We thoroughly enjoyed seeing our clients at events around the country this year! From celebrating milestones like Chartered Wealth Eastern Cape’s 10th anniversary in Gqeberha to hosting talks by Jeremy Gardiner, Kevin Hogan, Michael Charton, and Devi Govender, it has certainly been a memorable year.
Our Bucket Wheel® Wednesdays encouraged meaningful conversations and connections with events like Vision Boarding, Women’s Day celebrations, a Mandela Day initiative, Sean Brokensha – The Music Guru Ryan Fuller’s engaging dementia talk, and our book club. We also hosted smaller, bespoke events and enjoyed camaraderie on the greens during our golf and bowls days.
As we approach the end of the year, we look forward to collaborating with our clients to pack meals for Rise Against Hunger, ensuring our festive spirit extends to those in need.
From fun to meaningful, every moment this year reinforced the value of learning, giving back, and building relationships. Thank you for being part of our journey – here’s to more incredible moments in 2025!
I have learned that true purpose is not found in one grand pursuit but in the quiet moments of joy, the things we love, and the dreams we allow ourselves to follow every day.
This year, at the age of 56, I ran the Berlin Marathon—achieving my ‘wildly improbable dream!’ Just six weeks later, I became a grandmother for the first time. What I’ve learned is that age doesn’t define you. It just gives you better stories to tell. Yes, running the marathon stretched me in ways I hadn’t anticipated, but when we step beyond what feels comfortable, we grow in ways we never imagined. Each step brings us closer to living a life with fewer regrets.
Dreams are rarely smooth journeys. They challenge us to push through discomfort, teach us to embrace vulnerability, and show up even when there’s no guarantee of success. For me, this year wasn’t just about preparing for a marathon; it was about navigating the shifts of midlife. With all three of my children away from home, I found myself redefining my role as a mother and adjusting to a new chapter in my life. Training for the marathon tested my physical endurance, but the emotional side of empty nest was perhaps the hardest to navigate.
Through it all, I learned the power of small steps: consistently showing up, setting clear goals, and taking it one step at a time. I also came to appreciate having such an incredible support system. Their encouragement carried me through the toughest days and reminded me that life’s journey is best done with the special people in your life.
I’ve come to believe that the best way to look back on life without regret is to align your time with what matters most. Start by knowing where you want to go, then let your actions and decisions lead you there. The beautiful thing is that one dream often leads to another. Achieving a ‘wildly improbable dream’ fills you with a sense of possibility and self-belief. You start to see that you can achieve anything you set your heart on.
Imagine what’s possible if you gave yourself permission to pursue your wildly improbable dreams. This newsletter is filled with inspiring stories of clients who have done just that—finding joy, purpose, and creating lasting memories along the way. Perhaps purpose is simply doing what you love, each experience and memory you make adding a new chapter to who you are.
While the rest of us plan a beach or bush break or perhaps a culinary tour, Justin Fox decided to combine his passions for travel and local literature. In Place, the former editor of “Getaway” magazine, embarks on a solo quest to visit the settings of several well-known South African stories. These environments were very close to the hearts of the authors of the books and, in some cases, also evoked personal memories for Justin Fox.
He undertakes nine mini expeditions to track down the locales, farms and homesteads where the authors or their characters were said to have resided or to retrace and explore the routes they took. The works that inspire his travels are anchored in various parts of South Africa’s diverse landscape, and he wants to immerse himself in the “spirit of place” that the writers conveyed so powerfully in their stories or poems. This deep-rooted relationship that people can have with an environment is a thread throughout Fox’s book. He notes that one of the challenges of emigration is the loss of a familiar landscape with its distinctive smells, sounds, colours and connections that are locked into memory, often from childhood. Sometimes, it can be harsh terrain, but it is still an integral part of who you are.
His journeys span the Northern, Western and Eastern Cape and extend up to Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West province. His ‘travel guides’ include classics like Olive Schreiner’s Story of an African Farm (Eastern Karoo) and Jock of the Bushveld – both of which are now faint memories from my school days! Herman Charles Bosman’s Groot Marico tales and Dalene Matthee’s Knysna Forest novels also feature in his itinerary. Those who are familiar with the Wild Coast will appreciate his pilgrimage fuelled by Zakes Mda’s Heart of Redness.
