Cleaning Out the Sand: A 2026 Financial Calendar
“Debt destroys wealth. Don’t bury it under the carpet—address it month by month.”
Q1: The Foundation (Jan – March)
Coming back from a road trip is hard enough without the “sand” in your car seats and the boogie board debt on your credit card. January is the time to clear the clutter. Start with your Will—it is the cornerstone of your plan. If you’ve faced life changes like a divorce or a new addition to the family, ensure your beneficiaries and guardians (sorry, Aunty Sally!) are officially updated.
The February Tax Sprint
February is your last chance to top up your Retirement Annuity (RA). For the 2026 tax year, the annual deduction cap has been raised to R430,000 (or 27.5% of taxable income). Topping up now isn’t just about saving for the future; it’s about ensuring a healthy refund when tax season opens.
Q2: Defense & Debt (April – June)
With school fees rising and medical aid inflation often doubling general CPI, the second quarter is for risk analysis. Examine your short and long-term insurance with an independent advisor who won’t just push “blue” or “red” based on a commission. If you’re on a hospital plan, ensure you have gap cover—it’s an inexpensive way to prevent massive out-of-pocket specialist bills.
Debt Management: With the prime lending rate currently at 10.25%, paying extra into your mortgage bond is one of the most effective ways to build wealth. Every extra Rand paid today saves you massive interest over the life of the loan.
Q3 & Q4: The Growth Phase (July – Dec)
Once your foundation is secure, look toward investment planning. In the latter half of the year, consider diversifying your portfolio. While local opportunities exist, going offshore—particularly in the AI and tech sectors—provides a wider net for growth.
Trust is at the Heart
You wouldn’t use the internet to perform surgery on yourself; don’t do the same with your wealth. Work with a professional who aligns your appetite for risk with the right plan. If you aren’t sure where to turn, ask a loyal friend for a recommendation—trust is everything.
Don’t Settle for “Off the Shelf”
Work with an advisor who puts your interests first. Get your 2026 roadmap ready today.
Created by Darryl Bennett, CFP®
Helping you navigate the complexities of South African wealth management.
