As we end the first quarter of the year, we hope your goals for 2025 are gaining momentum.
But if you’re feeling off track, don’t worry – resolution fatigue is real, and setbacks are just part of the journey.
Johann Van der Merwe, Executive Financial Planner in Wealth and Investment at Standard Bank, understands this journey well. He draws on over 30 years of expertise to share practical strategies for building smart money habits, avoiding common pitfalls, and securing your financial future through investing.
1. Don’t know where to start? Use your GPS
Johann uses an apt analogy to describe financial planning: think of it as a GPS. Your goals, priorities, and strategies (GPS) guide your financial journey.
The first step to financial success is knowing what you want to achieve. Johann emphasises that every investment (or savings plan) should have a specific goal: putting away for your child’s education, planning for retirement, or even funding that dream vacation stuck to your vision board.
For example, if you’re planning an overseas trip for July, Johann suggests buying forex in advance to avoid market fluctuations. Similarly, if you’re saving for retirement, your investment strategy should reflect a long-term horizon of 25+ years.
“Remember, if your GPS is off by even one degree, you’ll never reach your destination,” he says. “The same applies to your finances. Regular reviews and check-ins will keep you aligned with your goals.”
Actionable tip: Write down your financial goals for 2025 and beyond. Break them down into short-term (1-2 years), medium-term (5-10 years), and long-term (20+ years) categories. This will help you tailor your strategies accordingly.
2. Cultivate smart money habits
Discipline is the cornerstone of financial success. Johann recommends saving at least 15% of your income, split between short-term needs, long-term goals, and offshore investments.
He also highlights the importance of leveraging technology to stay on track. Tools like Standard Bank’s My360 app provide a bird’s-eye view of your finances, updating your balance sheet daily. Even if you’re with a different bank, there are plenty of apps available on the App Store, AppGallery, or Play Store to track your progress and tweak your strategy as needed.
Actionable tip: Sometimes, saving a strict 15% of your income is out of reach. However, when you have a little extra to spare, take advantage of Shyft’s new instant top-ups feature to boost your wallet (and, subsequently, your portfolio) quickly. This small but impactful step can help you stay on track with your goals despite life’s curveballs.
3. Avoid common financial pitfalls
Reacting impulsively to market changes is one of the biggest mistakes people make when investing. Johann warns against trying to time the market, as this can erode one’s wealth over time.
“Time in the market is more important than timing the market,” he says. “If your investment isn’t performing well this year, try not to panic. Stick to your strategy, especially if your time horizon is 8-10 years or more.”
Looking ahead, Johann also highlights the uncertainty of global markets and political shifts but stresses the importance of staying disciplined and focused on long-term goals. “You can’t predict what will happen in the markets or with exchange rates,” he says, “but if you have a clear strategy and stick to it, you’ll be better positioned to navigate challenges.”
Actionable tip: Avoid emotional decisions. Stay committed to your financial plan, even during market or personal downturns. Regularly review your investments to ensure you stay on track, but don’t make drastic changes based on short-term fluctuations. Focus on what you can control – your savings rate, investment strategy, and spending habits.
4. Build a legacy
For Johann, financial planning isn’t just about securing your future – it’s about creating a lasting legacy for your loved ones. Whether setting up a trust, drafting a will, or planning for business succession, these steps ensure that your wealth benefits future generations.
Actionable tip: If you haven’t already, consult a financial planner to create a legacy plan. This step includes drafting a will, setting up trusts, and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.
5. Your best asset? Time!
Johann stresses that time is your greatest ally in building wealth. The longer your investment horizon, the more risk you can take. For example, if you’re in your twenties or thirties, you can adopt a more aggressive investment strategy than if you’re nearing retirement. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or well on your way, the key to thriving in 2025 is to start early, stay disciplined, and stick to your plan.
So, what’s on your financial GPS for 2025? If you haven’t already, start planning now. Your future self will be indebted to you.
Johann Van der Merwe is an Executive Financial Planner at Standard Bank, specialising in wealth creation, investment planning, and legacy preservation. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about his insights and expertise.
The views and opinions shared are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as investment advice and do not represent the views or opinions of Standard Bank. This information should be used as a starting point for generating investment ideas, and should not be relied upon as the basis for making investment decisions. The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited will not be responsible for the results of any investment decisions made based on the views provided.
