HBC MEMBER PROFILE –
CASPER KRUGER FINANCIAL PLANNERS
How did you start your business?
To answer this question, I would need to give some background. I started as a funeral claims clerk in 2000 at Old Mutual in Rustenburg. I was 19 years old. I never imagined that I would make a career in financial services. It was more important for me to gain experience to at least have something to put on my CV.
Six months into my role as claims administrator I understood the products and processes and wanted to challenge myself as a financial adviser. An adviser position became available in my hometown Klerksdorp, and I applied. I got the position but was overwhelmed as the picture in my head and the reality was sort of contradicting each other.
Hard work and perseverance paid off and the following 4 years consecutively, I was in the Top 20 Advisers in the Northwest Province. Awards and conventions became part of my reality and in 2004 I was approached to be trained by Old Mutual as a sales manager.
In 2005, I opened my own Old Mutual Franchise and again was in the Top 3 Old Mutual franchises in the country. For several years I managed a successful team of advisers in Johannesburg and Klerksdorp assisting them to become the best they can be.
In 2010, I realised that more of my clients needed more “in-depth” financial and investment planning advice and services. This was the birth of Casper Kruger Financial Planners as it stands today.
- Why did you choose your industry?
I think that the industry chose me long before I could choose the industry.
The financial services industry is a very tough industry to be in and if you want to make a successful career of it you must know that honest hard work with lots of dedication is non-negotiable.
- What makes your business different from your competitors?
A personal experience – that is what makes Casper Kruger Financial Planners different and unique. If you are a client in my practice, you will know that you are not just a number. We get to know you personally as our client and make sure we understand and address your specific individual needs. From meeting with you for the very first time right through our relationship going forward must be an easy and pleasant experience for you and your loved ones. Our service and advice are based on high ethical standards, integrity and good morals.
It is our privilege to work with individuals who are serious about building a secure financial future. As a licensed financial planning practice, we can address every aspect of your financial planning needs – from your medical aid to life and risk insurance including your car-and-home insurance. We can also facilitate having your last will and testament drafted.
A life policy and a retirement fund at work are not financial planning. There is so much more to it, and we make effort to show you how we will help you to take your financial planning goals to the next level. We call it your roadmap to financial success. With decades of experience in the financial planning industry, I can comfortably say that I am an estate and retirement planning specialist who can assist you in planning for these events.
- What are the biggest challenges in your industry?
In the financial services industry regulations can be complex and constantly evolving. Staying compliant while navigating these changes requires ongoing education and adaptability. Staying abreast of industry trends, acquiring new skills, and obtaining relevant certifications are essential for remaining competitive and providing top-tier service. You will therefore often find me behind my desk with a textbook or journal keeping up with the latest laws and regulations. Committing to ongoing professional development, and certifications, and staying current with industry trends ensures that I can offer the best possible advice and service to you.
In a world that is turned upside down, economic uncertainties and market fluctuations can affect client portfolios. As a Certified Financial Planner®, I need to manage risk effectively in my clients’ investments and retirement savings and help clients stay focused on their long-term financial goals.
Covid proved to us that anything can happen overnight. In February 2020, stock markets across the world suddenly crashed after growing instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It ended in April 2020. If that risk was not managed effectively, clients would have suffered major losses and their retirement planning would have been affected negatively.
- What advice will you give people in the same work industry as you?
Being a financial planner requires a blend of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to ongoing learning. To help you succeed in this career obtaining a relevant bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification in finance, will provide you with confidence and credibility with your clients. Become part of the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa (FPI) and get certified as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
You would also need to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Financial planning involves understanding clients’ goals, explaining complex concepts clearly, and building trust. It is also important to become involved in your local community.
If you are totally new to the industry, find yourself an experienced and successful financial planner who can provide you with guidance and mentorship. Learn from their experiences and insights to accelerate your career growth. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun during this whole process. It is a joyful journey where you will meet all kinds of people in various industries.
