How Much Money Should You Have Before Seeing a Financial Planner?

March 19, 2026 by MyDailyLink Staff
How Much Money Should You Have Before Seeing a Financial Planner?

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You Don’t Need to Be Rich—You Just Need to Start

One of the biggest myths in finance is that you need a large amount of money before seeing a planner. In reality, professional financial advice is about creating a roadmap for your future, no matter where you start.

At DWD Financial Planners, we work with clients from all walks of life—young professionals beginning their savings journey, families managing monthly budgets, and retirees securing lifelong income. The goal is always the same: to help you use what you have today to build the life you want tomorrow.

What Does a Financial Planner Actually Do?

Think of a financial planner as your personal money coach. They help you understand your current financial picture, identify areas for improvement, and build a strategy tailored to your goals.

At DWD, that could mean:

  • Creating a realistic budget that supports saving and investing.
  • Setting up a retirement annuity or tax-free savings account.
  • Advising on risk cover such as life or disability insurance.
  • Helping you structure investments for long-term growth.
  • Assisting with estate and tax planning for your family’s future.

You don’t need to arrive with an investment portfolio—just your goals and a willingness to start planning.

How Much Money Do You Need to Invest?

The short answer: there’s no fixed number. You can begin with as little as R500 per month through a tax-free savings account or investment plan. The most important thing is consistency.

By starting small and growing gradually, your money begins to compound over time. This approach helps build confidence and momentum—two key ingredients for financial success.

If you’re unsure where to begin, DWD can help you explore affordable entry points that align with your income, lifestyle, and future aspirations.

Why Seeing a Planner Early Matters

The earlier you start financial planning, the more options you’ll have later in life. Starting early allows you to:

  • Build good financial habits before mistakes become costly.
  • Take advantage of compound growth over time.
  • Plan effectively for tax efficiency and retirement income.
  • Protect your family with risk cover that fits your stage of life.

Financial planning isn’t just for when you have wealth—it’s how you create it.

Plan Today.

Prosper Tomorrow.
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Financial Calculators

Find out if you are on track for retirement — and how much more you need to save. Powered by 8% p.a. growth assumptions. Estimates only; speak to DWD for a personalised projection.

Calculate exactly how much life cover your family needs if something happens to you — including income replacement, debt clearance, and education funding.

Estimate how much SARS tax you will pay on your pension or provident lump sum using the official 2024/25 retirement fund tax tables. For amounts above R3 million, contact DWD directly.

Answer 10 quick yes/no questions to identify gaps in your estate plan — and get personalised recommendations from DWD's estate planning specialists.

35
Include RA, pension/provident fund, and other long-term investments.
Include employer and employee contributions to pension, provident, and RA.

Projected Savings at Retirement

R 0
Readiness Analysis Fair
Years to retirement 25 years
Retirement income target R 0
Monthly income in retirement R 0
Funding gap / surplus —
Additional monthly needed —

Get a personalised retirement plan from DWD's independent advisors — no obligation, no cost.

Book a Free Retirement Review Call 082 783 3369
2
Include a spouse/partner, children, and any other people dependent on your income.
Include home loan, vehicle finance, credit cards, and personal loans.
Include employer group life, personal policies, and funeral cover.

Total Life Cover Recommended

R 0
Cover Breakdown Underinsured
Income replacement (10× annual) R 0
Debt clearance R 0
Education fund for dependents R 0
Estate & executor costs (est.) R 50,000
Less: existing cover R 0
Cover gap / surplus —
Est. monthly premium range —
Recommended product type —

Get an exact life cover quote from DWD — we compare multiple providers to find you the best value.

Get My Free Life Cover Quote Email Us
R 500,000
Slide to select your lump sum amount up to R3 million. Contact DWD for larger amounts.
Retirement and retrenchment attract a more favourable tax rate with a higher tax-free threshold.
SARS aggregates all lifetime retirement fund withdrawals when applying the tax tables. This reduces the tax-free portion available.
SARS 2024/25 Tax Tables Applied This estimator uses the official SARS retirement fund lump sum tax tables. Tax on retirement/retrenchment: R0–R550,000 @ 0%, R550,001–R770,000 @ 18%, R770,001–R1,155,000 @ 27%, above R1,155,000 @ 36%. Speak to DWD for a precise calculation based on your full retirement history.

Estimated Net Payout (after tax)

R 500,000
Tax Breakdown 0% rate
Gross lump sum R 500,000
Tax-free portion R 500,000
SARS tax payable R 0
Net payout R 500,000
Effective tax rate 0.0%
Marginal tax rate (top bracket) 0%

DWD can help you structure your retirement lump sum to minimise SARS tax — including preservation fund strategies.

Discuss My Pension Options Call 082 783 3369
Your progress 0 of 10 answered

1. Do you have a valid, signed will that has been updated in the last 5 years?

2. Are your beneficiary nominations up to date on all policies and retirement funds?

3. Have you nominated an executor in your will to administer your estate?

4. Do you have life cover sufficient to cover estate duties, executor fees, and outstanding debts?

5. Have you considered the estate duty implications on your assets? (Estate duty applies above R3.5 million at 20%.)

6. If you have minor children, have you nominated a legal guardian in your will?

7. Have you considered a testamentary trust to protect assets left to minor or vulnerable beneficiaries?

8. Do you have a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or endowment policy as part of your wealth strategy?

9. Is a trusted family member aware of the location of your will, policies, and important financial documents?

10. Have you reviewed your estate plan with a qualified financial planner in the last 3 years?

— / 10
Answer to see your score

Answer all 10 questions to get your personalised estate planning readiness rating and a list of gaps DWD can help you address.

Gaps identified — DWD recommends:

Complete all 10 questions to unlock your free estate planning assessment.

Book a Free Estate Planning Review Call 082 783 3369

DWD Financial Planners Areas Served

Lethabong, South Africa , Sandton, South Africa , Alberton, South Africa , Bedfordview, South Africa , Germiston, South Africa , Roodepoort, South Africa , Johannesburg South, South Africa , Centurion, South Africa , Randburg, South Africa , Krugersdorp, South Africa , Midrand, South Africa , Benoni, South Africa , Kempton Park, South Africa , Soweto, South Africa , Phoenix, South Africa , Pretoria, South Africa , Bloemfontein, South Africa , Cape Town, South Africa , Pietermaritzburg, South Africa , Gillitts, South Africa , Berea, South Africa , Umhlanga, South Africa , East London, South Africa , Port Elizabeth, South Africa , Polokwane, South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to see a financial planner?
There’s no minimum amount. Financial planning is for anyone who wants to manage, save, or grow their money better—whether you’re starting with R500 or R5 million.
Can a financial planner help me if I’m in debt?
Yes. A planner can help you create a repayment strategy, prioritize expenses, and set realistic goals to regain financial stability.
What’s the difference between a financial planner and an investment advisor?
A financial planner provides holistic advice covering savings, investments, insurance, tax, and retirement. An investment advisor focuses mainly on investment growth.
Is it worth paying for a financial planner?
Absolutely. The right advice can save you thousands in tax, avoid costly mistakes, and help you reach financial goals faster.
How can I find a financial planner near me?
If you’re in Johannesburg South, you can visit DWD Financial Planners at 90 Vleiroos St, Winchester Hills—or reach out online for a consultation.