Why Meeting Your Financial Advisor Matters

Why Meeting Your Financial Advisor Matters

Working with a trusted advisor like DWD Financial Planners isn’t just about setting up investments and walking away. Financial planning is ongoing, and your life doesn’t stand still—so your strategy shouldn’t either.

Regular meetings help you:

  • Track progress toward retirement goals
  • Adjust investments based on market changes
  • Update your risk cover and life insurance needs
  • Stay tax-efficient with changing regulations
  • Plan for big life events with confidence

How Often Should You Meet?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a practical guide:

  • Once a year: Ideal for stable financial situations
  • Twice a year: Best for active investors or growing families
  • Quarterly: Recommended for business owners or high-net-worth individuals
  • As needed: During major life changes (marriage, job change, inheritance, retirement planning)

What Happens During a Financial Review?

A typical review with your financial planner may include:

  • Portfolio performance check
  • Retirement progress assessment
  • Insurance and risk cover updates
  • Tax planning adjustments
  • Goal re-evaluation and new opportunities

These sessions ensure your financial plan remains aligned with both short-term needs and long-term goals.


Why Ongoing Advice Works Better Than One-Time Planning

Markets change. Careers change. Families grow. A static financial plan can quickly become outdated.

Ongoing meetings with your financial advisor help you:

  • Avoid costly financial mistakes
  • Stay disciplined during market ups and downs
  • Take advantage of new investment opportunities
  • Keep your estate and legacy plans updated

Think of it like servicing a car—regular check-ins prevent bigger problems later.


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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I meet with a financial advisor?
Most people should meet once or twice a year, but more frequent meetings may be needed during major life changes or active investing periods.
What is the benefit of regular financial reviews?
Regular reviews help you track progress, adjust investments, update risk cover, and ensure your financial plan stays aligned with your goals.
Do I need a financial advisor if my finances are simple?
Yes, even simple finances benefit from guidance, especially for retirement planning, tax efficiency, and long-term wealth building.
When should I schedule extra meetings?
You should schedule additional meetings when experiencing life changes such as marriage, job changes, inheritance, or approaching retirement.