This year has started off with a lot of turmoil. The US has unprecedented inflation, the world is still recovering from the Covid pandemic and then Russia invaded Ukraine to create even more volatility. With so much negative news coming to our attention, it is easy to forget about things that can go right. These are principles investors can use to help them to focus on staying on the right track, even during tumultuous times.
Principle #1 – control what you can, and avoid what you cannot
It is unwise to try to control things you cannot influence but equally unwise to not exercise control over the things we should. The only person who can control you is you. Negative thoughts can lead to fear, which will impact your decisions adversely. Positive thoughts on the other hand will help you to see opportunities and help you think clearly. You cannot control other people, therefore markets cannot be controlled. This is a fundamental belief that every investor should embrace.
Principle # 2 – understand how markets operate
In the short-term stock markets tend to act like a “voting machine” – meaning people vote with their emotions. Voters get influenced by fear or greed, which usually goes into overdrive and drives markets up or down to extreme levels. In the long-run stock markets tend to behave like a “weighing machine” – they weigh company profits and reward them by being willing to pay a higher share price when they see companies continue to deliver profits, grow and expand.
Principle # 3 – you will reap what you sow
Consider your investment to be one of your friendships, just because your friend goes through a tough time does not mean you need to cut the friendship. If you “stick it out” during difficult times your loyalty and determination will be rewarded in the long term, as you will reap the benefit of this friendship (restored growth and dividends) when the tough time is over. Life and investments are not only rosy, but we also need to be willing to work through the storms.
Principle # 4 – choose your friends and input carefully
One of the things I can choose is my inner circle of friends and input. Practically this means what I read and who I talk to. Some newspapers tend to only focus on the negative and sensation – these I avoid. There are some trusted information sources that provide the facts, but also a healthy context. Find something that works for you. This is especially important if you like to stay informed, but not overwhelmed with the negative news flow.
Principle #5 – understand your goals
I firmly believe people are more important than their money. Practically that means I can use money to serve my needs. If you determine what you want your money to do for you there is a goal that can be met. It gives me ambition and satisfaction to work towards a predetermined goal. This goal can be to provide for your own retirement or grow a legacy for your children and grandchildren. Once the goal is met, the job is done.
Principle #6 – have realistic goals
If you need 25% growth to fund your retirement needs, it is highly possible that this growth will not be achievable. If you have a realistic target, you can comfortably work towards it without feeling the pressure to perform. Markets will go up and down in certain years, so you should expect some underperformance along the way. Live within your means and work some margin into your planning, this will prevent anxiety. The principle is to plan with a healthy margin of safety.
Principle #7 – investing is more than just money
Successful choices will benefit those around you. Your children will be given a foundation to be launched from. Your family will enjoy financial security. You will be able to spend money on your dreams and enjoy them. But one of the things I recently learned is that the journey toward your goal also matters. If I am fearful about my investments, I tend to be grumpy and agitated towards friends and family – and nobody likes this. If I am happy whilst pursuing my goals it creates a blueprint for others to follow, creating a legacy of healthy financial stewardship that can last for generations after I am gone.
Everybody can be successful and happy. I realised that money and investment are one of the tools that I can use to achieve my own goals. When the going gets tough I fall back on my principles, learn from others that have gone before me and focus on things within my control. It is in the difficult times that we get tested and can grow a lot, seeds to be sown that will reap rewards when the tide (and markets) eventually turn in our favour again.
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.
