Tag: wealth preservation

For many high-net-worth South Africans living and working abroad, the call of home is growing stronger. Whether prompted by family ties, lifestyle choices or a renewed focus on local business opportunities, the decision to return is often as emotional as it is practical.

In the midst of buoyant equity markets and impressive returns, the prudent investor recognises the imperative of fortifying their wealth against a risk premium. As markets surge and fluctuate, the need for astute wealth management strategies becomes ever more important – particularly for South Africans who need to measure and manage their wealth in global terms.

According to recent research from the Master of the High Court of South Africa, it’s estimated that 15% of South Africans who die have a will in place, which means that five out of six don’t. If you die without a will, your estate will be intestate. This can be a long and drawn-out process, and the assets from your estate will not be in line with what you wanted.

There comes a time in every successful entrepreneur’s life when he or she has to consider how best to transition to the preservation of the wealth they’ve built, not only for their own enjoyment, but also for the sake of the legacy they want to leave behind.

Saving and investing consistently is essential when planning to build a large enough nest egg to retire comfortably. The latest 10X Retirement Reality Report showed that out of 15 million economically active South Africans, 67% have no retirement plans.

Wealthy parents are often concerned about the preservation of their hard-earned family fortunes for their children, and rightly so: research has shown that around 70% of young heirs end up failing as custodians or stewards of the family wealth, sometimes squandering it within a few years after inheritance.

As more South Africans and their businesses continue to face the damaging effects of COVID-19 and the tremulous economic landscape, moving abroad is becoming a serious consideration not only for the rich but the middle class as well.

Investing offshore has nothing to do with patriotism. In the recent past, articles speaking about financial emigration and 'rushing offshore' have painted a picture of Afro-pessimists and skittish investors. Nothing could be further from the truth.