Need to know
- Financial advice is no longer optional or only for the wealthy. Professional guidance helps South Africans make confident decisions in an increasingly complex financial world.
- There are multiple ways to get financial advice in South Africa, from certified financial advisers to advice platforms offering face-to-face, virtual, and hybrid support.
- You don’t need perfect finances to begin. Understanding where to get financial advice and starting now can help you build clarity and long-term financial wellbeing.
Many South Africans know that financial advice can help them make better money decisions – but knowing where to get financial advice is often the biggest barrier to getting started.
Whether you’re navigating rising living costs, planning for long-term goals, or simply trying to feel more in control of your finances, the need for professional guidance doesn’t follow a calendar. The best time to seek financial advice is now.
Why more South Africans should seek professional financial advice
Financial life has become more complex. If you’ve been feeling the squeeze of higher prices, you’re not alone. Many South Africans are under pressure, trying to balance everyday expenses with long-term goals like retirement, education, or buying a home. With increased pressure on monthly budgets, guesswork and generic tips aren’t enough anymore.
Professional advice is a necessity – no longer something reserved for the wealthy or for later in life. Instead, it’s a practical tool that helps people make confident, informed decisions at every stage of their financial journey.
Seeking financial advice today is less about perfection and more about progress.
- 77% of South African households rely on their own knowledge, skills, or experience
- 12% get financial advice from family, friends, or colleagues
- Many South Africans are unsure what a financial adviser actually does
Understanding your options: where to go for financial advice
If you’ve ever wondered where to get good financial advice, it helps to understand the main options available and what each one offers.
Certified financial advisers
A licensed financial adviser provides personalised, needs-based guidance that considers your full financial picture – including income, debt, savings, investments, insurance, and retirement planning.
In South Africa, reputable advisers are registered with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and operate under strict regulatory standards. This means advice is structured, professional, and designed to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
Financial advice platforms and advisory networks
Advice platforms and networks make it easier to connect with qualified advisers based on your needs. These services often allow you to:
- Find an adviser near you
- Choose between digital or face-to-face advice
- Get matched to an adviser based on your goals
For first-time advice seekers, this can be a helpful and less intimidating way to decide where to go for financial advice.
How South Africans prefer to receive financial advice
When deciding where to get financial advice, it’s helpful to understand how South African households are actually choosing to receive guidance.
According to the Momentum Financial Advice Report, face-to-face financial advice remains the most preferred channel. Around 60% of households currently receive advice in person, while a further 36% have used face-to-face advice in the past. This highlights the continued importance of personal interaction, trust, and relationship-building when it comes to financial decision-making.
That said, the way people access advice is evolving. While virtual meetings, online chats, and robo-advice are not yet the preferred channels, they are steadily growing in relevance. Nearly 30% of households indicated they would consider receiving financial advice virtually, using platforms such as Teams or Zoom. In addition, more than 15% are now open to robo-advice and chatbots for certain financial needs.
This shift shows that there is no single “right” way to receive financial advice. Instead, South Africans are increasingly valuing choice – whether that means face-to-face conversations, digital engagement, or a combination of both.
Understanding these preferences can make it easier to decide where to seek financial advice in a way that suits your lifestyle, comfort level, and financial goals.
Why starting now matters more than starting “perfectly”
Many people delay seeking advice because they feel unprepared or worry their finances aren’t “good enough”. In reality, advice is most valuable when it helps you build direction, not when everything is already in place.
As the financial landscape becomes more complex with rising debt, increasing living costs, and financial products that are harder to compare, the financial advice culture in South Africa needs to evolve. Normalising advice earlier in life can help people avoid costly mistakes and make more informed financial decisions over time.
Understanding where to find a financial adviser empowers you to move forward with clarity, confidence, and support. Meaningful progress can start at any moment.
Because when it comes to your financial future, starting now is always better than waiting.
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