By Leslie Greyling *
As we celebrate National youth month let’s encourage and guide our children & grandchildren to become financially responsible adults.
Cultivating healthy money habits in children is one of the most valuable life lessons you can impart, it sets them up for independence, responsibility and long-term success.
Young people have the biggest advantage compared to other savers/investors = TIME!
Most schools don’t formally teach young children “money” or financial principles – it’s largely left up to the parent/s.
The earlier they learn and apply key financial skills the greater their reward will be over time.
Here are a few broad principles to guide children of all ages toward financial literacy:
- Understand “wants” vs needs:
Teach them to differentiate between wants (luxury items) and needs (essential items). Allow them to make mistakes, for example if they spend their whole allowance on an expensive item, and have no money left to go to the movies with friends.
- Money is earned, not given:
An allowance can be earned by doing chores around the house. Older children can earn extra money by babysitting for family and friends, tutoring younger kids, or part time work.
- Learn to save:
Encourage them to save a portion of their allowance, or birthday money, for example 1/3 towards savings and 2/3 to spend. For younger children savings can be kept in a piggy bank, and for teenagers in a bank account.
- Value of money:
Explain why you make certain decisions while shopping, for example buying in bulk can be cheaper. Show them the price difference of the same product but different brand or shop.
- Money management:
Show them how to keep record of earning and spending of their pocket money/allowance. This will teach them to budget and keep track of income and expenses in later years.
- Model good behavior:
Children learn from what you do more than what you say. If you are an excessive spender your child will most probably have the same tendency. Set a healthy example and be a positive role model when it comes to finances.
- Be transparent:
Talk openly about money, your financial decisions and mistakes you’ve made.
Explain how to use credit responsibly and how to avoid pitfalls like credit card debt.
You might think most of the above is common knowledge and quite obvious, but if we look at how many middle-class South Africans are drowning in debt, it becomes clear that basic financial literacy is lacking.
The key is to start saving /investing as early as possible, the power of compound interest is one of the most important factors in wealth creation.
* Leslie Greyling is a financial advisor at Brenthurst Wealth Fourways
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.
