Deon Hattingh’s life is not the tale of someone who merely follows a straight and predictable path. It’s the story of a curious and inventive spirit, one that has consistently chosen to think laterally, push boundaries, and give back. From his adventurous infancy to becoming a pioneer in financial services and launching his latest venture, My Fair Share, Deon’s mantra has always been to look beyond the ordinary. Both his personal and professional journeys reveal a man who refuses to settle and continues to explore new ways to empower others.

Even as a child, Deon couldn’t be confined. His mother often joked that keeping him in his playpen was impossible—he was always off exploring the world beyond the walls of his “box.” A curious and adventurous soul early on, Deon laid the foundation for a life filled with discovery and innovation. His father affectionately called him “Lobengulu,” a nickname born out of his round, paunchy baby frame. And as life progressed, the weight fluctuated, but the playful nicknames remained. At school, his fluffy blonde hair earned him the moniker “Donsie,” and later, at university, his shiny, spotless yellow VW Beetle inspired the nickname “Sunshine.”

These early years of curiosity, daring individuality, and an inclination toward excellence shaped the man Deon would become. It laid the groundwork for the values he continues to embody—creativity, resourcefulness, maximising each opportunity and an unrelenting focus on doing things differently.

Deon completed a degree in Town Planning, determined to leave his mark on the world of urban development. Though ambitious in his pursuits, he humorously admits that his four-year degree extended to five years due to the broader life lessons he was busy learning along the way. Once qualified, he launched into his field with enthusiasm but quickly met a crossroads. His time as a town planner was short-lived—just one year—when he found himself confronting the ethical shortcomings of a city councillor. Refusing to compromise his morals, Deon chose to leave the profession.

Yet, this initial career foray was not in vain. The lessons of town planning—coordinating 13 disciplines from architecture to sociology—would later resurface in his approach to financial services. It ingrained a skill for complex problem-solving and for applying a strategic, holistic approach to challenges, whether building a city or a financial future.

It was Deon’s brother who saw his potential and persuaded him to consider a career in financial services. Though hesitant at first, Deon quickly found his calling. By 1980, he entered the financial field, bringing the same strategic vision he’d honed in urban planning. He realised that combining five major financial instruments (life insurance, asset insurance, health, wealth, and retirement planning) into cohesive plans for clients wasn’t unlike integrating various disciplines into building a city. Both required vision, coordination, and a knack for finding hidden opportunities.

Deon loved financial planning from the start, not because of the promise of success but because of its potential to empower people. Soon after joining the industry, he became one of the first fellows of the Institute of Life and Pension Advisors—a precursor to earning the esteemed Certified Financial Planner® designation. He was part of the inaugural group that professionalised the field, proving himself to be a trailblazer from the outset.

What set Deon apart was his lateral thinking—a gift he brought with him from his town planning days. Most advisors in the financial world stuck to tried-and-tested formulas imposed by traditional institutions. Deon, however, refused to accept these limitations. He believed the industry needed to do better in serving broader populations, particularly those often left out of the conversation. His ideas challenged conventions at nearly every turn.

For instance, his team envisioned a co-op insurance model, allowing clients to share in company profits. While the idea thrilled customers, it didn’t sit well with traditional insurers, who lobbied to have it stopped. Undeterred, Deon championed prefunded medical aid products, partnering with Metropolitan Life and Health Services (now Medihelp and MMI). The product was met with overwhelming demand, even earning production awards despite facing industry pushback.

Later, Deon introduced a revolutionary idea that allowed policyholders to reduce premiums by taking on more risk while benefiting from profit-sharing mechanisms to limit risk exposure. Long before cashback offers and bonuses became standard, he had ideated self-funded insurance models that could empower the customer. However, institutional resistance—and questions of profit—meant these ideas never reached their full potential. Even so, Deon remained focused, guided by his father’s lesson that “a better mouse trap always exists; you just need to find or create it.”

Deon branched out to create his firm, initially named Deon Hattingh and Associates. Based on lessons learned from early experiments in partnerships, he realised that integrity and independence were paramount. Starting with his resources and sheer determination, he built a thriving practice, eventually serving over 6,000 clients and employing a team of 25.

Balancing leadership with community-mindedness, Deon also contributed to bettering the financial advisory industry at large. He leveraged his expertise to support industry reforms while mentoring fellow advisors.

Among his standout achievements was rescuing a pension fund in financial distress. Under his management and through sound strategic intervention, the fund grew from operating at a loss to building reserves of R40 million in just three years. It was one of many instances in which Deon’s eye for long-term value creation shone brightly.

Deon firmly believes that financial empowerment begins with education. He spent a decade penning weekly columns for a local newspaper, focusing on financial literacy themes such as budgeting, debt management, and wealth creation. What made these columns impactful was their relatability. Deon didn’t merely lecture his readers—he told stories, shared insights, and provided practical tools that anyone could use. The guiding principle remained the same across all topics—spend less than you earn, buy for cash where possible, and prioritise long-term savings.

With his entrepreneurial ventures remaining firmly people-focused, Deon developed tools and resources not merely for profit but to empower others. To this day, he makes these tools publicly available, offering buyers mentorship on how to maximise their utility.

Investments often come with the misconception that they require extensive upfront capital or involve overwhelming complexity. But if you had to discover a way to create passive income, reduce your debt, and establish a self-sustaining financial model, all through smart and calculated investment decisions? Maybe this approach allowed you to pursue your dreams, gain financial independence, and set up a lasting legacy for future generations?

Deon Hattingh, founder of My Fair Share, brings this vision to life. With over 40 years of experience in financial services—and a lifetime of striving to think outside the box—Deon has developed a system that empowers individuals to take charge of their finances, grow wealth, and leave a mark on this world securely and confidently. His philosophy combines practical tools, thoughtful mentorship, and a strong emphasis on responsible investing to guide people toward financial success, no matter their starting point.

This isn’t just a lesson in economics—it’s about rewriting the rules of personal finance. It’s about learning the secrets of financial empowerment so you, too, can explore opportunities, enjoy life, and create a future where the generations that come after you thrive because of your efforts today.

Here’s how Deon teaches you the art of passive wealth creation, strategic debt reduction, and establishing a self-funding financial model.