Financial Psychology
Why “Enough” Never Feels Like Enough – And What To Do About It
“Am I doing enough?” It does not matter whether someone has R1 million, R5 million, or even R20 million invested. That question still shows up.
One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is surprisingly simple, yet deeply emotional
“Am I doing enough?”
It does not matter whether someone has R1 million, R5 million, or even R20 million invested. That question still shows up. And often, it is accompanied by a quiet sense of anxiety about the future. If you have ever felt this way, you are not alone. If plagues us all.
The uncomfortable truth about money and security
During a recent client conversation, we spoke about this exact feeling. Despite making good financial decisions and steadily building her savings (almost 30% of her take home pay), she still felt uncertain. There was a lingering fear that she might be missing something or not doing enough to secure her future.
This is more common than most people realise.
I have worked with individuals across very different financial positions. Some are retiring with modest savings. Others have accumulated significant wealth. Yet both often share the same concern.
Financial security is not just about numbers. It is about confidence, clarity, and trust in your plan. And those are not always solved by having “more money”.
Why peace of mind is elusive
Firstly, we do not know what the future holds. How long will we live? What will inflation do? What unexpected expenses might arise? Because of this uncertainty, our minds naturally lean towards caution.
Secondly, we often focus too much on the size of the investment pot, and not enough on what that money is meant to do for us. Focus on the lifestyle, the goals, the family, the hobbies, the community service etc.
The Lifestyle Reality
For example, two people may have very different amounts saved, but if both can sustainably meet their monthly needs and maintain their lifestyle, they are both technically “okay”. Yet emotionally, they may feel worlds apart.
Shifting the focus from money to lifestyle
One of the most powerful mindset shifts is moving from:
“How much do I have?”
to“What does my money allow me to do?”
This changes the conversation completely. Instead of chasing a number, we start focusing on the life we want to live. That includes:
- The type of home we want
- The experiences we value
- The flexibility we need
- The people we want to support
When we anchor our planning around lifestyle, money becomes a tool rather than the goal.
The concept of your “enough” number
In financial planning, we often work towards what I call an “enough” number, or your “financial freedom” number.
This is not about being wealthy in a traditional sense. It is about reaching a point where your resources can reasonably support your desired lifestyle over time.
It is deeply personal. Your “enough” will look very different to someone else’s. Please don’t compare or worry about your neighbours, colleagues or family, focus on you.
The important part is that it gives you a reference point. Something tangible to work towards. And once you understand that number, you can start to measure your progress in a meaningful way.
Progress matters more than perfection
Another key takeaway from this conversation was the importance of small, consistent progress.
There is no perfect strategy. No once-off decision that solves everything. Instead, it is about:
- Saving regularly
- Investing consistently
- Reviewing your plan over time
- Adjusting as your life changes
Much like exercise or building a business, the early stages can feel slow and unrewarding. But over time, those small actions compound into meaningful results.
You are probably doing better than you think
Most people underestimate how far they have come. They focus on what is still missing, rather than what has already been achieved. If you are contributing to your investments, making thoughtful financial decisions, and engaging with your plan, you are already ahead of many.
That does not mean you stop improving. It simply means you acknowledge your progress.
Final thought
Feeling uncertain about your financial future is normal. It does not mean you are failing. The goal is not to eliminate uncertainty completely. That is not possible. The goal is to build enough clarity and structure so that, over time, confidence replaces fear. Let’s build in enough buffer room, so you can breathe. And that starts with understanding what “enough” means for you.
Discover Your “Enough” Number
True financial planning is anchored in the lifestyle you want to live, not just a random target.
Consult a CFP® Professional
TT
Created by Terence Tobin, CFP®
Helping you connect wealth with purpose and secure financial confidence.
