For South African expats living abroad, managing their personal finances can prove to be quite tricky. For one, you are living thousands of miles across the ocean, so it’s not as though you can hop in your car and pop into your financial advisors’ office for a quick chat about things.
Ordinarily, finding a good financial advisor you can trust with your affairs can be difficult, but this is compounded when you have to do this remotely and in a foreign country where everything works so differently. Second, the complexities of personal finance have increased over the years, with individuals now faced with many rules and choices regarding tax legislation, pension, and investment options which can leave you feeling quite bewildered.
Most everyday people don’t have the knowledge or expertise to fully understand how these options and decisions can affect their financial affairs further on down the road. That’s why finding the right financial advisor is imperative no matter where you live in the world and even more so for South Africans living abroad.
Who can you turn to, and how can you ensure you get the correct advice? If you are reading this article, then these are questions that probably cause you sleepless nights. Having your financial affairs in order can bring greater peace of mind. At the end of the day, only careful, calculated financial decisions can protect your future and that of your loved ones, but you know this already. So, are you getting the best advice possible?
Firstly does everyone need a financial advisor? This depends largely on your circumstances and how confident you are with managing your personal finances. Some instances that may lead you to require a financial advisor can include; inheriting a large sum of money, planning a big purchase such as buying a house or starting a business, debt management, and even marriage. Life-changing events that impact your financial situation are always good reasons to seek the help of a financial advisor.
Financial advisor South Africa
Top 3 reasons for hiring a financial advisor
- The need for transparent and impartial third party advice
- Prefer a professional to handle financial decisions
- Unsure of what to do and need a professional opinion
Choosing the best financial advisor
Understanding what to look out for when choosing a financial advisor is essential after all, you are placing your future in their hands. Check out our three top criteria to check before picking your financial advisor in South Africa.
3 Top criteria to check
- FSCA Licence
To provide financial advice, all financial advisors must hold a license from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This is a legal requirement and ensures that financial advisors are competent and have the necessary knowledge to advise on financial matters. The FSCA also ensures fair treatment by financial institutions and provides customers with financial education.
- CFP Qualification
This qualification is provided by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) and is an internationally recognised qualification. However, there are many diplomas and financial courses a financial advisor may hold.
- Experience
It’s always best to check if the financial advisor has the experience necessary to deal with your financial affairs. South African expats will have different tax implications to consider, and the financial planner should have enough experience dealing with clients based overseas.
Get expat financial advice right here at FinGlobal
Whether you’re heading abroad or already living on distant shores, financial issues surrounding your emigration are bound to pop up. You have tax and financial obligations in both countries, and you might need a helping hand to understand them and quell all the fears and worries whirling around your head.
If you wish to speak to licensed, professional, and experienced financial advisors in the industry, you’re already right where you need to be. Here at FinGlobal, we have ten years of experience helping South African expats with all of their financial and tax needs and requirements. We warmly welcome you to get in touch with us to discuss your needs and requirements.
To discuss your unique needs with our team, simply get in touch with us. Give us a call on +27 28 312 2764 or send us an email at info@finglobal.com, and we will assist you promptly.