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The holistic approach to life cover

When it comes to life insurance, one of the most common questions people ask is: How much cover do I actually need? While the typical rule of thumb suggests between 10 to 15 times your annual salary, the real answer depends on your unique circumstances, responsibilities, and financial goals.

Rather than picking a number out of thin air, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. A well-structured life insurance plan isn’t just about covering debts; it’s about ensuring your loved ones have the financial security they need, no matter what the future holds.

What life insurance planning should cover

The right level of cover should take into account several key financial responsibilities:

  • Funeral and final expenses

The costs of burial or cremation, medical expenses, and any legal fees can add up quickly.

  • Mortgage or bond repayment

A mortgage or bond protection policy ensures that your home remains in the family, eliminating one of the most significant financial burdens for your dependents.

  • Clearing outstanding debts

Credit cards, car loans, and personal loans shouldn’t become a source of stress for your family. Cover can be structured to help eliminate these liabilities.

  • Providing for short-term financial stability

A suitable emergency fund (three to six months of salary) can give your family the financial flexibility to adjust to new circumstances without strain.

  • Long-term income replacement

Whether replacing the earnings of a working parent or covering the costs of childcare and home management for a stay-at-home parent, life cover can ensure financial stability in the years to come.

Taking a holistic approach to life cover

A robust life insurance plan should consider how long the cover needs to be in place and how long it should provide financial support after a claim.

Here are a few important questions to guide your decision:

  • Should cover last until your children are financially independent?
  • Should it continue until you would have reached retirement age?
  • Should it provide for dependents for life or a set period, such as 10 or 20 years?

These considerations will influence not only the total amount of cover required but also the structure of the policies best suited to your needs.

Life insurance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind. Working with a qualified financial planner ensures that your cover is structured to provide the right level of protection at every stage of life, so you can focus on living fully, knowing your loved ones will always be secure.

Is it time for a lifestyle audit?

Also referred to as an “economic reality check,”, lifestyle audits are not just for the rich and famous, and not just useful to the tax collector!

Have you ever looked at your bank statement and wondered, “Where did it all go?”

It’s one of those universal moments—a glance at your spending habits and the creeping realisation that maybe, just maybe, your money isn’t working as hard as it should be for the life you want.

This is where a lifestyle audit comes in. It’s not about spreadsheets or guilt-tripping yourself over a daily smoothie habit. It’s about aligning your financial choices with the life you actually want to live. Because financial planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about choices, values, and making sure your money is supporting what matters most to you.

Taking stock of the now

The first step in a lifestyle audit isn’t cutting back; it’s gaining clarity. Before you adjust anything, you need to know where your money is going. Are you spending in ways that reflect your priorities, or are there hidden habits quietly draining your resources?

For some, this might mean noticing that an automatic subscription for something they no longer use is still charged to their account. For others, it might mean seeing that a significant chunk of their income is going toward things that have little long-term value. The goal isn’t to shame yourself but to gain awareness, because without awareness, change is impossible.

Redefining what “enough” looks like

We often default to the idea that financial success means accumulating more. More income. More assets. More stuff. But what if success isn’t about more, but about enough? A lifestyle audit helps you reframe your spending regarding what genuinely adds value to your life, not what the world tells you should.

That could mean choosing travel over upgrading your car every three years. It may mean investing in experiences rather than accumulating more possessions. Maybe it’s deciding that financial security gives you a greater sense of peace than a bigger house ever could.

This is where financial planning becomes deeply personal—it’s not about fitting into a prescribed budget, but about shaping your financial world to match your real-life goals.

Once you have clarity, even minor tweaks can create a massive shift in financial well-being. Redirecting just 5–10% of your current spending toward things that bring more meaning (whether that’s saving for a future goal, funding a passion project, or creating more breathing room in your budget) can change how you feel about your money entirely.

A lifestyle audit isn’t about restriction. It’s about realignment. It’s about making sure that when you look at your spending, you see a reflection of the life you actually want, not just a series of transactions that happened by default.

Where financial planning comes in

A good financial plan doesn’t just focus on the numbers; it focuses on you. It helps you identify what’s truly important, align your spending with your values, and ensure that your money serves your goals.

Financial planning isn’t just about investments, tax efficiency, or retirement—it’s about creating a framework where your finances support your life, not the other way around. And that starts with asking the right questions, setting clear priorities, and making sure your financial strategy reflects the life you actually want to build.

