Verbatim 129: 2026 Sanlam Benchmark Survey
July 7, 2026How to Save and Build Wealth
How to Save and Build Wealth Without the Drama
Saving and investing both involve putting money aside for the future, but they serve different purposes. Saving focuses on preserving capital and keeping money accessible, while investing aims to grow wealth over the longer term.
A sensible approach is to keep three to six months’ expenses in accessible savings and invest money that will not be needed for several years.
Before Building a Portfolio
- Time horizon: Money needed in the short term should be invested differently from money intended for retirement many years from now.
- Risk profile: Your investment strategy should reflect how comfortable you are with market fluctuations, particularly during difficult periods.
- Volatility: Market movements are a normal part of investing. Long-term success generally depends more on discipline and patience than trying to predict every movement.
ETFs vs Unit Trusts
ETFs and unit trusts can both form part of a well-diversified portfolio. ETFs typically track an index and trade on an exchange, while unit trusts pool investors’ money into professionally managed funds. The right choice depends on your goals, costs and overall investment strategy.
The Bottom Line
Successful investing is not about finding the perfect investment or chasing last year’s highest return. It is about matching your investments to your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.
Start early, invest regularly, remain invested when markets become uncertain and keep costs under control. Simple does not always mean easy, but when it comes to building wealth, simple usually wins.
To speak to a qualified financial planner, contact Verso Wealth at
info@verso-wealth.co.za
.
This article was written by Thayn Niemand CFP®, Financial Planner at Verso Wealth.