The years have wrought inevitable change, and at times, Fox is dismayed by signs of disrepair or the impact of development and greedy agendas. But at each destination, his chosen book gives him a channel into the sense of place that its author experienced.
A copy of Place by Justin Fox can be borrowed from our Chartered Client Library.
When we think about the legacy we want to leave behind, it’s not always about financial inheritance or material wealth. For many, it’s about creating lasting memories, imparting values, and sharing meaningful experiences that will be remembered for generations. Chartered clients Trevor and Rina White chose a different path when considering their legacy. Instead of focusing solely on financial inheritance for their grandchildren, they wanted to create something more personal, something that would resonate with their family for years to come. Here, they share their heartwarming journey of crafting a living legacy through shared experiences.
“While discussing our estate planning, as guided by Chartered Wealth, my wife and I decided that our financial inheritance planning would be limited to our children, allowing them to decide what would accrue to their children (our grandchildren). From the birth of our two grandchildren, one now eleven and the other eight years old, we, as grandparents, have been involved in their early childhood development. We’ve taken them to and from school, sponsored and accompanied our granddaughter to piano lessons, and our grandson to jiu-jitsu lessons.
We decided that instead of leaving them money, we would find a ‘lasting experience’ that we could share with them as a family – something our grandchildren would hopefully always remember us for, as their Oumi and Oupi!
We considered a long list of possibilities, such as pleasure cruises, skiing trips, Mauritius, the Kruger Park, or even a visit to Disney World, just to mention a few. However, none of these really ticked all the boxes. We wanted to be together as a family, actively involved, while also considering the costs and ensuring the experience was fun-filled for everyone.
Having done a barge trip on the French canals nearly a quarter of a century ago, my wife and I felt that this could be exactly what we were looking for. It combined transport and accommodation in one, with the grandchildren being old enough to act as crew members when entering and exiting the many locks along the way. They helped the lock-keepers with opening and closing the manually operated locks and cycled into the towns and villages to buy fresh provisions such as bread and milk. As a health-conscious family, the grandkids cycled alongside while one of us jogged on the traffic-free cycle routes, which run parallel to all the canals, keeping up with the boat as it made its way along the waterways.
The trip turned out to be everything we had hoped for and more. The weather was perfect, everything went according to plan, and we worked together like a well-oiled machine. The grandchildren were involved from start to finish; they were never bored and seemed to love every minute. We, as grandparents, truly believe we have given them an unforgettable experience that they will carry with them into the future. And the best part? We were able to share it with them!”
What began as a simple search for a unique rental unit for their property, Little Orchard, turned into a labour of love—the transformation of a forgotten train coach into a luxurious retreat. Clients, Jeff and Sue Lawrence, inspired by the magic of their past train journeys, discovered Coach 26806, a weathered sleeper coach in Ladysmith. Though stripped of its former glory, it still held immense potential.
Transporting the 34-ton coach to Wakkerstroom was no easy feat, but Jeff and Sue were determined to bring their vision to life. This wasn’t just about restoring a piece of history; it was about creating an experience that would evoke nostalgia and craft lasting memories. Every detail, from the Rhodesian teak floors to the custom windows and vintage memorabilia, was chosen with care and dedication.
Stepping inside the train, you can immediately feel the love and thoughtfulness that went into its transformation. The upcycled rail brackets, Sue’s handcrafted stained glass, and original South African Railways touches all contribute to a space that feels luxurious, personal, and full of history.
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to live with intention. But Jeff and Sue’s story reminds us of the importance of living intentionally. Their journey beautifully embodies so many aspects of the Wheel of Balance: Play in their nostalgic escape, Work in their dedicated restoration, Purpose in creating a meaningful space, Money in transforming a relic for income, Relationships in their shared passion, and Learn in preserving the train’s history.
