Need to know
- Andile Jonas of Momentum Savings reflects on why good habits aren’t enough without clear direction. Budgeting helps, but long-term goals keep your finances on track.
- An adviser can reveal blind spots. Professional guidance adds perspective and helps align your plan with your life stage and goals.
- The right questions create clarity. Reviewing growth, tax efficiency, and planning turns financial goals into action.
When we think about the personal goals we want to achieve for the year, we often focus on very specific outcomes, like losing weight or committing to a regular gym routine.
Often, we forget the bigger picture of where we are heading: I want to be more healthy.
So, if cleaning up your finances and being a bit more disciplined money-wise is one of your goals this year, I have a suggestion. Yes, it’s great to have a budget and to try and stick to it as religiously as possible. It just makes it so much more possible to handle setbacks or to know where best to apply a windfall.
- Are you heading in the right direction?
- Do you have the goals that will help you reach your dreams?
- Is there something you’re missing?
It’s possible that we have a blind spot regarding what we need. That’s why a financial adviser, let’s call it a money sage or wise older sister or brother, could come in handy.
Why seek professional guidance?
It’s natural to feel a bit nervous about opening up your books to a stranger. However, the data speaks for itself. Research from the Financial Planning Institute suggests that clients who receive professional financial advice can see up to 3% higher yearly returns on their investments compared to those who go it alone.
Think of choosing an adviser like finding a new hairdresser or a psychologist. You need to ask yourself:
- Do they truly understand my goals?
- Do they project authority without hiding behind confusing jargon?
- What are their credentials? Are they registered with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)?
As you improve your knowledge, you will get better at what to ask a financial adviser. But maybe the below is a good start.
The 5-question checklist: What to ask your adviser right now
-
Am I on track with my financial goals?
This question identifies gaps in your savings plan, allowing for proactive adjustments that account for rising costs and shifting budget pressures. You’re checking whether you should up your contributions to your pension fund or retirement annuity. -
By how much did my money grow last year, and are my investments performing in such a way that I am on track
to reach my goals?
By asking this question, you’re not splitting hairs on growth percentages, but just comparing your performance with that of the general market. -
Am I making the most of my tax breaks?
This helps you plan for a top-up before the end of the tax year at the end of February. You don’t want to miss out on the great tax rebates you can get! -
Is my estate planning where it should be?
Reviewing your estate plan yearly ensures your assets are distributed according to your last wishes and your legacy avoids unnecessary legal and financial hurdles. -
Is there something I’m missing for the life stage I’m in?
You may want to consider a medical aid plan with more muscle as you grow older. But you may want to reduce your life insurance as you get on in life and your savings are growing substantially. When you’re young, you don’t have something to fall back on, but when you’re older, you do.
The bottom line
A great financial adviser isn't just a "stock picker”. Their true value lies in comprehensive financial planning. They help you balance the need for protection today (like life insurance and medical aid) with the growth you need for tomorrow (like your retirement and other bigger financial goals).
Don't let 2026 be another year of "guessing" your way through your finances. Use these questions to turn your resolutions into a concrete roadmap.
This blog article was adapted from a recent conversation between Andile Jonas, Head of Marketing at Momentum Savings and DJ Fresh on 93.8 FM’s Fresh Breakfast Show.
Get advice
Our long-term savings plans, combined with financial advice tailored to your needs, help you stay confident about your financial future, no matter where you are in your life journey. Let your adviser look at your savings goals and do the sums to see whether you are on track.
About the author
Andile Jonas
Head of Marketing at Momentum Savings
Andile Jonas heads up marketing and brand repositioning for Momentum Savings, Momentum’s long-term savings business. With more than 15 years’ experience across insurance, banking and investments, he has driven a shift toward a client-centred, digitally enabled brand narrative.
Andile is passionate about simplifying complexity, promoting conscious saving and supporting the critical role financial advisers play in shaping better financial outcomes for South Africans.
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