Your partner is not your financial plan

Women are breaking barriers, leading industries, building businesses, and increasingly, heading up households. However, despite the dramatic shift in the narrative of women’s economic contribution, the perception that a woman’s financial future is intrinsically tied to their partner lingers.  This rings true for any long-term relationship, one is often perceived as economically weaker than the other.

When she first coined the phrase “A man is not a financial plan”, Jeanette Marais, CEO of Momentum Group, wanted to put this myth to bed once and for all. The phrase isn’t an attack on men or their contribution, but rather a rallying cry to women, a mindset that champions women’s independence, preparedness, and self-worth. It's about every woman, regardless of age, income level, or marital status, recognising her inherent right to financial security and her power to achieve it.  

The message is clear, no one should leave their financial security in the hands of another.  Everyone must take responsibility for their own financial goals and dreams. The architect of their own destiny, modern South African women are making incredibly empowered financial decisions. They’re investing in their education, starting businesses, and showing resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.

They understand true financial empowerment isn't just about how much they earn but also about how they plan and manage their finances. They’re leveraging the digital economy to generate alternative income streams, using budgeting apps to stretch every rand, and investing their savings wisely. Yet, Momentum’s Success Women Want Report 2025 reveals that only one in three women feels financially secure.  

As in most of the world, in South Africa, financial independence is foundational. It offers a basic level of security through having savings, a stable income, and being debt-free.  It secures a positive legacy for future generations. When life throws unexpected curveballs like divorce, retrenchment, or the passing of a partner, those who neglected their financial planning typically experience these events as particularly devastating.

It highlights an urgent need for everyone to have their financial plan; a clear roadmap designed with their unique goals in mind. Taking control of your finances can feel out of reach, but you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, actively seeking financial advice is a sign of strength, not weakness. Think of a financial adviser not just as an expert, but as a trusted confidante, a mentor you can call on at every life stage, celebrating your wins and helping you navigate through life’s challenges.

A good financial adviser understands that your financial journey is unique. They don’t offer generic advice but create a personalised plan tailored to your dreams, risk appetite, and evolving circumstances. They help you decode complex financial jargon, identify opportunities, and build a strategy for saving, investing, protecting, and growing your wealth.

Now in its seventh year, Momentum’s #SheOwnsHerSuccess campaign isn't just a hashtag; it's a movement that celebrates the power of women to shape their own destinies. At the heart of that power lies financial agency. Having, implementing, and regularly reviewing a financial plan results in a clear understanding of your financial health.

 It empowers you to take control of your future, make informed decisions about your finances, and stay in a relationship for the right reasons.

Everyone, especially those perceived to be financially and economically weaker, deserves access to proper financial tools and guidance, with a personalised plan working towards achieving their goals, making them own their own success. To own your financial journey, you need to take the first, bold step – seek professional financial advice from a reputable financial adviser, because then, #SheOwnsHerSuccess.

* Hamman is a senior legal adviser at Momentum.

PERSONAL FINANCE