Feeling financially anxious? Dawie Roodt unpacks what to control and what to ignore.

Insights from Chief Economist, Dawie Roodt.

There is no denying it: uncertainty is high.

From rising living costs and fuel price pressure to global instability and ongoing market uncertainty, many South Africans are feeling the pressure, and with it, a growing sense of financial anxiety.

According to our Chief Economist Dawie Roodt, this reaction is completely understandable. But more importantly, it is something you can manage; if you focus on the right things.

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Start where most people do not: Know your numbers

Dawie explains that, before any plan can be built, there is one essential step.

Find out what is going on in your finances. Because if you do not know, you cannot make a plan.” – Dawie Roodt.

Many people carry financial stress without fully understanding their position. It becomes what Dawie describes as “a monkey on your shoulder”; a constant sense that something is not right.

Clarity changes that.

When you understand your income, expenses, debt, and obligations, uncertainty becomes something you can engage with, not fear.

Practical examples of understanding your finances.

This starts with practical steps:

  • Reviewing your monthly bank statements.
  • Listing all debt and financial obligations.
  • Checking recurring debit orders and subscriptions.
  • Understanding how much money is coming in versus going out each month.

The more clarity you have, the easier it becomes to make informed decisions with confidence.

Examples of what a financial plan may include.

A comprehensive financial plan may include:

  • Monthly budgeting.
  • Emergency savings.
  • Retirement planning.
  • Insurance and risk protection.
  • Debt management.
  • Long-term investment goals.

When these elements work together, financial uncertainty becomes far more manageable.

A financial plan is not optional—it is essential

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long.

Planning often only starts once a crisis has already begun, says Dawie.

“People usually start planning when there is already a crisis. It is not wrong to start now, but next time, make sure your plan is already in place.” – Dawie Roodt.

A proper financial plan gives structure during uncertain times.

It does not remove volatility, but it gives you a way to respond to it with confidence.

Without a plan, every market movement or headline feels urgent. With a plan, you already know the direction you must take.

Make it a family decision

Money decisions do not happen in isolation.

Dawie highlights the importance of bringing your household into the process:

  • Be open about financial realities
  • Align on priorities and trade-offs
  • Ensure everyone understands the plan

“Get the family together. Make it clear what is going on and get everyone to buy into the plan.”

This reduces pressure on one person and builds shared accountability, especially when adjustments, like tightening the belt, is needed.

Expanded household/family context

These conversations are particularly important for couples, parents, dependants, or households with shared financial responsibilities. When everyone understands the bigger picture, it becomes easier to work toward shared goals together.

Get the right advice

Even the strongest plan needs guidance.

“Make sure you have good financial advice, advice that helps you achieve your long-term goals. And good financial advice is both independent, and holistic.”- Dawie Roodt.

Professional advice brings objectivity. It helps you:

  • Pressure-test your plan
  • Identify risks you may not see
  • Stay focused on long-term outcomes

In uncertain environments, advice is not about reacting faster but about reacting better.

Independent, Holistic financial well-being positioning.

Working with a qualified financial advisor can help you take a more holistic view of your financial well-being, ensuring your investments, retirement planning, insurance and broader financial goals remain aligned over time. Independence ensures enough options are considered to ensure you are in the best product for your specific needs.

Know what you cannot control, and let it go

Global markets, political developments, inflation, interest rates, these are real forces.

But they are not in your control.

“If something happens internationally… sit on your hands and stick to your plan.” – Dawie Roodt.

This is often the hardest step.

When uncertainty rises, the instinct is to act. But impulsive decisions, especially emotional ones, can do more harm than good.

A well-structured plan already accounts for uncertainty. The role of the investor is not to chase control, but to stay disciplined.

The real source of anxiety is not the economy

It is the absence of a plan.

When you do not know where you stand, every decision feels heavy. Every expense feels risky. Every headline feels personal.

But when you have:

  • A clear financial position
  • Aligned goals
  • Trusted advice
    • you shift from anxiety to control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if I feel financially anxious?

Start by understanding your current financial position.

Clarity is the first step toward control. Once you know where you stand, it becomes easier to put a plan in place and make informed decisions.

Can I control the impact of the economy on my finances?

You cannot control global markets, inflation, or political events.

But you can control how prepared you are through planning, disciplined decision-making, and appropriate financial advice.

Why is financial planning important during uncertain times?

A financial plan provides structure when conditions are unpredictable.

It helps you stay focused on long-term goals and avoid reactive decisions driven by short-term events.

Should I change my financial plan when markets are volatile?

Not necessarily.

A well-constructed plan already accounts for uncertainty. Changes should be considered carefully, ideally with the guidance of a financial advisor, not based on headlines or emotions.

How can a financial advisor help in uncertain times?

A financial advisor provides objective guidance, helps you assess risk, and ensures your plan remains aligned to your long-term goals, even when conditions change.

How often should I review my financial plan?

Your financial plan should be reviewed regularly, especially after major life events, income changes, market shifts, or changes to your financial goals. Regular reviews help ensure your plan remains aligned to your current circumstances and long-term objectives.

Final thought: Control what matters most

Economic uncertainty is not going away.

But your financial clarity can improve, starting now.

Because ultimately:

  1. You cannot control the global economy.
  2. You cannot predict every market move.
  3. But you can control how prepared you are.

And that is where real financial confidence begins.

If your financial plan has not been reviewed recently, now is the time.

Speak to an Efficient advisor
to bring clarity, structure, and confidence back into your financial decisions.

Feeling financially anxious? You are not alone. 

Uncertainty is high, and for many, that pressure is starting to feel personal. 

According to our Chief Economist Dawie Roodt, the real issue is not the economy itself… it is not having a plan. 

Read Dawie’s advice here: 

Financial anxiety is rising, but what actually helps? 

According to our Chief Economist Dawie Roodt, it comes down to one principle: focus on what you can control. 

In uncertain times, many people react to headlines. But the real risk is not market volatility, it is making decisions without a plan. 

Read Dawie’s advice here: