Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, many of us are worried, on various levels, about our health, families and livelihoods.

In fact, according to research done by Kantar, South Africans are amongst the most concerned populations globally with 83% of South Africans hugely concerned about the situation vs a 79.5% global benchmark.

In times like these, it is important to ensure that you get the right help to be as well prepared as possible to navigate the changes that lie ahead and to be ready to face a ‘new normal’, says Lee Hancox, Head of Channel and Segment Marketing at Sanlam SPF Distribution.

all told, a professional marketing research company, has been conducting weekly surveys during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the research shows that South Africans are spending 80% less per month during lockdown.

Petrol, dining out and clothing are the top three items that people are spending less on every month. The data shows, however, that people are not investing this money – preferring to keep it accessible ‘just in case’. Now would be a perfect opportunity to review your investment and savings portfolios with your financial planner in order to evaluate how best to invest these extra funds, thereby taking advantage of lower market conditions. Most financial planners offer this kind of consultation digitally, so it’s not always necessary to meet them in person.

Encouragingly, the all told research shows us that 80% of those surveyed are not considering switching their financial services provider currently, with 45% understanding that now is not the time to switch due to market turmoil.