Smart Money — Citadel Investment Services’ John Kennedy on financial freedom in South Africa

In this Smart Money with Alishia Seckam interview, John Kennedy discusses wealth management and how to feel financially free in South Africa.

Kennedy is a Director and the Head of Wealth Management at Citadel Investment Services and has worked at the company for over 25 years.

As the Head of Wealth Management, he leads a team of professionals to help clients design and make the most of their wealth across financial, investment, and fiduciary planning.

This leadership is driven by his passion for working with individuals and families on their personal strategy and guiding actions to deliver results.

Prior to joining Citadel Investment Services in 2001 as a Director for Wealth Planning, he served as a Manager at Cahn Shapiro Asset Management.

Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from Stellenbosch University and has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation (SA Income Tax) at UNISA.

The interview

In this Smart Money interview, Kennedy discusses the difference between wealth and financial independence, as well as the major roadblocks on the path to achieving financial freedom.

Kennedy unpacks the impact of sacrificing possessions for experiences on wealth and happiness, and emphasises the importance of making financial decisions that will provide more freedom in the future.

He also touches on what separates individuals who are genuinely fulfilled from those who have accumulated wealth but still don’t feel financially free.

Kennedy concludes the interview by outlining how South Africans can design a life with purpose and ensuring wealth serves a role rather than being a goal.

Watch the interview with John Kennedy below.