In today’s world, financial independence is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity, and this is especially true for women.
Women often face unique financial challenges: lower average earnings, career breaks for childbearing, caregiving to children as well as parents, and longer life expectancies.
These factors make it essential to plan proactively for a successful future. Taking control of their own financial planning is one of the most powerful steps toward long-term security, personal freedom, and peace of mind.
Many women delay investing or leave key financial decisions to either their partners or their fathers. But being actively involved in your own finances is crucial, no matter what your relationship status. Life can change unexpectedly – whether through divorce, illness, or the loss of a spouse. Having your own knowledge and financial structure in place means you’re prepared, not vulnerable.
Financial planning may sound intimidating, but it can be done with a few simple steps:
- Start where you are: read, ask questions, seek advice. Don’t write finances off as a department that’s exclusive to only the men in your life. Become educated in this area and find yourself a good financial advisor to help you. Regular check-ins ensure that you stay on track, adapt to life changes, and make informed not emotional decisions.
- Start investing, no matter how small, by “paying” yourself first before all the other expenses start to take priority.
- Carefully track spending and create a realistic monthly budget.
- Make use of credit wisely- don’t get into large amounts of debt but have a little manageable debt and make repayments timeously in order to build a credit history.
- Engage with your finances consistently, not just in times of crisis. The earlier you begin, the more options you have.
Financial empowerment doesn’t require wealth but rather knowledge and support, where a woman can gain the freedom to make choices from a place of strength, not necessity.
Michelle Heystek is a financial advisor at Brenthurst Wealth George.
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.