If you’ve never taken the time to assess whether your money is aligned with your values, now is the perfect time to start. Our conversation won’t be about restriction, it will be about unlocking possibilities. Let’s redefine what financial success means for you, and build a plan that helps you get there.

Are you being reasonable?

If money decisions were purely mathematical, personal finance would be easy. Spend less than you earn, invest in low-cost index funds, and let compound interest do its thing. But as anyone who’s ever faced a financial dilemma knows, money is emotional, unpredictable, and deeply personal.

Morgan Housel, in The Psychology of Money, makes a compelling argument: in finance, it’s often more important to be reasonable than to be rational. In theory, rational decisions are always the best ones. But in reality, the best financial strategy is the one you can stick to—not the one that looks perfect on paper.

Take investing, for example. Rationally, the most efficient strategy might be to hold a high percentage of stocks for decades, never check your portfolio, and ride out every market drop without flinching. But most people don’t work that way. Market downturns can make even the most disciplined investors nervous, leading to panic selling. A reasonable approach might involve a more balanced portfolio—one that offers a smoother ride, even if it’s not the most mathematically optimal.

Or consider saving. Rationally, every extra dollar, pound, or Rand should be maximised for return—perhaps going into the highest-yielding investments. But a reasonable approach might involve keeping a larger-than-necessary emergency fund in cash, simply because it provides peace of mind. This may not be the ‘perfect’ financial move, but for many, the ability to sleep soundly at night outweighs an extra fraction of a percent in returns.

The same goes for spending. Rationally, every purchase should be justified by its utility. But life isn’t lived in spreadsheets. If spending a little extra on travel, hobbies, or a quality mattress makes your life meaningfully better, a reasonable approach might allow for these expenses while still maintaining financial security.

This idea extends beyond investing and saving—it applies to financial planning as a whole. A rational person might try to budget every cent to perfection. A reasonable person understands that life is unpredictable and builds in some flexibility. A rational person might chase the highest possible returns. A reasonable person aims for stability and sustainability, knowing that emotional resilience is just as important as financial efficiency.

Ultimately, financial success isn’t about optimising every single decision—it’s about finding a strategy that works for you. A plan that aligns with your personality, risk tolerance, and lifestyle is far more valuable than one that’s perfect in theory but impossible to follow.

So next time you’re making a financial decision, don’t just ask, “What’s the most rational choice?” Ask, “What’s the reasonable choice that I can confidently sustain?” Because when it comes to long-term financial well-being, consistency beats perfection every time.

Predictions, Plans, and the Power of Perspective

If history has taught us anything, it’s that predicting the future—especially when it comes to markets—is an exercise in futility. Every year, analysts, economists, and investment strategists make bold forecasts about where stocks will land, how interest rates will shift, and what geopolitical events will shake the financial world. And every year, those predictions are proven, at best, only partially correct.

Market forecasts are like long-range weather predictions. We can analyse trends, observe patterns, and make educated guesses, but unexpected storms will always roll in. This is why the smartest investors don’t rely on forecasts—they rely on frameworks. They don’t anchor their financial future to a single prediction but instead, build resilient strategies that can weather both sunshine and storms.

Think of it this way: If even the world’s most powerful financial institutions can’t get their projections right, how much weight should we really place on those year-end market targets? More importantly, should we allow them to dictate our investment decisions?

The challenge is that certainty is seductive. It’s reassuring to think that someone, somewhere, has a crystal ball. But the truth is, investing isn’t about knowing what will happen—it’s about being prepared for whatever happens.

A disciplined financial plan doesn’t pretend to know the unknowable. Instead, it prioritises:

  • Diversification over concentration – Ensuring that no single event can knock a portfolio off course.
  • Consistency over reaction – Staying invested rather than attempting to time the market.
  • Long-term resilience over short-term predictions – Recognizing that success isn’t about making the perfect move today, but about making thoughtful, strategic moves consistently over time.

At the heart of this approach is a shift in mindset—from focusing on prediction to focusing on preparation. The best investors are less concerned with whether markets will rise or fall in the next 12 months and more concerned with ensuring their financial plan holds up over the next 10, 20, or 30 years.

This approach is liberating. It means no longer needing to chase headlines, second-guess market fluctuations, or jump in and out based on fear or speculation. Instead, it’s about staying steady, adaptable, and strategic.

The truth is, no one knows what the next year will bring. Markets could soar, dip, or stagnate. But if your plan is built with resilience in mind, it won’t matter nearly as much as you think.

