As Valentine’s Day draws near, a time for expressing love and appreciation, it might be worth considering a different approach to gift-giving this year. While jewellery and flowers are traditional favourites, gifts that offer lasting value and contribute to a brighter financial future can be even more meaningful.
Chantal Marx, head of investment research at FNB Wealth and Investments, suggests exploring financial gifts that grow over time. "There are many ways to express your love. From investment instruments that grow over time to long-term financial strategies, you can secure your loved ones’ well-being that will have a long-term positive impact. Whether it’s ensuring they are cared for in the future or giving them a financial boost through the gifting of a portfolio of shares, it goes beyond sentiment and empowers you to ensure that your loved ones are more financially secure," says Marx.
Here are several innovative approaches to Valentine’s gifts that offer lasting value:
A Love Letter
While heartfelt notes and cards are common on Valentine’s Day, consider leaving a legacy through a Will and personalised estate plan. “It may not seem romantic, but it is one of the most meaningful gifts of love and security. A Will and an estate plan protect your loved ones when you are no longer around and ensure that your wishes for them can come true,” says Carin Meyer, product head, of Wills and Deceased Reporting.
Perfume
Selecting a fragrance is a deeply personal choice, with each scent uniquely blending and differing based on who wears it. You can own more than one bottle of perfume for different occasions. Similarly, developing a financial plan with specific goals and risk tolerance in mind helps find the perfect blend of products, asset classes, and investment instruments tailored to your needs.
Candles
Candles are a staple in many homes, providing light, ambiance, and relaxation. Much like candles burn steadily, having emergency savings in an accessible money market product ensures you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
Chocolates
Chocolates are a popular and indulgent choice that offers comfort and relaxation. A tax-free savings or investment account hits the sweet spot (without the calories) by saving on taxes and allowing higher compound returns over time, helping to build a nest egg for specific goals or complement other investments.
A Gift Voucher
A gift voucher outsources the responsibility of choosing a gift and eliminates the risk of picking the wrong one. Investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the JSE provides exposure to the world’s largest investment indexes without needing to select individual instruments. Alternatively, unit trusts managed by professionals offer growth opportunities and spread risk across different investments.
Personalised Jewellery
Marx says jewellery is personal and sentimental, designed to match unique styles. Consider a personal share portfolio that allows buying companies and assets you like and foresee strong returns. Blending different companies in a portfolio provides diversification and growth opportunities over time, including local shares, global companies, exchange-traded notes, funds, and other asset classes like bonds and listed property.
Curated Experience
According to Marx, curated experiences, such as special dinners or private yacht hires, create lasting memories. Similarly, investing in structured products designed to track niche markets with capital protection offers exposure to global markets while preserving wealth, much like the memories of an extraordinary experience.
A well-defined financial plan is a perfect way to show love, not just for today but for the future. “This doesn’t mean letting go of classic Valentine’s traditions. So, make this Valentine’s Day celebration special by combining romance and financial foresight – because just like love flourishes over time, so too do smart investment decisions,” says Marx.
PERSONAL FINANCE