World Financial Planning Day puts spotlight on financial confidence and well-being

With nearly eight in ten people saying financial planning helps them achieve their life goals, experts are urging South Africans to take charge of their financial futures as the world marks World Financial Planning Day today, October 8.

The global awareness campaign, led by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) and its local partner, the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa, encourages people to seek professional financial advice to build confidence and stability in uncertain economic times.

“Financial planning can transform lives,” said Dante De Gori, CEO of FPSB. “Through World Financial Planning Day, we want individuals everywhere to discover the powerful role financial planning can play in reaching life goals and shaping a more confident future.”

Now in its ninth year, the initiative brings together financial planners from 28 countries, including South Africa, to offer free advice sessions, webinars, and financial literacy workshops. Across 15 territories, activities include pro bono financial clinics, education events, and research releases showing how financial planning impacts well-being.

This year’s celebration coincides with the FPSB Global Meeting in Chicago, where 70 global leaders in financial planning will meet to discuss investor protection and financial education.

The campaign was first launched in 2017 as part of the International Organization of Securities Commissions’ (IOSCO) World Investor Week, which promotes smarter financial decisions and responsible investing.

South Africans can take part in online discussions via #WFPD2025 and #IOSCOWIW2025, or visit worldfpday.org for more information.