CAST WEALTH PLANNING
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Why Discovery?
Discovery is our platform because it offers an integrated ecosystem that connects nearly all components of your financial life in one place. This makes implementation smoother and ongoing management easier.
But here's the important part: we use Discovery as a tool, not as the starting point. Our planning process begins with you—your values, goals, and lifestyle. Only once we've designed your plan do we implement it, through Discovery
If your situation requires a different solution, we'll refer and guide the journey.
But here's the important part: we use Discovery as a tool, not as the starting point. Our planning process begins with you—your values, goals, and lifestyle. Only once we've designed your plan do we implement it, through Discovery
If your situation requires a different solution, we'll refer and guide the journey.
Why Cogence?
Cogence is South Africa’s first global discretionary fund manager (DFM) and our go-to asset managers once we are clear on your full financial picture. As a philosophy-driven firm ourselves, we value Cogence’s disciplined investment approach — underpinned by advanced risk management technology, diversified return drivers, global-standard research and the breadth and depth of BlackRock’s global resources. Their global insights inform asset allocation and manager selection, positioning portfolios to navigate diverse market conditions with discipline and consistency.
How is CWP different from other advisers?
Most advisers lead with products. We lead with people. Here's what makes us different:
We start with values and lifestyle, not products.
We use Bridge™ and Merge Point™ to create clarity and integrated planning.
We're a family-run practice with deep roots and a long-term perspective.
We're transparent about how we work and how we're paid.
We treat financial planning as an ongoing partnership, not a once-off transaction.
We start with values and lifestyle, not products.
We use Bridge™ and Merge Point™ to create clarity and integrated planning.
We're a family-run practice with deep roots and a long-term perspective.
We're transparent about how we work and how we're paid.
We treat financial planning as an ongoing partnership, not a once-off transaction.
What are your fees and minimums?
We charge an annual advisory fee of up to 1% of assets under management (AUM). This fee covers comprehensive planning, ongoing advice, annual reviews, and implementation support.
Our minimum engagement level is designed to ensure we can provide the depth of service our clients deserve. If you're not sure whether you meet this threshold, book a clarity session and we'll discuss it openly.
We're transparent about fees because we believe the value we create justifies what we charge. If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you—and we'll point you in the right direction.
Our minimum engagement level is designed to ensure we can provide the depth of service our clients deserve. If you're not sure whether you meet this threshold, book a clarity session and we'll discuss it openly.
We're transparent about fees because we believe the value we create justifies what we charge. If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you—and we'll point you in the right direction.
What should I prepare for my first meeting?
You don't need to prepare anything formal. Just come ready to talk about your situation, your goals, and any concerns you have. If you'd like to bring documents (like existing policies, investment statements, or pay slips), that's helpful but not required for the first meeting.
The first meeting is about getting to know each other and seeing if we're a good fit. We'll explain how we work, answer your questions, and give you a sense of what working with CWP looks like.
The first meeting is about getting to know each other and seeing if we're a good fit. We'll explain how we work, answer your questions, and give you a sense of what working with CWP looks like.
What if I already have products in place?
That's completely fine. Many of our clients come to us with existing policies, investments, and structures already in place. We'll review what you have, assess whether it still fits your situation, and recommend adjustments if needed.
If what you have is working, we'll tell you. If changes would benefit you, we'll explain why and give you clear recommendations.
If what you have is working, we'll tell you. If changes would benefit you, we'll explain why and give you clear recommendations.
What if I don't want to use Discovery?
That's your choice, and we respect it. While Discovery is the platform we use, if you have strong reasons for using a different provider, we do have strong partner relations and can refer and guide the journey.
What we won't compromise on is the planning process itself. Whether you implement Discovery or not, we'll still start with values-based planning, guide you through the Bridge™, and bring everything together at Merge Point™.
What we won't compromise on is the planning process itself. Whether you implement Discovery or not, we'll still start with values-based planning, guide you through the Bridge™, and bring everything together at Merge Point™.
How often will we meet?
Beyond the annual review, you can reach out anytime. If something significant happens—job change, family event, market concern—we're here to talk it through and adjust your plan if needed.
Do you work with people outside South Africa?
Our primary focus is on South African residents, but we do work with expats and clients with international considerations. If you're emigrating, returning to South Africa, or have cross-border complexities, we can help navigate those situations in partnership with our specialist network.
What happens if I want to stop working with CWP?
You're free to leave at any time. There are no lock-in periods or penalties. If you decide CWP isn't the right fit anymore, we'll help transition your affairs smoothly and make sure you have everything you need going forward.
We build long-term relationships, but we understand that circumstances change. If we're no longer adding value, we'd rather part ways professionally than hold onto a relationship that isn't working.
We build long-term relationships, but we understand that circumstances change. If we're no longer adding value, we'd rather part ways professionally than hold onto a relationship that isn't working.
Fees & Value
How does CWP charge for its services?
We charge a percentage of assets under management (AUM) of up to 1% ex VAT.
What do I get for the fee I pay?
Your fee covers far more than investment management. It includes:
• A values first planning experience, where your life, goals and motivations drive the strategy — not products.
• The Bridge™ process, which is designed to move you from confusion to clarity in a structured, human centered way.
• The Merge Point™ methodology, which brings your values, lifestyle needs, and financial planning into one coherent plan.
• Ongoing, behaviourally informed guidance that evolves with your life — not once off advice.
• A values first planning experience, where your life, goals and motivations drive the strategy — not products.
• The Bridge™ process, which is designed to move you from confusion to clarity in a structured, human centered way.
• The Merge Point™ methodology, which brings your values, lifestyle needs, and financial planning into one coherent plan.
• Ongoing, behaviourally informed guidance that evolves with your life — not once off advice.
Why does CWP emphasize “clarity” as part of the value of advice?
Many if not most of our clients arrive feeling unsure, overloaded, or anxious in some way. Bridge™ was created specifically to help clients understand their position, options, and choices.
This clarity reduces complexity, improves decision making, and helps clients remain calm and confident. Clarity is not just emotional — it is the foundation that supports better behaviour and better long term outcomes.
This clarity reduces complexity, improves decision making, and helps clients remain calm and confident. Clarity is not just emotional — it is the foundation that supports better behaviour and better long term outcomes.
Does advice actually lead to better financial outcomes?
There are many studies that show high quality advice contributes meaningfully to long term results by improving:
• Asset allocation and planning decisions,
• Behaviour during market uncertainty,
• Tax efficient decision making,
• Savings and withdrawal strategies, and
• Consistent portfolio rebalancing and review.
These studies consistently shows that professional guidance supports better outcomes than going it alone.
We can provide links to these studies if you’re genuine about understanding how advice could help you.
• Asset allocation and planning decisions,
• Behaviour during market uncertainty,
• Tax efficient decision making,
• Savings and withdrawal strategies, and
• Consistent portfolio rebalancing and review.
These studies consistently shows that professional guidance supports better outcomes than going it alone.
We can provide links to these studies if you’re genuine about understanding how advice could help you.
Why is an AUM based fee structure appropriate for CWP’s service model?
Because our work is holistic, ongoing, and deeply integrated with your financial life, an AUM structure reflects the continuous nature of the advice and partnership you receive.
Ready to Begin?
Book your clarity session and start the journey from confusion to confidence.