For my husband and me, staying at this unique accommodation was more than just a weekend getaway—it was a chance to reflect. As empty nesters, we found ourselves asking, What is our next journey? What excites us now? The experience reminded us that pursuing passion isn’t always easy, but it is worth the ride.
Our visit to Wakkerstroom coincided with Wakkerstroom 165 Stories of the Anglo-Boer War festival. The town, known for its birdwatching, history, and natural beauty, was bustling with excitement. From vintage car parades and Zulu dancers, Transvaal Scottish Pipes and Drums to fascinating talks on the Anglo-Boer War, Wakkerstroom’s charm was on full display. The friendly people, wonderful restaurants, and lively atmosphere made it an enticing destination.
If you’re looking for a getaway that inspires and offers a unique experience, I highly recommend visiting Wakkerstroom and staying in The Train. It’s a chance to rediscover what excites you.
“Sometimes, the journey leads us to destinations we never imagined, but those are often the ones that make the ride worthwhile.”- Anonymous
Have you ever had a dream—something you’ve always wanted to do but hesitated to pursue, afraid you might fail? Or perhaps you were too afraid to share, worried you may not succeed. For me, that dream was running the Berlin Marathon. Two years ago, I put it on my vision board and called it my “Wildly Improbable Dream.” It wasn’t just about the race—it was about pushing my limits and proving that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
In September this year, my dream came true. At the age of 56, I ran through the streets of Berlin in one of the largest marathons in the world. The joy on my face tells the story! Every photo along the route shows a beaming smile, no matter how tired I felt. But dreams aren’t supposed to be easy. As Kahlil Gibran said, “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” The resilience it took to keep going when the road got tough made this dream even more meaningful.
Here are the lessons I learned from chasing my dream:
The first step was knowing why I wanted to do this. Sure, I wanted to test my limits, but it was more than that. This dream allowed me to combine all my greatest loves: running, travelling, and learning. Along the way, I explored beautiful cities across Europe, learned new recipes at Toscana Saporita in Tuscany, and took in the sights of Italy—a true celebration of everything that brings me joy.
Small steps, big gains The secret to success? Consistency. I learned from Atomic Habits that improving by just 1% every day adds up to being 37 times better over time. So, I stuck to my running schedule, rain or shine. I consistently got up early and pushed through tough days—even when life tried to get in the way.
Setbacks aren’t stop signs Of course, setbacks happen. After Covid, I had complications with my heart rate that I monitored closely throughout training. And getting into the marathon wasn’t easy either. After trying and failing to register through the organisers, the lottery, travel agents, and charities, I nearly gave up. But my support group encouraged me to try one last time, and miraculously, a spot opened, and I finally got my chance.
Your support system is everything The night before the marathon, fear crept in. I was nervous—what if I couldn’t do it? But then came the messages from my sons, Josh and Ryan, and from my friends and Gabi, all cheering me on. Their encouragement made such a difference. As I stood at the starting line, tears in my eyes, I knew I wasn’t doing this alone. Their support carried me, step by step.
Have fun When the whistle blew, I reminded myself of something important—I wasn’t just here to run; I was here to enjoy every minute. I kept my pace steady, only walking through the water stations, and savoured every moment. That feeling of joy and pride has stuck with me since.
One dream leads to another Achieving a wildly improbable dream gives you a sense of limitless possibility. Once you’ve crossed that finish line, it feels like no challenge is too great, no goal too far out of reach. You start believing that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
So, what would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail? Chase your wildly improbable dream with all your heart!
Thanks to ChatGPT, which put artificial intelligence centre stage in late 2022, it has become apparent that AI is and will continue to be a part of our lives. In fact, as Arthur Goldstuck points out, AI has been around for a while in various forms but didn’t grab the global spotlight the way ChatGPT has done – with Bing Chat and Google Bard losing out on the starring role.
