Why financial advice should start with your unique story

"Go big or go home," we are told — but also, "live within your means." 

"Secure the bag" — but also, "save for a rainy day." 

These messages are loud, constant, and often confusing. It's no wonder that so many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to their finances. The truth is, money is not just about numbers; it is about life. It is about the push and pull between ambition and responsibility, between dreaming big and staying grounded. And that is why advice cannot be copied and pasted from someone else’s experience.

At Momentum, we believe that advice should begin with who you are, not just where you are financially, but how you live, what you carry, and where you hope to go. True advice must honour your full story, not just the numbers, but the nuances. In financial planning, context is not the supporting detail; it is the centre of the story. It is the lens through which everything else gains meaning. It is the foundation on which meaningful financial decisions are built.

One-size-fits-all advice belongs in the past 

Life does not follow a script. Your financial plan should not be either. Whether you are raising children, caring for ageing parents, growing a business, or just trying to stay afloat, your financial reality is your own. And your advice should reflect that.

That is why our approach is grounded in contextual advice; advice that recognises the life you live. We no longer ask, “What product do you need?” We start with, “Tell me what matters to you.” 

Because the difference between simply buying something and being truly supported lies in being seen, heard, and understood. Our advisers do more than recommend a way forward. They partner the journey with you.

Making sense of contradiction

We often hear phrases like “hustle harder,” “play it safe,” “dream big,” and “tighten your belt”, all part of a broader financial conversation, and these contradictions make finances hard to navigate. At Momentum, our advisers are more than just guides; they are translators. They help you navigate these conflicting messages, transforming theory into practical advice that truly resonates with your unique reality.

Because for one person, “going big” might mean buying their first home, while for another, it is learning to say “no” and stop overextending themselves. Advice should not have to choose between caution and courage; it should help you hold both. Our advisers are experts at navigating the grey areas, helping you gain clarity and make decisions that balance your needs with your aspirations.

Success is not one-size-fits-all either 

When we talk about success, we often imagine a finish line, wealth, assets, and milestones. But success is not a single destination. It is not even a straight line. For some, success is owning property. For others, it is about being able to support an extended family or simply sleep well at night, knowing that bills are paid and tomorrow is planned for.

Contextual advice turns success into something tangible and personal. It is no longer about "what should I be doing?" but "what is right for me, right now?" Our adviser’s role is to help you define what success looks like, not based on someone else’s path, but on your own. Every milestone matters, bringing you one step closer to achieving control over your financial freedom.

Advice that fits you 

We are often told we can get financial advice anywhere, social media, podcasts, or AI chatbots. And yes, information is everywhere. But insight? That still comes from human connection. A friend’s suggestion on Facebook or a tip on TikTok might sound useful, but it is usually based on personal experience or second-hand knowledge, not on your reality. Remember AI only sees what solutions have worked in the past, not what will work for you next. It recognises your digital shadow, not the real you. It sees patterns, not purpose. It cannot understand your context, your responsibilities, or your aspirations.

Momentum advisers bring a depth that cannot be replicated by algorithms or quick-fix online calculators. They are skilled and experienced, and most importantly, they care. They take the time to understand not just your income and expenses, but also your values, your responsibilities, your fears, and your dreams. Data can map a trend, but it cannot hear your story. That is why human advice matters more than ever.

Why do more people not seek advice?

Only 9% of South Africans use financial advisers. That number says something. It tells us many people still see advice as out of reach, or only for the wealthy. Some may have had bad experiences in the past, with advice that felt transactional, rushed, or incomplete.

We want to change that perception. At Momentum, we believe advice should be accessible, personal, and deeply relevant. It should meet you where you are, without judgement, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Every client who receives advice from us gains a clear understanding of all the financial risks that exist along their life journey. They come to understand the implications of choosing to self-insure versus transferring those risks to an insurance solution. They leave with a valid, financially executable Will, a personalised financial plan aligned with their life circumstances, and the reassurance that this plan will be reviewed each year. This is not about addressing a single challenge; it is about building a long-term relationship that grows with your evolving life.

The impact is real

The numbers speak for themselves: households that work with certified financial advisers accumulate, on average, 9.5 times more in investments than those who manage their finances without professional guidance. This is not a coincidence; it is the result of thoughtful planning, consistent support, and advice that adapts to your life.

When you have a trusted adviser guiding your financial journey, helping you stay aligned with your decisions, adapt to changes, and adjust your financial strategy as needed, you do not just grow financially; you gain confidence, control, and peace of mind.

It is time to see advice differently 

We must let go of the idea that financial advice is something you seek only when things fall apart. That is like seeing a doctor only in crisis. Advice is most powerful when it is part of your everyday life, a trusted support, not a last resort.

The earlier you begin, the more your adviser can do, not just to protect your dreams, but to help you shape them.

Because context is not just a detail. It is the difference.

South Africans are navigating lives shaped by urban migration, rising costs, the pressures of the sandwich generation, and financial literacy gaps. In this complex world, generic advice cannot offer the depth needed to truly make a difference.

At Momentum, we understand that real people carry real stories. The only way to truly support you is to listen, understand, and respond with care.

This is the Momentum difference: advice that sees beyond your financial needs, recognising the complexities of your life, your challenges, and your aspirations. It does not tell you who you should be but helps you discover the strength to move forward with conviction, clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose.

* Steyn is the strategic head of wealth management, financial planning and advice at Momentum Advice.

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