Why a flat-fee financial advisor could be your best investment

Most South Africans don’t realise they can afford expert financial advice, but every day, millions spend between R25 and R45 on a takeaway coffee, a habit quietly adding up to over R1,000 a month.

The perception that accessing financial advice is out of reach needs to change. This National Savings Month, South Africans should think differently about what it means to be ‘financially savvy’. Instead of simply saving more, South Africans should spend their money more wisely.

This isn’t about guilt-tripping anyone out of enjoying life’s little pleasures. It’s about reframing value. The same amount you spend on daily coffee runs could be helping you set financial goals, reduce debt, and build long-term wealth with the help of a qualified financial planner.

As South Africans continue to face rising costs and tighter budgets, investing in financial advice is a smart investment for anyone wanting to build a stronger financial future.

According to a recent study by Unisa’s Bureau for Market Research, only 9% of South African households make use of a professional or certified financial advisor. Many respondents in the survey felt confident managing their finances, but Brachner thinks this low adoption rate is linked to a greater perception that many people believe they can’t afford advice or aren’t ‘ready’ for it. 

You don’t need a big savings account or investable assets to get started. In fact, those who are still building their wealth stand to gain the most. It’s not about how much money you have, but rather it’s about the decisions you make with it.

The flat-fee financial advice model, which is gaining traction globally, provides transparent, commission-free financial guidance for a fixed monthly cost, often equivalent to what people already spend on non-essential items. It provides unbiased, practical advice tailored to your financial reality, not driven by product commissions, making it more attainable for everyday consumers to improve their financial status.  

Flat-fee advice is opening the door for groups that have been historically underserved by the financial industry, from freelancers and side hustlers to young professionals and small business owners.

A flat-fee advisor isn’t there to sell you products. They’re there to help you map out your financial future, whether you’re saving for a deposit, managing debt, navigating market volatility, career changes, or other big life milestones, such as having a child, or simply planning for retirement. They become a long-term partner in your financial journey, helping you create a realistic plan based on your current situation, rather than where you think you need to be to begin. And more importantly, keeping you focused and on track to reach your goals.

As financial stress continues to affect households across the country, financial advice is no longer a luxury; it’s an accessible, high-impact investment. And sometimes, the smartest financial move you can make is choosing a flat-fee advisor over your flat white.

* Brachner is the founder of Doshguide.

PERSONAL FINANCE