Financial planning isn’t only about saving and investing. It is also about protecting what you have, preparing for unexpected changes and making sure your finances support the life you want.
This was a key theme across the FPi MyMoney123 sessions at Leaderex 2026, where seven speakers shared practical insights on business, wealth, protection, investing and planning for the future.
Terence Tobin, CFP®, Director of Financial Planning at Rich Ideas Group, focused on entrepreneurs and the importance of turning business success into personal wealth. Drawing on his own experience of starting a business at 17, Tobin encouraged business owners to keep their personal and business finances separate, pay themselves appropriately, build an emergency fund, protect their businesses and invest outside of them. He also stressed the importance of having an exit strategy rather than waiting until the time comes to leave the business.
For Nicolette Mashile, Financial Fitness Bunny and financial literacy advocate, an unexpected accident highlighted why having a financial plan matters. After breaking her ankle and facing big medical costs without medical aid, she was forced to draw on her savings and investments. The experience made her think again on her own financial planning and led her to further her studies in the profession. Her advice was simple: ask yourself “What if?” What if you cannot work? What if you become ill? What if you need your investments sooner than expected?
Nicola Langridge, CFP®, 2025 Financial Planner of the Year and Wealth Manager at Private Client Holdings, encouraged people to make time for regular financial “pauses”. This could be as simple as setting aside time each month to review your finances and check whether your money is still working towards your goals. She also highlighted the importance of having open conversations about money, especially between couples and understanding that wealth should help you achieve the things that matter to you.
Rudolph Geldenhuys, CFP®, Director at Firecrest Group, looked at the impact that major life changes can have on financial decisions. Divorce, retirement, bereavement, selling a business or a health crisis can all require people to rethink their financial plans. During these periods, he advised against rushing into major decisions and suggested separating decisions into what needs to happen now, what can happen soon and what can wait.
Hazel Peters, Financial and Medical Advisor at Liberty Group, focused on the role of insurance in protecting your financial plans. While people often focus on building wealth, she reminded the audience that your income, family and assets also need to be protected. She also highlighted the importance of reviewing your insurance, beneficiary nominations and will as your circumstances change, to make sure you have the right protection in place when you need it.
With investors facing an endless stream of information online, Katlego Mei, CFP®, Financial Planner at Galileo Capital, warned against making investment decisions based on hype or popularity. Social media, influencers and WhatsApp groups can make investment opportunities seem urgent, but just because something is popular does not mean it is suitable or even real. His advice was to ask three questions before investing, do I understand it? Does it fit my goals? And can I afford to lose the money?
Nici Macdonald, CFP®, HOD: Certification and Standards at FPi, focused on another area that families often leave too late, the planning for ageing. As parents and other relatives get older, families may need to consider who will assist with finances, what happens if someone’s capacity to make decisions declines, particularly due to sickness, how care will be funded and where important documents and information can be found. These conversations are easier to have before a emergency occurs.
While the topics were different, all seven sessions highlighted the importance of looking at your finances as a whole. Building wealth is important, but so is protecting it, understanding your risks and making sure your financial plan changes as your life does.
For individuals, families and business owners, the takeaway is to start with what matters to you, understand where the gaps are and get the right advice to help you plan for both the expected and unexpected.
Do you need an FPi financial professional? Visit FPi MyMoney123 to find a qualified financial planner to help you take the next step towards your financial goals.
And if you enjoyed Leaderex 2026, the conversation doesn’t stop here! Get ready for Leaderex 2027. Stay connected, join the conversation and find out what’s in store for the next instalment.