Instead of playing the prediction game, focus on building a financial strategy that works in any environment. Because the best way to prepare for the unknown future is to build a plan that doesn’t depend on certainty to succeed.

It isn’t just about knowledge

It’s a tempting idea, isn’t it? The thought of managing your own finances, crafting your own investment strategy, and making the “right” moves with your money—all without the need for professional guidance. After all, the information is out there. Books, podcasts, courses, and countless personal finance influencers promise that with a little effort, you can be your own financial planner.

But here’s the thing: financial planning isn’t just about what you know. It’s about how you apply it—and, just as importantly, how you navigate your own emotions, biases, and blind spots along the way.

Sure, knowledge is a powerful tool. The road to becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional is paved with rigorous academic training, countless hours of study, and hands-on experience. But even beyond technical expertise, the role of a financial planner extends into areas that are much harder to self-manage: objectivity, habits, discipline, and adaptability.

Think about this: you wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself just because you have access to medical textbooks. Likewise, having financial knowledge doesn’t mean you’re equipped to make the best decisions when it comes to your own wealth. That’s because financial planning is as much about behaviour as it is about numbers.

Consider the challenge of objectivity. When markets dip or economic uncertainty rises, even the most rational individuals can be swayed by emotion—fear, anxiety, impatience. A financial planner provides a crucial buffer between you and your instincts, helping you make decisions that align with long-term goals rather than short-term impulses.

Then there’s the issue of discipline. Knowing what to do is one thing—actually following through, year after year, is another. Saving consistently, adjusting your strategy when life changes, reviewing your financial goals regularly—these are habits, not just facts. And habits are much harder to build and sustain without accountability.

Finally, there’s the complexity of financial planning itself. Tax laws evolve. Investment landscapes shift. The best financial strategy for you five years ago may not be the best one today. A financial planner helps you stay proactive, making adjustments as your life changes—so your financial plan continues working for you, not against you.

Does this mean you can’t manage your finances on your own? Not at all. Many people successfully take a DIY approach. But it comes with trade-offs—significant time commitments, a steep learning curve, and the need to constantly filter out misinformation.

So, the real question isn’t “Can I be my own financial planner?” It’s “Should I?”

And that answer depends on how much time, effort, and emotional energy you’re willing to invest—not just in learning, but in continuously managing and updating your plan.

Because, in the end, financial planning isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about wisdom—the wisdom to know when to seek guidance, when to stay the course, and when to make the adjustments that will keep you on track for years to come.

The cost of trust

Financial advice is about more than just investments and returns—it’s about trust. And one of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of that trust is how you pay for your financial advice. It’s a conversation that affects every investor, expat, and retiree, regardless of where they are in the world.

Broadly speaking, financial advisers are compensated in one of two ways: commissions or fees. Both have their place in the industry, but each model carries different implications for the advice you receive. Understanding these distinctions can help you make more informed choices about your financial future.

The commission-based model: convenience, but at what cost?
Commission-based advice is the traditional model in many parts of the world. Here, advisers earn their income from the products they sell—whether it’s an investment fund, insurance policy, or pension plan. On the surface, this can seem appealing because clients don’t see an upfront bill for advice. However, this structure can create a conflict of interest: the adviser is compensated for selling certain products, not necessarily for providing holistic financial guidance.

That doesn’t mean all commission-based advisers are pushing inappropriate products. Many act with integrity and work in their clients’ best interests. However, the system itself can introduce incentives that may not always align with what’s best for the investor. For instance, products with higher commissions—often complex, long-term investments—may be recommended over simpler, lower-cost solutions that would better serve the client.

The fee-based model: paying for planning, not products
Fee-based financial planning operates differently. Instead of commissions, clients pay directly for the advice they receive—whether it’s a one-time financial plan, ongoing investment management, or strategic tax planning. This model helps remove conflicts of interest because the adviser’s compensation isn’t tied to selling specific financial products.

For those who value transparency, objectivity, and a structured financial plan that isn’t influenced by sales commissions, a fee-based adviser can offer peace of mind. This approach is particularly valuable for expatriates and high-income professionals, who often require bespoke financial strategies that go beyond standard investment products.

So, which is better?
There’s no single right answer—it depends on your financial needs, the level of service you require, and how comfortable you are with different fee structures. Some investors prefer commission-based advice because it allows them to access financial products without paying out of pocket. Others see the value in a fee-based relationship, where advice is independent of product recommendations.

