Many studies have shown that around 5-6% of South Africans are able to retire comfortably. Considering this fact is it quite clear that South Africans are underfunded for retirement, and quality financial advice should be part of every South African’s life. Let’s understand what financial planning is about and what it can add…
What do wealth advisors do?
I often come across this question a lot, and the very simple explanation is that financial advisors help investors to achieve their objectives. This can either be short, medium, or long-term objectives. We help clients put appropriate financial plans in place, and regularly review these plans in order to adjust them as personal circumstances change over time. Advisors generally have a wide range of skill sets to assist investors with investment and retirement planning, tax planning, offshore investments, foreign exchange, business planning, and estate planning, to name a few. Advisors will also take the time to understand the psychology of human decision-making to advise investors appropriately when it comes to assisting them in making the correct decisions.
There are several reasons why you might consider using a wealth advisor, including:
Expertise:
Wealth managers are trained and experienced financial professionals who have expertise in managing complex financial situations. They can help you navigate complicated financial decisions and provide customised investment and financial planning advice based on your specific needs and objectives.
Time:
Managing your finances can be time-consuming, especially if you have a complex financial situation or a busy schedule. A wealth manager can help you save time by taking care of your investments and financial planning for you, allowing you to focus on other important areas of your life.
Objectivity:
A wealth manager can provide an objective perspective on your financial situation, helping you to make informed decisions based on your goals and risk tolerance, rather than emotional reactions to market volatility or other financial events. A wealth manager who is truly independent can help you to make the correct financial decisions based on accurate information.
Comprehensive financial planning:
A wealth manager can provide comprehensive financial planning services that go beyond investment management, including retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and more. This can help ensure that your overall financial plan is aligned with your long-term goals and objectives.
What do wealth advisors not do?
It is important to understand that wealth managers do not step into the role of professional fund managers. Financial advisors do not make asset allocation decisions such as when to buy and sell certain assets in the market. However, advisors need to know and understand the building blocks of asset management to advise an investor appropriately. Financial advisors are simply not specialist asset managers. While both asset managers and wealth managers provide investment management services, wealth managers take a broader, more holistic approach to managing investors’ finances, with a focus on providing comprehensive financial planning services to help them achieve their goals.
What is the benefit of making use of a professional financial advisor?
Where proper financial planning is in place, investors have a better chance of achieving their goals. Financial advisors ensure that the appropriate investment vehicles and fund selections are in place, which assists in ensuring that financial outcomes are as best as possible over time. Financial advisors spend a lot of time conducting macroeconomic research and analysis to formulate decisions on where opportunities in the market could best add value to portfolios. Advisors help with making decisions based on pure investment fundamentals, which include taking the investor’s circumstances – such as risk profile and tax sensitivity – into account.
Overall, working with a wealth manager can provide peace of mind and help you achieve your financial goals by providing personalized advice, expertise, and access to financial products and services that can help you grow and protect your wealth over the long term. A survey by BlackRock looking at the relationship between wealth and well-being found that 76% of investors who use a financial advisor reported a positive sense of well-being.
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.
