Meet Jennifer van Oerle, Chief Operating Officer, Discovery Invest  

How did you get involved in financial services – was it something you always wanted to do?

It was completely by accident. After moving to Johannesburg, I was searching for a short-term contract and secured a six-week assignment as an administrator with a large investment platform provider. That temporary job turned into a 25+ year career of being involved in the financial services industry. I fell in love with financial services, particularly investments, and have been fortunate to work with incredible people across all aspects of the business. It ignited my passion for helping ordinary South Africans achieve their financial goals and retire successfully. Beyond work, I’ve also had friends in the industry who have inspired me and shaped my thinking over the years. 

What was your first investment – and do you still have it? 

I started with small monthly contributions into unit trusts and a retirement annuity (RA). Initially, the amounts were modest, as it was all I could afford. Over time, as I received salary increases, I gradually increased my contributions. The tax break I received on my RA contributions has been reinvested annually. Yes, I still have those investments, and I’ve enjoyed watching them grow. I’ve only withdrawn from my unit trust once – to cover some renovation costs, which helped minimise debt. 

What have been your best – and worst – financial moments? 

My best moment was setting up our retirement plan. Understanding the amount we needed for retirement, planning how to get there, and reviewing our progress each year gave us confidence that we were on track. My worst financial decisions came from starting to save too late – my 20s and 30s were financially tight, making it harder to catch up later. Another regret was upgrading cars too often. I learned the hard way how much of a poor financial decision that was. Now, I am far more practical about that. 

What are some of the biggest lessons you have learnt in and about the financial services industry? 

The magic of compounding is truly extraordinary. Watching monthly contributions grow over time, with annual increases, becomes addictive. Also, having an emergency fund relieves pressure and helps avoid short-term debt. And, understanding the difference between good debt and bad debt is crucial. Compounding can work against you if you’re the borrower. 

What makes a good investment in today’s economic environment? 

Firstly, diversification is key – having a well-balanced spread of asset classes, risk types, and geographic exposure. Secondly, time is your ally – playing the long game and allowing compounding to work for you is essential. And lastly, patience is critical – being aware of behavioural biases and resisting the urge to react to daily market fluctuations. 

What finance/investment trends and macroeconomic realities are currently on your watchlist? 

Technology’s role in making investments simpler and more accessible is fascinating. It has the potential to ease administrative burdens and help financial services companies and financial advisers reach more people. I’m also watching how younger generations approach financial planning – what they want and how their needs will evolve. Regulatory changes are also always on my radar, as they shape the financial landscape. Another key focus is protecting our clients’ assets – both their money and their data. Cybersecurity and financial protection go hand in hand. 

What are some of the best books on the financial services industry and investing that you’ve read, and why would you recommend them? 

I highly recommend Sam Beckbessinger’s Manage Your Money Like a Grownup in two versions, one for adults, one for teenagers. Both are easy to understand. Warren Ingram’s books are also excellent. They’re well written and accessible for anyone looking to improve their financial knowledge. Another must-read is The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. It helps you understand why people behave the way they do with money and how to rethink your financial habits. But my biggest learning tool has been The Money Show – a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter Stephen Grootes (previously by Bruce Whitfield). I’ve listened to it for over 10 years, every episode, often catching up via podcast. The insights, the stories, and the diverse perspectives have been invaluable to me.