If you are old enough, you may remember that Arthur Goldstuck published a South African guide to the Internet back in the mid-nineties. The local tech guru’s 2023 book covers the good, the bad, and the ugly of artificial intelligence. On the upside, it is being used to save time spent on grunt work – like sifting through medical records, searching for legal precedents, and picking up fraud or sales patterns. Industries as diverse as healthcare, travel, financial services, agriculture, law, manufacturing and creatives are tapping into the benefits of AI. One impressive example he gives (which has South African roots) is a company called “Aerobotics”: they use AI to analyse drone video footage to advise farmers across the continent on improving output and sustainability.
Things can get a little grey in areas like creativity and education. AI in creative writing should be a tool for ideas the human author will flesh out and fact-check (while injecting emotion, tone or personal insights). However, as in education, Arthur Goldstuck acknowledges that misuse of AI by the lazy undermines learning and creativity. He believes that while banning it isn’t the answer, schools and teachers must have clear policies on AI as an educational aid.
From grey to grimy … inevitably, AI is also being exploited by the less honourable among us. The author takes us through the more troubling possibilities, from copyright infringements and spreading misinformation to ‘deep fakes’ and ethical questions around releasing new music from deceased artists.
The book chapters are flagged with small icons to denote whether they cover general learning material or are of more targeted interest. So, if you don’t know adaptive from generative AI, and are keen to understand how AI is making itself felt in our lives, then this book could be helpful.
P.S. While I didn’t resort to ChatGPT to compile this short review, I did consult Grammarly, a form of AI, for any feedback on my grammar and phrasing … occasionally the human knows best!
When Chartered client Ingrid Davidson and her husband Alistair retired to the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, she was looking forward to peaceful mornings and long walks on the beach; what she didn’t expect was to find herself reliving the exuberance of her youth, thanks to an enthusiastic invitation from her dear friend, Mary Connock.
Mary introduced Ingrid to the Granny Grommets, a lively group of women who have turned the beach into their playground. Twice a week, this spirited group gathers at Robberg Beach at 10:00 in the morning, ready to embrace the waves and leave behind any cares that might have followed.
The Granny Grommets, as the name might suggest, is a group of women who have discovered the sheer joy of boogie boarding. The term “Grommet” originally referred to a young surfer or someone involved in extreme sports, highlighting this group’s youthful, adventurous spirit. But don’t let the “Granny” part fool you—this group is for anyone with a zest for life, with members of all ages joining in the wave-riding excitement.
Initially hesitant, Ingrid was quickly swept up by the group’s enthusiasm. The moment she caught her first wave, all her reservations melted away. The exhilaration of being tossed about by the ocean, the laughter that echoed across the beach, and the sense of freedom that came with every ride reminded her of the playful days of childhood.
And it wasn’t just the wave riding that captured Ingrid’s heart. After an hour of fun in the surf, the group plunks down on the beach, flasks of coffee in hand, sharing stories, solving the world’s problems, and indulging in delicious treats. It’s a time of connection, camaraderie, and simple pleasure.
Ingrid’s Wednesday and Friday mornings have become the highlight of her week. The Granny Grommets have given her a sense of community, energy, and an unexpected source of joy. Even the chilly water can’t dampen the spirits of this group—though, of course, they take a well-deserved break during the colder months when the sharks make their appearance.
So, if you find yourself near the shores of Plett, grab a boogie board and join them—all are welcome.
Transitions, whatever they may be, often involve a change in routine. Whether it’s adjusting to an empty nest, retirement, or another significant life shift, these changes can leave us feeling unmoored, unsure of how to fill the time and space once occupied by familiar activities and responsibilities.
As I transitioned into an empty nest, I found myself slipping into a slump where weeks seemed to blur together. The routine and purpose once defined by my children’s needs were suddenly gone, leaving an unsettling emptiness. I realised that if I didn’t make some changes, I could easily become stuck in this rut.
To bring structure and purpose back into my life, I began making weekly appointments with myself. These weren’t about filling my schedule with busy work; they were about reconnecting with myself and exploring new interests to fill the gaps left by my children.
Last week, my self-imposed appointments included two spinning classes, evening walks with the dogs, and an embroidery class with a friend. These activities weren’t chosen because of a deep passion but rather as a way to stay accountable to myself. Some, like spinning, offered a physical outlet, while others, like the embroidery class, were a chance to try something new, even if embroidery isn’t in my future.
