by SFT | Aug 24, 2025 | Financial Planning, St Francis
Living in St Francis Bay, we’re blessed with a lifestyle that many dream of: a morning walk along the canals, a coffee at your favourite spot, and evenings spent with friends who’ve become almost like family. But as we move through retirement—or the years leading up to it—our friendships can take on new dynamics, shaped not only by time but also by money.
It’s something we seldom talk about, yet it quietly influences our social lives.
When Means Diverge
Imagine a dinner with old friends. The venue is lovely, the wine excellent. When the bill arrives, it’s split evenly. For some, no problem at all. For others, a little knot of discomfort forms.
Or picture being invited on a group holiday: seaside villas, private tours, fine dining every night. It sounds idyllic, but the price tag gives you pause. Do you stretch your budget and hope for the best, or decline and risk being left out?
These moments are common, especially among friends who’ve known each other for decades. Our financial journeys take different paths, and in retirement those differences often become clearer.
Why Money Matters in Friendships
Money is more than rands and cents—it reflects our priorities, habits, and sometimes our insecurities. While we like to think friendship is above such things, the reality is that differing means can influence who joins in, what activities are chosen, and even how often we gather.
• Inclusion and exclusion: A “casual” evening for one couple may feel extravagant for another.
• Lifestyle differences: Some may favour luxury travel or fine dining, while others prefer simpler pleasures.
• Unspoken tension: Those with less may feel embarrassed; those with more may feel awkward about it.
• Group dynamics: Over time, shared experiences can narrow to what’s “affordable” or “comfortable,” changing the texture of the friendship itself.
Acknowledging this doesn’t mean blaming anyone. It simply helps us navigate with empathy and understanding.
Practical Ways to Keep Friendship First
• Be honest: A gentle, “That’s a bit beyond my budget—how about this instead?” can open the way to more inclusive plans.
• Offer alternatives: Suggest a braai at the beach, a walk along the Wildside, or a simple potluck at home. The joy is in the company, not the cost.
• Respect boundaries: If someone opts out, accept it with grace.
• Keep bills separate: When dining out, pay for what you ordered—it avoids unnecessary pressure.
A Final Thought
At the heart of it, friendship isn’t about consumption but connection. And like the tides in St Francis Bay, relationships shift and change. Some grow closer, others drift a little apart. That’s natural. What matters is the intention: to cherish the bonds that still bring joy, while allowing space for change without regret.
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
e. dirk@clientcare.co.za
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Read more on Salute Your Own Self at Client Care
by SFT | Aug 24, 2025 | St Francis
Each wine presented at the Doolhof tasting, hosted by the St Francis Bay Wine Club, told a new and captivating story.
If you are drinking a wine that’s origins are the Limietberg near Wellington, it must be a Doolhof, as this is the only wine of origin from that area. Forty hectares of the farms 380 hectares are planted to vine, with the topography allowing for several distinct microclimates, so each grape varietal can be nurtured in its ideal terroir.
The Common Thread
According to Wimpie Borman, Doolhof’s National Sales Manager, one of the objectives of the wine maker is to produce wines that are well structured, have a good “mouth feel” and are textured. Of the wines that were tasted, they all ticked those boxes and one of the outstanding wines in that regard was undoubtedly the Xclusive Rose.
“With the popularity of Rosé wines increasing, it is our intention to produce world class Rose wine and the Xclusive is the first step in that direction,” explained Borman.
Another standout was the Single Vinyard Cabernet Franc, spicy with cloves and rich mulberry yet never jammy. It comes from the oldest Cabernet Franc block on the farm with just over 3 800 bottles produced in 2022.
100 years of Pinotage
This year is the 100th anniversary of Pinotage, South Africa’s very own grape variety. Created in 1925 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold, who crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsault. The Doolhof Single Vintage Pinotage certainly gives cause for celebration with its deep crimson colour and aromas of clove, vanilla, blackberries supported by sweet spice. The palate is rich, full and vibrant with elegantly soft tannins leaving an elegant and long finish.
The Food
SUPERSPAR Village Square’s spread of tasty finger snacks was a brilliant accompaniment to the Doolhof Range. The delectable eats included mushroom arancini serve with tomato sauce, lemon and thyme cheese straws, mini pepper steak pies, smoked salmon on vetkoek, crispy pork belly, chicken kebabs with tzatziki and duck spring rolls with dipping sauce. Let’s not forget the cheeseboard, which gave the wines all the support they deserved. Klein River, artisan cheese, from Stanford, is now available in store.
Not just a winery
Doolhof is not just about producing great wines but is also a destination in its own right. The Estate offers a variety of accommodation options including the Africamps Glamping “Meadow Hot Tub Tents” as well as the “Hillside Hot Tub Tents” and The Doolhof Country House. With a total of 94 beds, hiking and biking trails as well as the Mila Restaurant there are an abundance of things to do for the active or just a chance to “chill” for those seeking a break.
This is the kind of place where you don’t just taste wine, but you become part of the story. Whether it’s a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to welcome summer or a Cabernet Franc to warm a winter’s evening, Doolhof demonstrates that wine is not just something to be drunk, but rather something that will enhance a moment to be remembered.
Book Your Place at the TOPS Classic Wine Tasting
If you would like to experience fine wines like these, don’t miss the TOPS Classic Wine Tasting taking place at the Riverclub on Wednesday 24th September 2025. This annual event brings together 20 leading estates from across the country for an afternoon of discovery, food and fun.
TICKETS: R350 per person
VENUE: Riverclub, St Francis Bay
BOOKINGS: Via Quicket by clicking here https://qkt.io/HFl3Oo
Read further: Why the Sage and Apple Sausage Rolls at Spar Are the Best Things in the World Since Sliced Cheese
by SFT | Aug 24, 2025 | Photo Of The Day
Bottoms Up. A Namaqua Dove having a drink in Kruger Park. Photo Of The Day by Clive Wright Photography from St Francis Bay
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