By Suzean Haumann*
If you manage your own investments, how confident are you that your plan is on track? It’s often thought that you’ll be ok if you have an RA, a few unit trusts, and a tax-free savings account. Right?
You might be, but have you ever wondered whether a DIY approach is really the best way to prepare for what might be 30 years in retirement? Does your portfolio actually suit your long-term goals, and if not, what does that mean for your future?
In South Africa, where inflation often eats away at savings, interest rates rise and fall, and global events often batter local markets, having a financial plan matters more than ever.
Let me to show you how working with a qualified financial adviser could be one of the smartest money decisions you make.
It’s not just about picking the next hot share
A lot of people think investing is about timing the market. You know: buying low, selling high. Chasing growth.
But that’s not what builds long-term wealth.
Real success comes from consistent saving, proper asset allocation, avoiding emotional mistakes, and sticking to a plan, especially when the market takes a knock.
That’s where a financial adviser makes all the difference. We help you stay invested when fear takes over. We make sure you don’t get overconfident when markets run hot. And we help you stick to your goals no matter what the economy is doing.
The numbers speak for themselves
You don’t have to believe me just because I say so. A 15-year Canadian study showed that people who worked with a financial adviser had 2.3 times more assets than those who didn’t.
Even after just 4–6 years, advised clients were already ahead by about 60%.
Locally, Momentum and UNISA found a similar pattern. South African households using professional financial advisers had, on average, 9.5× more in total investment assets than those without advice.
Yes – nine times more.
And that includes retirement funds, discretionary investments, tax-free savings, and other long-term vehicles.
It’s not that advisers pick miracle funds. It’s that they help you avoid bad habits, make smarter choices, and stay committed for the long haul.
What does a financial adviser actually do?
Let’s be honest. A lot of South Africans have bits and pieces of their wealth scattered across different platforms and products. A pension fund from an old employer. A preservation fund somewhere. A few unit trusts from a bank you no longer use.
But there’s often no clear plan. That’s where an adviser steps in.
We help you:
- Understand your full financial picture
- Get your investments aligned with your personal goals
- Avoid duplication or overlap in your portfolio
- Optimise for tax using TFSAs, endowments, and Regulation 28
- Create a realistic plan for retirement – and stick to it
And, believe me, we also get incredibly busy when markets get rough. They remind you of your plan when emotions run high.
According to Vanguard, advisers add around 3% extra per year to returns through planning, discipline, tax efficiency, and behavioural coaching.
That doesn’t sound like much – but over decades, it’s massive. Thanks to compounding, that 3% could mean hundreds of thousands of extra rands by the time you retire.
Advice reduces stress and improves confidence
Financial advice isn’t just about returns, it’s also about your peace of mind.
When you have someone guiding you – someone who understands your risk tolerance, your family’s goals, and the realities of the South African market – you feel more in control.
Most of this confidence comes from knowing that you’re working towards a specific goal, knowing that you’re making better decisions and avoiding procrastination.
Isn’t it expensive to get advice?
A common criticism is that using an advisor is expensive. Here’s the reality: bad decisions cost more than good advice.
Yes, there’s a fee. But all you need is one or two missteps in your own decisions and the cost could be far higher. The right adviser can help you avoid costly pitfalls and make the most of what you already have.
Think of it this way: would you rather pay a small percentage now, or lose years of growth because of one bad call?
Your next step
Ask yourself:
- Am I saving enough to retire comfortably?
- Are my investments properly diversified and tax-efficient?
- Do I review my plan regularly?
- Am I confident I can handle the next market dip — or global crisis?
If you’re unsure, now is a good time to speak to a Brenthurst adviser.
We understand the investment landscape, the rules that apply to your retirement funds, and how to get the most out of every rand you save.
Because in the end, good advice doesn’t cost – it pays.
* Suzean Haumann as a Certified Financial Planner® professional and head of Brenthurst Wealth TygerValley.
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.
