Our Team is Growing

March 18, 2024

At Bovest, it’s very important for us that when we appoint someone new, not only that they’re professional and diligent, but we ensure they also fit into the culture of our business. Our culture is mainly driven by one single purpose: To put our client’s interest first in everything we do.

We are delighted to announce that from the 1st of February our team has grown by 2 as we welcome Wealth manager Francois le Clus and his broker assistant, Belinda Braak to the Bovest family. 

At Bovest, it’s very important for us that when we appoint someone new, not only that they’re professional and diligent, but we ensure they also fit into the culture of our business. Our culture is mainly driven by one single purpose: To put our client’s interest first in everything we do.


It’s on this principle that Bovest was founded back in 2008 by our chairman Riaan Botha and it will continue to be the driving force behind our business.


Francois le Clus is a seasoned financial advisor with a passion for empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial goals. With a comprehensive background in investments, tax, debt and a commitment to personalized service, Francois has become a trusted partner for his clients on their financial journeys.

Professional Background:

With over 9 years of experience in the financial industry, first at Momentum and then Attooh, Francois has honed his expertise in wealth management, retirement planning, and investment strategies.

Francois earned his Bcom HR degree (Univ of Pretoria), Bcom HR Hons (Univ Pretoria) and Postgraduate Degree in Financial Planning (Univ of Free State) where he developed a solid foundation in financial principles and analytical skills. Committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends, he regularly participates in professional development opportunities and continuing education.

Client-Centric Approach:

Recognizing that each client’s financial situation is unique, Francois takes a holistic and client-centric approach to financial planning. By carefully listening to his clients’ goals, concerns, and aspirations, he tailors customized strategies to help them navigate the complexities of financial decision-making.


Areas of Expertise:

  • Investment Management: Francois provides strategic guidance on building and managing investment portfolios, taking into account risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial objectives.
  • Retirement Planning: Francois helps clients develop comprehensive strategies to achieve financial security during their post-career years.
  • Estate Planning: Understanding the importance of legacy planning, Francois collaborates with clients to create effective estate plans that align with their wishes and minimize tax implications.


Personal Philosophy:

Francois believes in fostering long-term relationships with his clients built on trust, transparency, and open communication. His goal is to alleviate the stress associated with financial decision-making, allowing clients to focus on what matters most to them. Francois also strives to educate clients in their understanding of debt and how to create long-term wealth.


Whether guiding clients through market fluctuations, helping them plan for retirement, or providing insights into tax-efficient strategies, Francois stands as a dedicated advocate for financial well-being, committed to helping clients achieve their financial dreams.


Geo Botha CFP® B.Com (Hons)

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Should you withdraw your Pension and pay off your home?

By Francois Le Clus • May 28, 2025
Should you withdraw your Pension and pay off your home? It's perfectly normal to ask whether you should use your pension to pay off your home when leaving an employer. This decision involves weighing the tax on the withdrawal, the interest saved on your bond, the future growth of your pension fund, and the contributions needed to catch up. Example: Anne is 40 years old with a pension fund worth R3,500,000. She bought a home 10 years ago for R3,000,000 and bonded it over 20 years at an 11% interest rate, with monthly repayments of R30,965. After 10 years, her outstanding bond is R2,258,225. If she withdraws her pension, she’ll receive R2,408,300 after tax—enough to settle the bond and have some cash left over. By paying off the bond early: She saves R1,467,919 in interest. She frees up R30,965 in monthly cash flow. However, if she keeps the money invested, her pension could grow to R37,921,470 by age 65 (assuming 10% annual growth). To match this value after using her pension to pay off the bond, she’d need to invest R28,580 per month for the next 25 years. That’s R2,385 less than her current bond repayment, so she does save monthly—but only for the next 10 years. After that, she’s committed to investing R28,580/month for 25 years to break even.  Not everyone’s calculation is the same and there are endless amounts of permutations to this calculation, but it’s important to note that you need to consider all of these factors when making these crucial decisions.

GEWOONTES VIR GELUKKIGE AFTREDE

By Riaan Botha • May 28, 2025
Ons ontleed watter gewoontes meewerk om ’n gelukkige aftrede te verseker. Hierdie maand bespreek ons hoe om gesond te lewe tydens aftrede. Mediese kostes verhoog hoe ouer ons word. Die koste van ’n mediese fonds verhoog jaarliks met meer as die inflasiekoers en mediese uitgawes sal in die toekoms ’n al groter persentasie van ons persoonlike uitgawes vereis. Dit is daarom belangrik om so gesond as moontlik te leef. Hier is verskillende stappe wat gevolg kan word om gesond oud te word: Eet gesond. Moenie oorgewig wees nie. Word sterker deur oefeninge te doen wat jou spiermassa behou. Doen jaarliks mediese ondersoeke om te bepaal hoe gesond jy is. Beskerm jou gewrigte en beenstruktuur deur krag- en rek-oefeninge te doen. Verminder rook en alkohol-inname om jou kanse van kanker en ander siektes te beperk. Indien jy ’n familie-geskiedenis het van siektes soos kanker en hart-toestande. moet jy vir gereelde mediese toetse gaan om vroegtydig te bepaal of jy nie die siektes onder lede het nie. Verbeter jou liggaamsbalans deur oefeninge te doen soos om op een been te staan terwyl jy jou tande borsel. Hierdeur verseker jy dat jy nie gereeld jou liggaamsbalans verloor en val nie. Studies het bewys dat dit help om jou fisieke en geestelike gesondheid te behou deur sewe tot agt ure per nag te slaap. Hou jou brein-funksie of kognitiewe vermoë in ’n goeie toestand deur brein-oefeninge te doen, soos om nuwe stokperdjies te beoefen of memoriseringsoefeninge te doen. Volg ’n aktiewe sosiale lewe. Studies het getoon dat mense met ’n aktiewe sosiale lewe minder geheue-probleme ontwikkel. Hulle het ’n verminderde kans om eensaam te voel en depressief te word (Health Connection, Cooper, University Health Care, 9 September 2024).