Ultimately, what matters most is transparency. Whether you work with a commission-based or fee-based adviser, the key question to ask is: How is my adviser being compensated, and how does that influence the advice I receive?

The right adviser, regardless of compensation model, will help you navigate financial decisions with clarity and confidence—because at the end of the day, it’s not about how they get paid, but whether their guidance is truly working for you.

Context over cash

Imagine this: You’re sitting around a table with friends, and the conversation shifts to money. Someone is buying a new car, another just paid off their house, and someone else is debating whether to invest in the stock market or property. Advice gets tossed around freely—”You should do what I did!”—as if there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to financial success.

But here’s the thing: context is everything.

It’s easy to look at someone else’s financial choices and wonder if you should be doing the same. But what’s missing from these conversations is the deeper context—their income, obligations, risk tolerance, long-term goals, and even their personal values. Two people could have the same amount of money in the bank but vastly different financial realities. A comfortable savings account might mean peace of mind for one person, but for another, it might barely scratch the surface of the security they need.

This is why financial planning isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about understanding the “why” behind them. The best financial decisions come from clarity, not comparison.

When we take advice from people whose lives don’t mirror our own, we risk making choices that don’t serve us. Instead, the focus should be on designing a financial plan that fits your life—your goals, responsibilities, and aspirations.

Consider two individuals with the same salary. One may be single, renting an apartment, and able to invest aggressively. The other may have three children, a bond, and elderly parents who rely on them financially. If the first person says, “You should max out your investment contributions!” it might be great advice for their situation—but not necessarily for the second person. This is why financial planning should always be personalised, taking into account the full picture rather than just surface-level figures.

Context is also what makes financial planning a living, breathing process rather than a set-it-and-forget-it exercise. What made sense for you five years ago might not serve you now. Life changes—careers shift, families grow, priorities evolve. Financial security isn’t just about having cash in the bank; it’s about having a plan that moves with you.

That’s why working with a financial planner who understands your context—rather than following generic advice—is so valuable. We help provide perspective, not just prescriptions. We help you make informed decisions that align with where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow.

So, the next time someone tells you what you should be doing with your money, pause for a moment. Ask yourself: Does this fit my life? My circumstances? My future?

Because true financial freedom isn’t about following someone else’s roadmap—it’s about creating your own.

It’s not accidental; it’s intentional.

No one stumbles into wealth by accident. Even those who win the lottery often find themselves broke again within a few years. It’s also not about trying to cut back on your take-out coffee.

Financial success isn’t about luck, and it’s not about making one perfect decision that changes everything. It’s about consistent, intentional choices that build toward a future you actually want.

Being intentional with your money doesn’t mean obsessing over every transaction or living under the weight of rigid financial rules. It means making choices with purpose. It’s the difference between hoping things will work out and knowing you’re taking steps to make them work.

Take your daily coffee, for example. Some financial advice would tell you to cut it out entirely—skip the treat, save the money, and invest it instead. But that’s missing the point. For many people, that morning coffee isn’t just caffeine—it’s a ritual, a moment of self-care, a pause before the day begins. If it adds real value to your life, then it’s not a careless expense. It’s an intentional one. The key is not whether you buy the coffee—it’s whether you thought about it and decided it was worth it.

That same principle applies to every aspect of financial success. The financially secure people you admire don’t get there by blindly following rules or depriving themselves of joy. Their success isn’t magic—it’s a result of small, deliberate habits that compound over time. Saving before spending. Investing consistently, not just when the market is up or down. Avoiding debt traps, not because they have to, but because they understand the freedom that comes with financial control.

Intentionality also means defining what financial success actually looks like for you. Too often, we absorb someone else’s definition—whether it’s a certain net worth, a big house, or early retirement. But true financial success is about aligning your money with your values. What kind of life do you want to create? What do you want your money to do for you?

It’s easy to drift through life, letting circumstances dictate your financial decisions. But being intentional means making proactive choices that keep you moving in the right direction. It means having a plan—one that’s flexible, realistic, and designed for your goals.

Because, in the end, financial security isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build. Step by step, choice by choice, with intention. So go ahead—buy the coffee if it matters to you. Just make sure that the same intentionality guides all your financial decisions, from the little moments to the big ones.

Rewrite your love story with money

Every relationship has a story—a narrative we tell ourselves about how things are, how they’ve been, and what they’ll always be. And while we often think of “love stories” in the context of romance, there’s another relationship in our lives that deserves just as much attention: our relationship with money.

