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If your year started off looking bright and full of potential you may be wondering what happened! Turmoil, wars, price shocks at the pumps and when you turn on the lights – it’s all happening. 2026 has given us a few unexpected challenges. But if you follow the basics below you can keep a cool financial head, protect your wealth and give your loved ones greater financial security.
This guide explains how to protect your wealth and your family’s financial security during periods of economic uncertainty, market volatility and rising living costs.
Stick to your financial plan
Your financial plan and all the investment goals and recommended funds are still relevant, no matter what the markets do, what wars are ongoing or what the gold and oil price do.
Investment markets like the JSE have moved up and down in response to economic uncertainty, global conflict and rising energy prices this year. In March 2026 alone, South African shares fell 10% in value according to the Corion Capital 0326 report. That’s scary and it makes you wonder if you should sell your investment. The quick answer is no. Avoid a panic sell of investments as it means that you will definitely make a loss. If you give your investment time to recover, you have a high chance of making up the loss and growing it.
Sceptical? Like most things in life, it’s not a dead cert, but studies have shown time and time again that investors who stay invested earn a higher return than those who chop and change. Sometimes double the return of investors who sell when things look bad. And if you are thinking of selling now and buying when prices are low or the turmoil is subsiding, think again. Investors who try to time the market and buy and sell over the years also earn a lower return than investors who stay invested for the long term.
Bottom line: markets look set to be volatile for a while. But if your investment is long-term, it has the best chance of growing if you leave it invested.
If your financial goals change then you should review your investments and financial plans to see that they are still appropriate and will help you achieve your financial goals, such as saving for education and retirement. But if those haven’t changed there is no reason or need to sell your investments. Your financial adviser can assist with financial plans and goals.
Have an income replacement plan
The official unemployment rate is 31.4%, according to StatsSA. Right now, the country has many more people than jobs, which makes planning for a time when you may not have a job critical. If your budget allows, these are some protection measures to consider:
- Income replacement insurance, which a financial adviser can assist you with
- Credit life insurance that covers retrenchment and job losses for your debts such as credit cards, store cards and personal loans
- Long-term emergency savings such as three months' salary (12 is better but start with what you can)
- Diversifying your income so you are not reliant on just one job to pay the bills
It also pays to check out the jobs market to see how you are qualified, upskill if you can and always have an updated CV. And network in person and online such as on LinkedIn. You never know – that short message on LinkedIn could be your next big career or income earner.
Insurance is your #1 wealth protector. Keep it!
Insurance is a basic building block of any financial plan because it protects your wealth and gives loved ones financial security. But when prices rise budgets become stretched and premiums can become unaffordable.
You have options if you are struggling to pay insurance premiums, one of which is cancelling your cover. This is also a bad idea. It will give some breathing space in your budget but it removes all the safety nets you put in place for you and your family. Safety nets matter now more than ever because economic uncertainty increases the financial impact of unexpected events.
Deciding to take cover at a later date when finances improve is also a risky move, and often more expensive. Insurance premiums are based on your health and age when you take out cover, and as you are older premiums are usually higher than when you first took out a policy. And, as you age the risk of a chronic condition or poor health increases, which could further add to your premium or potentially mean exclusions on your cover.
Your second option is to adjust your cover and policy to make it more affordable. Your licensed financial adviser or insurer can help you with this. It may mean a lower sum assured, but you will still have a safety net for your family and increasing your cover when your budget allows won’t be as onerous or expensive as taking out a new policy.
Balance your budget
A balanced budget is when your income and expenses match so that money coming in equals money going out. Expenses include savings and investments and insurance as these protect your wealth and your family’s financial future.
When more money is going out of your budget than coming in, Truth About Money, a 1Life Insurance initiative has the answer: the Cash Crunch course. This 30 minute, online, free course was designed specifically for the times when prices go up and income doesn't. It has short and long-term solutions to help you balance your budget. Take the course with your family today and you can all make the changes needed.
Top tip: review and monitor your budget at least once a month so you know when you need to make changes.
Draft or update your will
Your will has the details of who inherits your assets such as a home and investments when you pass away. Without it, your family will face months, possibly years of delays before they can take ownership and have funds to pay for their living expenses.
Many people do not avoid writing a will because they do not care. They often put it off because everyday life feels more urgent, thinking about death is uncomfortable and the process can feel confusing or overwhelming. People also tend to believe they still have plenty of time or that their family will sort things out later. These common habits often cause people to delay something important for far too long. But, once it is done, you know your family will be cared for. Experts such as financial advisers, lawyers and fiduciary experts are also on hand to help and will guide you through the process so your final wishes are recorded and will be followed.
Top tip: Truth About Money offers a free Wills and Estate benefit to help you and your spouse draft and update a valid will. Contact them or your financial adviser or lawyer for assistance with your will.
Keep a cool head
After the start we’ve had to the year it’s safe to say anything can happen. Stick to the basics, avoid panic decisions and overspending and you can protect your wealth. Money likes consistency, so commit and stick to your plans. Your bank account, investments and family will feel the difference.