HOW TO BUILD WEALTH FOR LIFE

EVERLASTING WEALTH ISN'T ALCHEMY, MATHS OR SCIENCE; IT'S A MINDSET. WE TAPPED THE EXPERTS TO HELP YOU STOCK THE COFFERS NOW, FOREVER AND ALWAYS.

- KIERAN LEGG

THE ECONOMY isn't pulling any punches. Rapid inflation, volatile markets, you name it our financial futures are seemingly hitched to a rampaging beast. But even in the midst of these tough times, there are still ways to build up the wealth you need to thrive at every stage. The secret: there is no secret. It's about developing good, unshakeable habits around your investments and savings to generate real money momentum.

"On average people are living longer," says Keith McLachlan, an investment officer. "As a result, our retirement savings need to last longer, too." However, stretching that fabled fund to go even further isn't rocket science, he argues. "All you need to do is make sure you earn to your maximum potential, live below your means and save the difference between the two."

Easier said than done... sure. But coupled with the right investments, this golden rule is crucial to staying rich at every age. Let's dive in.

EARLY DAYS

"Save before you learn to spend," says Petri Redelinghuys, the founder of Herenya Capital Advisors. For someone fresh out of school or university, sitting in their first job, this is the best time to invest.

"You've never earned a salary until now and you haven't gotten used to a particular lifestyle-you don't know any better!" Starting early-real early-will let you tap into the magic of compound gains. While you might only be able to tuck away R500 into investments every month, even these smaller contributions will (hopefully) be multiplied for every year they sit in a certain fund. Remember, interest builds on interest: "Many guys can easily put 20% of their salaries away," says Redelinghuys. "Just pretend it doesn't exist."