Tag: Rory Brachner

An additional percentage point in annual investment fees may seem insignificant. However, over a lifetime, it can compound into millions in lost retirement savings. Yet many South Africans remain unaware of the fees they pay to invest and grow their wealth. An investor paying just 1% more in annual investment fees could retire with R3.5 million less than someone paying lower fees.

As South Africans gear up for the Black Friday rush, the excitement of “unmissable” deals intensifies. The promise of saving big often hides a deeper truth. Most shoppers end up spending more, not less. This reality reflects the hidden cost of bargain-hunting, which often slips past unnoticed. The thrill of discount shopping can quietly erode long-term wealth.

There are tens of thousands of financial advisors in South Africa, but there is considerable variability in the quality of advice they offer. Many will focus on investments and other financial products you may need, but a good advisor’s role is a more demanding one.

Our financial decisions are consequential, it makes sense to have a trusted expert in our corner. However, it’s important to understand how your financial advisor earns their money and ensure their incentives are aligned with yours. Having a discussion around fees can ensure they are actually working for you, and not just selling financial products.