Does your plan still fit your life?

Hey Dad!

Our house has been quieter lately.

Carolyn and I are getting used to the girls having their own spaces. We're proud of them and excited for them. But we miss the everyday things. Even the dogs seem to be checking the rooms, wondering where everyone has gone.

The house hasn't changed. The people living their lives in it have.

That thought has stayed with me through this week's conversations. Families change. Children become independent. Parents need more support. Retirement comes closer. A health concern changes what feels important. And somewhere among all that living, the financial arrangements we made years ago may need another look.

This week, we've spoken about care, accommodation, retirement income and helping family. Different circumstances, but often the same concern: “Can we do what we need to do, and still be okay?” There isn't always a quick answer. But talking it through helps us understand the choices, what they might cost, and what needs attention first.

Sometimes the next step is updating a will. Sometimes it's finding information about an old policy. Sometimes it's working out whether the money you've carefully saved can now give you more comfort, support or time with your people.

At Silke, there's been learning happening too. The youngsters are heading off to training at Allan Gray today and there are investment functions to attend. I enjoy seeing their confidence grow and hearing the questions they bring back.

Behind the scenes, we've also spent time improving how our information and systems fit together. There's plenty to work through, but the purpose is straightforward: better preparation, less repeated work, and more time to give your circumstances the attention they deserve.

I'm learning as well. These letters are one example. AI is helping me gather my thoughts and share what I take from the week's conversations. The experiences and reflections come from the life I'm living and the people I'm speaking with. And this week, those conversations have brought me back to a simple question: “Does the plan you made still reflect the life you're living today?”

You don't need to arrive with all the answers. If something has changed at home, in your health, or in what you want from the years ahead, let us know. We can start there.

Have a lekker weekend. Enjoy your people.

Kind Regards

Shane Thom, CFP^® GTP(SA)™
CEO | Key Individual | Integrated Wealthcare Advisor
Registered with: FSCA | SARS | CMS
Member: FPI | SAIT | COMENSA | CFA Institute

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