Essayer OR - Gratuit

How a long-term plan changed a couple's future

Cape Argus

|

June 24, 2025

EIGHT years ago, I met a newly married couple just beginning their journey together. He was 29 and she was 26. Like many young professionals, they had some of the building blocks of a financial plan but had not yet assembled the full picture. Today, in 2025, they are parents, homeowners, and well on their way to a financially secure retirement. Their journey underscores how a disciplined, collaborative approach can transform planning into tangible progress.

- SINAWO MAKALIMA

Step 1: Establishing the relationship

Our journey began after I conducted a financial wellness session at my husband's workplace. At 29, he had a pension fund and group risk cover through his employer, but we quickly identified that financial products alone were not enough; alignment with personal goals was essential.

His wife was 26 at the time and unemployed. The couple had already taken a prudent step by ensuring they had a will in place to make sure their estates went to the correct beneficiaries. It became clear early on that setting a strong foundation would allow them to build toward their future with confidence.

Step 2: Gathering data and setting goals - laying the foundation

The next step involved understanding their personal and financial goals. We discussed their aspirations, such as owning a home, starting a family, and securing a comfortable retirement, and translated those into actionable financial objectives.

A lot of clients, both young and old, tend to accumulate financial products without understanding how they fit into their broader life plans. My role was to turn abstract products into purposeful tools. Initial targets were set for retirement savings, future homeownership, and family planning to create a roadmap that evolved with their changing circumstances.

Once the goals were clear, the planning process became a shared journey, making every session truly time well spent.

Step 3: Analysing and evaluating their financial status

PLUS D'HISTOIRES DE Cape Argus

Cape Argus

Carling Knockout quarter-final fixtures confirmed

THE PSL have announced the fixtures for the Carling Knockout quarterfinals, with the spotlight firmly on Orlando Pirates as they prepare to face the defending champions, Magesi FC, at the end of October at Orlando Stadium.

time to read

1 min

October 13, 2025

Cape Argus

China and Philippines trade blame

THE Philippines said a Chinese ship deliberately rammed one of its government vessels in the disputed South China Sea yesterday, although Beijing blamed Manila for the incident.

time to read

2 mins

October 13, 2025

Cape Argus

Cape Argus

Kristin Davis on ageing gracefully and living boldly

HAVING been a die-hard of the Sex and the City franchise, I was delighted when the spinoff series, And Just Like That..., arrived.

time to read

4 mins

October 13, 2025

Cape Argus

Bulls' Ackermann calls for accountability after costly errors

AFTER a lukewarm display in his United Rugby Championship (URC) debut, Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard will not be available for the Bulls’ next game against Connacht this weekend.

time to read

2 mins

October 13, 2025

Cape Argus

SAHRC slams government for healthcare access failures

THE South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned the government for its inaction against vigilante groups that are obstructing non-nationals and undocumented individuals from accessing public healthcare services.

time to read

1 mins

October 13, 2025

Cape Argus

A chilling tale of depravity, mental illness and loneliness

CO-CREATOR Ryan Murphy’s Monster series on Netflix has struck gold once again with Monster: The Ed Gein story, in a story so depraved and disturbing it’s difficult to look away.

time to read

2 mins

October 13, 2025

Cape Argus

Tributes pour in for learner slain ahead of final exams

TRIBUTES are pouring in for Portland High School matric learner Abdul Muizz Diedericks who was gunned down on Saturday afternoon in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain.

time to read

2 mins

October 13, 2025

Cape Argus

Cape Argus

Your future starts here: Creativity and business equals career success

MATRIC exams are the final hurdle in a long school journey - and if you are currently in matric, we want to wish you all the best.

time to read

2 mins

October 13, 2025

Cape Argus

Sibiya's testimony looms in parliamentary inquiry after electronic devices seized

DEPUTY police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya will take the stand today in the parliamentary inquiry that is probing the allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system.

time to read

2 mins

October 13, 2025

Cape Argus

Cape Argus

WC teachers excel at National Teaching Awards

WESTERN Cape teachers have shone with no less than four first-place winners at the 25th annual National Teaching Awards.

time to read

2 mins

October 13, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size