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Leslie Greyling*
We have all heard of the term “sandwich generation “, this refers to a generation of people who have to support their parents and adult kids financially. We find ourselves in this situation when parent/s have not made sufficient provision for retirement or due to unforeseen circumstances do not have the financial means to support themselves. At the same time, there are adult children that are still financially dependent because they are studying or are unable to find employment after completing school.
This can have a huge impact not only financially but also emotionally, on a person or couple that find themselves in the middle of the “sandwich”. Especially if you did not expect or plan for such an eventuality, you now find yourself with this additional responsibility which you cannot avoid or afford.
In the current economic environment, many people are struggling to make ends meet, never mind such an unplanned additional expense.
The above situation affects the amount and rate of savings for your own retirement to a large extent and could result in a vicious cycle when you will become financially dependent on your children in later years.
It is very important to have an honest conversation with your parent/parents well in advance, well before their actual retirement age, so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Do not wait until their retirement savings is depleted, and/or they must go into debt to support themselves.
With the current state pension grant of R2 180 pm (60-74 year old) and R2 200 pm for persons over 75 years of age, it is extremely difficult for retirees to live on this. Especially considering food prices, medical costs, and accommodation/rent.
As an example, take a 40 year old who now unexpectedly has to start supporting a parent/parents financially at a cost of R15 000 p.m.
Keep in mind that people live longer due to medical advances, and often a parent can live until they are in their eighties or older.
If you had to invest the R15 000 pm until your retirement at age 65, with the contributions increasing by inflation of 6% per year, and the return on the investment is an average 8% per year, also taking into account annual costs/fees of 1,5%:
After 25 years, at age 65, the illustrated investment value will be approximately R2 805 080 in real terms (taking inflation into account over the period).
The financial support amount may vary from the above example, but the fact remains that if you had to invest the money that is used to partially or fully support a parent, it could have a significant effect to your own retirement provision or nest egg.
Remember this 40-year old person in the example most likely still has children in the house and they will continue to be dependent at least until they start working and earning own income, which adds to the financial and emotional pressure.
A budget must be a priority for young and old. Establish what costs are Needs vs Wants, in other words essential expenses vs luxury expenses.
To leave children with a financial legacy or inheritance is nice, but it is more important to manage your personal finances in such a way that you do not become dependent on your children (or parents for that matter) later in life.
If you do find yourself in this “sandwich generation” circumstances, here are a few ideas to alleviate the additional financial burden.
Everyone should contribute to the household responsibilities and expenses to some extent, if possible. If the young adult or parent is not able to help financially, he/she can contribute by, for example:
- Doing the cleaning and ironing, which means you might only require a domestic worker 1x per week instead of 3 x per week.
- Doing the shopping and cooking for the family
Other things that retired parents or young adults can do part time to earn money:
- Baby sitting/au pair or pet sitting for other families.
- Transport elderly people around to the Dr, pharmacy, shops.
- Tutoring or helping kids with homework in the afternoons.
- Make pre-cooked meals which can be delivered or collected by customers daily.
- Drive children around to their extramural activities and to/from school.
- Home made products such as jam, crochet items, can be sold at flea markets.
- Receptionist at a small business.
If they have any kind of skill, it could be used to generate an income, such as:
- Administrative experience: virtual or in-person assistant.
- A person with sports background can do afternoon coaching.
- Handyman and general repairs if you have the experience.
Have a family meeting to discuss how everyone can contribute to the household to make life easier.
* Leslie Greyling, Registered Financial Planner™, 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.
