Stienemarié Bonsma-Potgieter, CFP® – Financial Planner

Financial independence is a cornerstone of personal freedom. For women, this is especially important. Too often, financial planning gets delayed or left in someone else’s hands. The reality is that every woman needs her own unique plan.

A financial plan is more than a savings account or a retirement fund. It is a roadmap that ensures stability at every stage of life. It starts with the basics. An emergency fund that covers at least three months of expenses. A spending plan that tracks income and expenses. The discipline to avoid unnecessary debt.

From there, long-term planning is key. Investments that grow wealth over time. Retirement savings that protect independence later in life. Insurance that provides stability when life takes an unexpected turn. These are not luxuries. They are essentials for financial freedom.

A woman’s financial life often looks different from a male counterpart. Many women take career breaks to raise children or care for family. This impacts income and retirement savings. A personal plan helps close these gaps and ensures that current and future goals remain on track.

Financial independence also creates freedom in relationships. Having assets and savings in your own name means choices are made from a place of strength. It ensures that your well-being is never dependent on someone else’s decisions.

Women are powerful contributors to households, communities and businesses. Building a strong personal financial foundation is part of that power. The best time to start is now. As Women’s Month in South Africa draws to a close, it is a reminder to pause, reflect, and take action toward lasting financial independence.

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