Financial Planning

Questions every woman should ask herself

South African women are shaping the future of our economy. They are leading businesses, building careers and supporting families. Yet many remain significantly underinsured, leaving their loved ones financially vulnerable should the unexpected happen.

During this Women’s Month, Sanlam is encouraging women to take a closer look at one of their most important assets: their ability to earn an income and create opportunities for future generations.

The confidence gap we need to close

According to the ASISA Insurance Gap Study (2022), South African women earners have an average death cover adequacy ratio of just 40%, highlighting a significant protection gap and the need for greater financial security planning. At the same time, women are less likely than men to have income protection, despite often viewing their income as their most valuable financial asset.

For Karen Ferreira, product actuary at Sanlam, the conversation extends beyond insurance.

‘This is about protecting financial progress. Women are achieving more, contributing more and carrying greater financial responsibility than ever before. The question is whether their financial protection is keeping pace with their lives.

When protection becomes empowerment

For many women, financial success is measured not only by what they achieve today, but by the opportunities they create for their children, families and future generations. This is why comprehensive financial planning is about more than accumulating wealth. It’s about protecting it.

Solutions such as life cover, income protection, disability cover and severe illness cover can help to provide financial security when life takes an unexpected turn.

Building financial resilience for every stage of life

Financial priorities evolve throughout life.

A young professional may be focused on protecting future earning potential. A mother may need to ensure that her family can maintain its lifestyle should she be unable to work. An entrepreneur may want to protect both her household and business commitments. Someone approaching retirement may be focused on preserving accumulated wealth and providing certainty for loved ones.

This is where personalised financial advice becomes invaluable. At Sanlam, financial advisers work with clients to help assess changing needs and create solutions aligned to their goals.

This Women’s Month, consider the following:

If something happened to me today, would my family be financially secure?

Think about monthly expenses, debt repayments, education costs and ongoing household needs.

Does my current cover reflect my current reality?

Many policies were purchased years ago and may no longer match today’s responsibilities and income levels.

Do I have the right combination of protection and wealth-building solutions?

Life cover, disability cover, severe illness cover and income protection each serve a different purpose within a comprehensive financial plan.

Your future deserves a plan

Women invest extraordinary amounts of time and energy into caring for others, building careers and creating opportunities. Protecting those achievements is one of the most important financial decisions they can make.

This Women’s Month, don’t just celebrate how far you’ve come. Take the next step towards securing where you’re going.

Book a financial needs analysis with a Sanlam financial adviser today and discover whether your protection strategy is as powerful as your ambitions.