For many of us, our money story has deep roots. It’s shaped by childhood experiences, societal messages, and personal triumphs or struggles. Maybe your story is one of scarcity, where money always seemed out of reach. Or perhaps it’s one of indulgence, where spending became a way to fill emotional gaps. For some, it’s a tale of avoidance, where money is simply too overwhelming to confront.

But here’s the truth: just like any relationship, your story with money isn’t unchangeable.

You can rewrite it. And you deserve to.

Take a moment to reflect. What is the current narrative you hold about money? Does it serve you? Does it bring you peace, or does it keep you trapped in fear, guilt, or frustration? Recognizing this story is the first step toward rewriting it.

A love story rooted in respect and connection

Rewriting your money story doesn’t mean suddenly becoming a financial expert or flipping a switch to unlimited abundance. It’s about fostering a healthier, more balanced relationship—one built on respect, understanding, and connection.

Start by replacing judgment with curiosity. Instead of berating yourself for past financial decisions, ask what you’ve learned from them. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, celebrate what you do. Instead of avoiding conversations about money, lean into them with openness and a willingness to grow.

Money, like any other relationship, thrives when it’s treated with care and intention. That might mean setting boundaries (like a budget) or creating space for regular catch-ups (like reviewing your financial goals). It could mean seeking advice from someone you trust, whether that’s a financial planner, partner, or mentor. Most importantly, it means letting go of shame and stepping into empowerment.

Rewriting your money story doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Like any love story, it’s a journey—a process of understanding, evolving, and building trust. The key is to start.

Imagine what your life would look like if your relationship with money was no longer a source of stress but a foundation of stability and growth. Picture the freedom to align your financial decisions with your values, dreams, and purpose. That’s the new story you can create.

So, how will your next chapter begin? You’re the author of your story with money, and every choice you make is a chance to write something new. Start today—one small change at a time—and create a love story with money that supports the life you truly want.

Raise a millionaire

Raising financially responsible children who may one day become the next “Millionaire Next Door” is less about complex financial strategies and more about small, intentional lessons woven into everyday life.

It starts with recognising that children learn more from what we do than what we say. If we want them to grow into thoughtful stewards of their wealth, we must first model responsible behaviour ourselves. Showing them how we save, budget, and make spending decisions is far more impactful than a lecture. Whether it’s choosing to cut back on dining out to save for a family vacation or deciding against an impulse purchase, these actions demonstrate the value of patience, planning, and thoughtful decision-making.

Helping children understand the value of money is another foundational step. This often begins with teaching them how to earn their own money. Whether it’s through age-appropriate chores, a part-time job, or even a small entrepreneurial venture, earning money helps them appreciate the effort that goes into building wealth. Once they’ve earned it, guiding them on how to manage it can be just as impactful. Encouraging them to divide their earnings into categories like spending, saving, and giving introduces them to the idea of balance, a concept that will serve them well throughout life.

One of the most important lessons we can teach children is the power of delayed gratification. In today’s world of instant rewards, this skill can set them apart. Helping kids set small savings goals, like saving for a desired toy or gadget, is a tangible way to instil this value. Watching their savings grow and eventually achieve their goal not only builds their patience but also gives them a sense of pride and ownership that far outweighs the fleeting joy of instant purchases.

Money, despite its importance, is often a taboo topic in families. Breaking this silence by having open, age-appropriate conversations about money can make all the difference. Sharing how financial decisions are made, discussing budgeting for everyday expenses, and even talking about past mistakes can provide invaluable lessons. These conversations don’t have to be formal; they can arise naturally, such as while planning for a family trip or reviewing expenses together. The goal is to create a space where children feel comfortable asking questions and learning about finances in a real-world context.

These lessons don’t have to be monumental. Even small, everyday decisions can have a lasting impact. Inviting your child to help plan a grocery budget or discussing how to save for an outing are easy ways to start embedding these principles.

Over time, these small steps create a foundation that not only helps children understand the mechanics of money but also cultivates the confidence to make thoughtful, intentional financial decisions.

Raising the next millionaires is less about wealth itself and more about instilling values like balance, discipline, and intentionality. It’s about helping children understand that money is a tool, not an end goal, and that thoughtful financial habits can lead to both security and fulfilment.

By leading by example and embracing these small teaching moments, we give our children the opportunity to build not just wealth, but a meaningful life. In doing so, we empower them to create their own version of financial success, rooted in the lessons we’ve shared and the values we’ve modeled.