more years.
- Lower investment confidence: In general women have a conservative investment approach, with a preference to leave their capital and savings in money-market or fixed deposit accounts.
- Caregiving penalty: the financial burden to support dependent children and ageing parents.
But women are becoming more self-assured in their financial decision making. The proportion of women who feel confident in their savings and investment decisions has increased steadily over the last few years. This trend is strongest among younger females and those earning higher incomes. The use of financial advisers is also rising, with 45% of women now seeking professional advice compared with 40% in 2023.
Some common mistakes and how to overcome them:
Delaying investing: Start early, even with a small amount. Time in the market is often more important than trying to find the perfect moment to invest.
Underestimating retirement needs: Contribute consistently to retirement accounts and increase contributions whenever your income grows.
Carrying high-interest debt: Prioritise paying off the highest-interest debt first while continuing minimum payments on personal loans and/or credit cards.
Not having an emergency fund: Aim to save three to six months of essential living expenses, starting with small, regular contributions. Consider building additional income stream through freelancing, or a small sideline business.
Avoiding financial conversations: Stay involved in budgeting, investments, taxes, insurance, and long-term planning, regardless of who manages day-to-day finances.
Failing to have your own clear financial goals: Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and review your progress regularly.
Not protecting your Income: Review your life, disability, and income protection insurance cover, and keep beneficiary information up to date.
Building wealth isn’t about perfection—it’s about making consistent, informed decisions over time. Starting early, staying engaged with your finances, and regularly reviewing your financial plan can have a significant impact on long-term financial security.
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.
