Securing your future

RISKS: WHILE SUCCESSFUL, YOU MAY OVERLOOK PERSONAL FINANCE

- Wouter Fourie

As a CEO or director, you're accustomed to wearing many hats - strategist, visionary, leader, and decision-maker. Your expertise drives your business forward, but in the relentless pursuit of success, one critical area often gets overlooked: your personal financial planning.

For many executives, the assumption is simple: "I have a pension fund and life insurance; I should be covered."

Unfortunately, this approach can lead to a retirement and estate planning reality that falls far short of expectations - not for you but also for your spouse and family.

The hidden risks in your financial strategy:

1. Overexposure to company share incentives: Many CEOs and directors accumulate significant portions of their wealth through company share incentives. While this reflects confidence in your business, it can also expose your financial future to undue risk.

Market volatility, changes in company performance, or economic downturns could jeopardize your wealth if you are too heavily concentrated on one asset. Diversification is the key to mitigating this risk.