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

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