“My savings helped save my wife’s life”

Last updated on 22nd June, 2021 at 09:54 am

When 54-year-old Francois Johannes de Wet’s wife became seriously ill, his savings offered peace of mind – and a vital payout. Need a boost to your savings? Scroll down to find out how you could win R10 000 to invest.

“I grew up in a family where my parents prioritised savings before spending. We had to sacrifice luxuries in order to have enough savings to cater for life’s uncertainties. I took this lesson with me as I entered the workplace.

“In 1987 the first thing I did was to set up a savings plan through Sanlam. The initial plan was to secure my retirement so I don’t have to rely on government grants or my employer’s retirement package. As I progressed in my career and received salary increases, so did my monthly savings contribution. After years of having my savings products, I was contacted by one of the Sanlam Brokers who offered to manage my portfolio. Not only did having a broker teach me more about money and the importance of saving effectively, it also prepared me (financially) for one of the toughest times of my life.

“Cancer can turn your world upside down”

“Towards the end of 2017, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer can turn your whole world upside down ­– especially if you’re not prepared for the medical costs. Having a broker who ensured that risk management was part of my savings profile took a large burden off our shoulders. Within two days, we received our Sanlam medical pay-out which enabled us to cover all the medical costs without having to tap into our wallet. All we had to worry about was ensuring that my wife gets all the support she needs to get back into shape – finances were not an issue.

“Savings took a large burden off our shoulders”

“During the scariest moments of our lives, it was comforting to know that our medical expenses were covered, and my wife had access to the best treatment. Almost a year later, my wife is thriving and we have been able to use some of our savings to travel and pay off our property.

“Even though the process of saving can feel strenuous, I’m glad we took important steps towards safeguarding our future. After my wife’s illness we learnt that life is filled with uncertainties so it’s important to have insurance and rely on a qualified professional to help you financially plan through all of life’s stages including the potential risks associated with each stage. Life is stressful on its own, to live knowing that you’re protected when life throws its curveball brings much-needed peace of mind. “

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