Info Centre

Investments: Fund Information

Bridge Morningstar Award Read More

2021 Budget – what you need to know

2021 Budget Speech SummaryRead More

Mid Term budget 2020

Mid Term budget 2020Read More

2019 Budget – what you need to know

2019 Budget Speech SummaryRead More

Money Tip of the Month

September 2022 | You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step – Martin Luther King
August 2022 | Try to save something while your salary is small; it’s nearly impossible to save after you begin to earn more – Jack Benny
July 2022 | Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time – Goethe
June 2022 | Frugality includes all the other virtues – Cicero
May 2022 | Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants – Epictetus
April 2022 | He who buys what he does not need, steals from himself – Swedish proverb
March 2022 | It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, who is poor – Seneca
February 2022 | Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work – Thomas Edison
January 2022 | The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now – Chinese proverb.
December 2021 | Never spend your money before you have earned it.
November 2021 | Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship.
October 2021 | Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.
September 2021 | A budget is a tool – use it.
August 2021 | It is important to invest in one’s life … invest time, invest commitment, invest knowledge and experience. Remember to invest wisely and take council where needed – also when investing money.
July 2021 | Time to focus on things that matter… Make Money Matter !
June 2021 | “This too shall pass…”, but so will time. Don’t waste another minute on doubt and fear, spend your time on positive thinking and planning.
May 2021 | Feel like your life is on hold? Uncertainty getting you down? Hold on to what you know and focus on what you can change – make sure your financial planning is up to date.
April 2021 | Seasons change… Autumn is necessary to prepare for Winter. Take a cue from nature – save to be prepared for the winters of life.
March 2021 | Yes Covid-19 is still with us, but so is family, love, laughter, living, work and financial planning! Don’t pause the important things in life!
February 2021 | Love is in the air! Happy Valentine’s day - you don’t necessarily need to spend money to make the day special. Think out of the (gift) box!
January 2021 | New Year, New Resolutions! Make Prioritising your Financial Planning one of them!
November 2020 | Sometimes we need to Lock ourselves Down to focus on our finances.
October 2020 | Having a financial plan and being in control of your finances can help reduce stress and anxiety.
September 2020 | Saving isn’t just about buying bigger and more luxurious items, but to ensure you are able to take care of yourself and your family when the paw paw (like Covid-19) hits the fan.
August 2020 | Be sure to save before you spend, and spend what is left after saving.
July 2020 | Many people have experienced salary cuts, retrenchments and forced unpaid leave during these trying times. Having an emergency fund could help you through these unexpected, unplanned situations and could prevent incurring debt at high interest rates.
June 2020 | Children learn their financial habits from adults. It is much easier to acquire good financial habits when the adults in your life spend money sensibly.
May 2020 | Even the small things cost. Keep track of your expenses and avoid spending more than you can afford.
April 2020 | Financial wealth means very little without personal health. Look after yourself.
March 2020 | Save money for life’s unexpected expenses and for your bucket list wishes and dreams. Remember today is the “someday” you referred to in the past. If you don’t start saving today, you will not be able “someday” to pay for your bucket list wishes and dreams or future unforeseen expenses.
February 2020 | Worried about paying too much tax? - "Utilize a Tax Free Savings Account or Retirement annuity to save on tax and make financial provision for the long term.Ask your financial adviser to explain the benefits to you."
January 2020 | "A New Year’s resolution that can result in a personal financial revolution, is to strictly adhere to your budget this year! A budget is a detailed plan how to best spend your money to ensure that you live within your means and plan for unforeseen expenses. If you need help with it, contact your financial adviser."
December 2019 | "There is no such thing as easy money."
November 2019 | "To avoid overspending, make a list when you go shopping & stick to it."
October 2019 | "No matter what you earn, save! Savings bring rewards."
September 2019 | "Spend your money wisely – budget your spending."
August 2019 | "Credit costs more than cash."
July 2019 | "Children who work for their pocket money learn what it takes to earn an income."
June 2019 | "Budgeting is a skill – you have to get ‘fit’ for it over time and with effort."
May 2019 | "Spend less than you earn and save every month to become financially independent."
April 2019 | "Don’t buy what you want – buy what you need."
March 2019 | "Live within your means – and know what they are. A budget is a tool to make sure you live within your means and get the most out of your money."
February 2019 | "Start planning for retirement when it’s still the last thing on your mind."
January 2019 | "A dream is just a dream. A financial goal is a dream with a budget, a financial plan and a deadline."
December 2018 | "Financial goals are achieved when opportunities are seized and opportunities multiply as they are seized."
November 2018 | "Even if you don’t earn much, save. Over time your savings could “earn” more than you!"
October 2018 | "You do not have to be rich to invest—you just have to start."
September 2018 | "If you think plastic money is money you have available on your credit card—think again. In reality it’s money you do NOT have."

Women's Day

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies
X


Dr Sjarlene
Thom CFP®

Qualifications

BA, BA Hons (English); Secondary Teacher’s Diploma (STD); BA Hons (Latin); BA Hons (Greek); MA (Latin); DLitt (Greek); Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning (US); CFP®, General Tax Practitioner (SA)™.

Background

Sjarlene has taught at Stellenbosch University for many years. She served as a member of the University council, was a trustee of the University provident fund (USAF) and member of the University committee for medical aid and insurance. Professionally she came late to the financial planning environment, but the enthusiasm for numbers and matters financial has always been there. She has joined the Finfocus team initially as advisor in 2013. Most recently she has shifted her focus to administrative support for Finfocus management. As part of Finfocus X-tra Client Services outreach she is available to help with administrative assistance also to clients. She is passionate about getting the job done, whether to provide regulatory documentation or as general support for management.

Sjarlene is married to Johan Thom and they have two children, Mia and Niël. The family enjoys cooking together, with some members being more gifted in this direction than others. Sjarlene loves reading, travelling, entertaining and walking.


Antoinette
Coulson

Background

Antoinette has more than 30 years’ experience in the life assurance industry. She spent the first 28 years with corporates and the past two at independent financial adviser firms.

Her past experience at large life assurers has given her valuable insight in how to deal with product providers, financial advisers and clients. She has a passion for client service and it is key to her to deliver such good service that clients will always remember it.

She is the mother of two and the grandmother of three.