Wealth with intention: Why women should take the lead in managing their financial future

Feel free to reach out to PSG Wealth Manager Carina van Rooyen  directly.

Managing wealth is about more than just numbers – it is about ownership, clarity, and intention.

The responsibility behind the opportunity

Recent research shows that women now control over a third of global wealth, and in South Africa, women’s share is steadily rising. Within high-net-worth families, women are increasingly becoming wealth creators – building businesses, managing trusts, and leading philanthropic initiatives.

Wealth brings opportunity, but also complexity where investments, tax implications, trusts and intergenerational planning require thoughtful consideration. Too often, important decisions are delayed or avoided, sometimes until it is too late.

Women are living longer, increasingly supporting both older and younger generations, and often stepping into financial leadership roles during times of significant life changes. Waiting for a ‘trigger event’ – such as divorce, widowhood, or inheritance – to take control can leave you unprepared at times when a proper strategy and planning is needed most.

True financial independence stems from understanding your holistic financial picture and making intentional decisions to shape your legacy.

The value of comprehensive wealth management

Comprehensive wealth management is as much about selecting the right investments as it is about aligning your financial wellbeing with your values, family dynamics and long-term vision.

For today’s woman, comprehensive wealth management includes several considerations:

• Generational wealth transfer: ensuring that wealth transfer is properly structured, and conducted in line with your wishes
• Business succession: planning for liquidity events or ease of transitions
• International complexities: navigating international investment portfolios, trusts or tax implications
• Philanthropy: structuring your giving in a tax-efficient and meaningful way
• Longevity and independence: planning for the sustainability of income provision, often with changing health or caregiving responsibilities

When left unstructured, even substantial wealth can become fragmented, inefficient, or at times even a burden.

Why the right adviser matters

While many women are fully capable of managing their wealth independently, few have the time or inclination to become experts in every aspect of the financial landscape. Partnering with a qualified and an accredited wealth manager allows you to retain full control – while benefiting from the guidance, insight and technical expertise needed to make informed decisions. A wealth manager acts as a strategic financial partner, helping you make decisions in line with your financial goals, personal values, and needs.

Select a wealth manager with a fiduciary duty to place your interests before their own. This person should understand the nuances of joining you on your wealth management journey – including the importance of discretion, trust, and long-term planning.

A discreet, long-term advisory relationship involves more than just investment advice – the wealth manager should:

• Become a sounding board for personal and financial decisions
• Be a strategic partner in building and protecting your legacy
• Protect you against poor financial products or opportunistic advice
• Be an advocate for your interests, especially in times of transition and vulnerability.

The best wealth managers do not sell – they listen carefully, plan thoughtfully, and act with due diligence, professionalism, and care, always keeping your interests in mind.

Taking ownership without losing balance

Taking responsibility for your financial future does not mean doing everything alone. It means leading with intention, supported by expert guidance you can trust. Empower yourself by being well informed, intentional, and supported by a partner and team that respect your intelligence and capabilities, and align with your long-term goals.

If you are ready to take a more active role in managing your wealth and carving your legacy, consider speaking with a qualified wealth manager who understands what matters most to you. A strong financial future is not accidental – it is built with clarity, confidence, and the appropriate advice and guidance.