Simple truths for financial independence

Chat with Dad

Written by Hendrik Bester

A practical, down-to-earth guide designed to help ordinary South Africans make more informed financial decisions and take greater control of their futures.

Presented in clear, accessible language, the book aims to build financial awareness - not replace professional advice - giving readers the confidence to ask better questions, recognise when guidance is needed, and find their own financial North Star.

Who the book is for

Preparing young South Africans
to make important decisions.

Chat with Dad is written for young South Africans preparing to make important decisions about money, work and their futures - particularly Grade 11 and 12 learners, business and economics students, university students across all faculties, and those entering the job market, helping readers make informed decisions while recognising when expert guidance is needed.

It also offers practical value to new and experienced investors, start-up financial advisers, and spouses or couples who want to make better financial decisions together. No specialist knowledge is required. The book explains essential financial concepts in clear, everyday language, making it a useful starting point for anyone who wants to build confidence.

Reader voices

Perspectives from Students, Parents, Educators
and Financial Professionals.

About the author

The Dad behind the Chat:
Hendrik Bester

Financial literacy is a social responsibility

Hendrik Bester
  • Retired, qualified actuary
    with 40+ years experience
  • Asset-management, product-
    design & client-advice
  • Fully independent without
    ties to any provider

Hendrik Bester is a seasoned South African business leader, actuary and author with extensive experience in investment management, insurance and corporate governance.

During a distinguished career at Sanlam, he held several senior leadership positions, including CEO of Sanlam Asset Management and Sanlam Life Insurance and spent four decades translating financial jargon into plain, practical language. A Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries and Harvard Business School alumnus, he has also served on the boards of listed companies and worked as a business consultant and management coach.

Hendrik's decades of experience in financial services and investment management allow him to translate complex financial topics into practical advice on budgeting, saving, investing, risk, retirement planning and the principles behind long-term financial wellbeing, with the goal of giving readers a solid foundation for making informed decisions while recognising when expert guidance is needed.

He writes and speaks the way he'd talk to his own children: honestly, without hype and grounded in principles that don't go out of fashion. This approach lies at the heart of Chat with Dad.