This week, I’m excited to dust off my camera and spend time in the garden taking pictures before dusk—an activity that reconnects me with my love for photography. I’ve also planned a date night with my husband and a visit to Exclusive Books to browse, something I’ve always loved but haven’t made time for in a while.
Through this process, I’ve learned that transitions like these can leave you feeling lost, unsure of your direction, and disconnected from the routines that once anchored you. But by committing to these weekly appointments, I’ve found a way to fill the gaps that were left behind. Even when I don’t enjoy every new thing I try, the act of making these commitments keeps me accountable, pushing me to stay active and engaged rather than slipping back into that initial slump.
Here are a few tips that might help you navigate your own transitions:
Try New Things: Step out of your comfort zone and explore new activities. Even if they don’t all become lifelong passions, they can help you discover new interests and keep your mind engaged.
Reconnect with Old Passions: Use this time to revisit hobbies or interests that you may have set aside. Whether it’s a creative pursuit, gardening, or volunteering, reconnecting with old passions can bring a sense of fulfilment.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Start with small goals that are easy to accomplish. As you meet these goals, you’ll build confidence and momentum, making it easier to tackle bigger challenges.
Find a Community: Transitions can feel isolating. Joining a group or class related to your interests can help you build a new social circle and share experiences with others going through similar changes.
By setting aside time each week for intentional activities, you can begin to carve out a new path and find purpose, no matter what transition you are going through.
“What now?” is a thought that has been on my mind a lot this year as I navigate my empty nest. My role as a mother has changed – it’s different now – but there’s a space that I need to fill with something else. I have been exploring new challenges and embracing new opportunities that push me to grow, and what I’ve learnt in this process is that stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t just require courage – it might also take a little bit of luck.
Running in the Berlin Marathon has been on my vision board for the past two years. It was meant to be a gift to myself during this empty nest year, but it has made me question my gift-giving capabilities. This gift has sometimes felt more like a punishment – just over 42km of running is no walk in the park! But there’s something about the challenge that has drawn me in. I’m spending hours training and cultivating the habit of running, and one of the pros of this time on the road is that it gives me time to think. I’ve learnt the art of perseverance and patience, but I’ve also come to realise that a sprinkle of luck can change everything.
Entry into the Berlin Marathon is via a lottery system, which I duly entered at the end of last year but didn’t get in. Very disappointed but still determined, I turned to other ways to gain entry, charities and travel agencies, with no luck. Just as I thought the dream was slipping through my fingers, a spot opened – as if the universe was giving me a nudge. Out of the blue, I received the message: I could participate.
Sometimes, the best-laid plans need a little help from the unpredictable forces of life. You can prepare, train, and do everything right, but outcomes are not always in our control. Morgan Housel beautifully writes in The Psychology of Money: “Luck and risk are both the reality that every outcome in life is guided by forces other than individual effort…The accidental impact of actions outside of your control can be more consequential than the ones you consciously take.”
It’s not that effort doesn’t matter; it’s just that life, with its infinite moving parts, has a way of surprising us. The key is to keep showing up and putting yourself out there – even if success isn’t guaranteed. Sometimes, that little bit of luck makes all the difference.
Our very own Olympic medallist, Tatjana Smith, embodies this idea perfectly. After winning her gold and silver medals, she said something that stuck with me: “On any other day, any other swimmer could have taken gold. We are not better than each other; that day was just my day.”
This isn’t to say we must depend on luck alone. It’s a reminder that when you dare to try something new, you may be surprised at how the stars can sometimes align in your favour. Preparing for the Berlin Marathon has taught me never to say “I can’t” and to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. It’s also taught me to leave a little space for luck.
So, don’t be afraid to take the leap. Yes, there will be bumps along the way. Sometimes, things won’t go as planned. But keep showing up. Keep saying yes to new experiences. And who knows? With a bit of perseverance and maybe even a dash of luck, you might find yourself achieving something you never thought possible.
