South African financial education | Facts checked 10 November 2026
Reviewing investments is different from reacting to every market move. A useful review asks whether the plan still fits your goals, time horizon, cash needs and ability to carry risk. It does not assume that recent winners will remain winners.
1. Return to the purpose
Write down what the money is for and when it may be needed. An emergency fund, a retirement portfolio and money for a near-term purchase need different access and risk arrangements. Age alone does not determine a suitable investment mix.
2. Compare like with like
Use an appropriate benchmark and a meaningful period. Check whether figures are before or after fees, use the same currency and include distributions. Your personal return can differ from a fund's published return because you added or withdrew money at different times. A market index is not a guaranteed personal target.
3. Read the total cost
Ask about fund, platform, advice, administration and transaction costs, and how they affect the result. A low headline fee does not tell the whole story. Read the mandate and risk information as well as the performance table.
4. Understand what a change would do
Rebalancing means bringing the investment mix back towards an agreed allocation after it has drifted. It can involve costs, tax and product restrictions. RAs, TFSAs and endowments do not all permit the same access or transfers. A TFSA withdrawal and redeposit can use contribution room again; a formal transfer is a different process.
5. Review calmly and after life changes
A planned review once or twice a year is a practical starting point, rather than a universal rule. Also review when goals, employment, family circumstances or health change. Keep a record of what was considered and why you did or did not change the plan.
A licensed adviser can help test suitability and explain the consequences of switching. No review process guarantees growth, and a fall in price alone does not tell you what action is appropriate.
Relevant GFS resources
- Retirement Planning Guide
- Retirement Capital Lifetime Explorer
- The FTSE/JSE All Share Index Made Clear - free
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General education only, not personalised financial, investment, insurance, tax, medical or legal advice. Confirm current rules, policy terms and suitability with an appropriately qualified professional. No return, tax saving, claim payment or legal outcome is guaranteed.