Financial clarity for life’s journey
About us
We help you plan with clarity, so you can live with confidence
Financial planning isn’t just about wealth – it’s about ensuring your money supports the life you want. At Ternary, we help you align your financial decisions with your aspirations while ensuring you’re prepared for life’s uncertainties. Our expert, tailored guidance gives you the certainty and control to move forward with confidence.
What drives us: a balanced approach to wealth.
Empowerment through certainty
We help you make informed choices so that your financial future is secure and sustainable.
A holistic view of wealth
Your financial plan should reflect not just your money, but your values, ambitions, and lifestyle goals.
Confidence through clarity
Financial decisions shouldn’t feel overwhelming. We simplify complexity, giving you control and peace of mind.
We listen
We take the time to understand your lifestyle, priorities, and concerns, ensuring financial planning is tailored to you.
We guide
Our advice is grounded in expertise and a deep understanding of your financial realities –
giving you clear, actionable strategies.
We enable
Financial planning is a journey, not a one-time event. We partner with you for the long term, helping you adapt to life’s changes with certainty.
Our story
Ternary Wealth was founded on the belief that financial planning should be as much about people and aspirations as it is about numbers and strategies.
In 2001, Rene Johnson set out to build a financial services firm that reflected who she was and what mattered most to her. Searching for the right name, she discovered the tern bird, an energetic bird that signals opportunity when it finds food at sea. The collective term for terns is a ternary of terns, which resonated deeply. Beyond nature, ‘Ternary’ also has mathematical and musical connotations, perfectly capturing Rene’s daughters – one a maths genius, the other musically gifted.
From this inspiration, Ternary was born—a business rooted in balance, connection, and purpose, just as its name suggests. Today, as Ternary Wealth, we remain committed to helping clients achieve financial clarity and security, ensuring that every financial decision supports their life’s journey.
Our team
Helping clients balance aspirations with financial reality.
Danie began his financial planning career in 2015, joining Ternary Wealth in 2019. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and is affiliated with the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa. He holds a post-graduate diploma in Financial Planning, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a BA(Hons), and an MBA (majoring in entrepreneurship).
With experience in the financial services industry since 2006, he is dedicated to providing independent, client-focused advice. As an avid mountain biker and hiker, Danie enjoys the outdoors. He is married to Jozanne, a successful architect, and they have two children.
Michael, originally from Saldanha on the West Coast, has been with Ternary Wealth since 2001. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and is affiliated with the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa. He also holds multiple qualifications, including diplomas in investment analysis and portfolio management, business administration, and financial planning. Additionally, he completed an advanced post-graduate diploma in estate planning and serves as an independent trustee for various trusts.
With years of experience, Michael advises clients on investment, retirement, financial, estate planning, business insurance, and employee benefits. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two boys – especially when there’s time for a braai.
Lizelle, originally from Wellington, joined Ternary Wealth in 2020 and is a vital part of the planning team. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), she holds a post-graduate diploma in financial planning and an honours degree in BCom Financial Management.
She began her career as a quantitative analyst in 2019 but transitioned to personal financial planning to make a direct impact on clients’ lives. She is passionate about providing objective, transparent advice that truly adds value.
As an outdoor enthusiast, Lizelle enjoys hiking, running, and exploring the Cape Winelands. She is a firm believer in the balance of physical and mental wellbeing, and cherishes time with her husband, Iaan, and their two daughters.
Anastasia joined Ternary Wealth in 2021 as an Administrative Assistant and now plays a key role as a Paraplanner, providing financial planners with accurate insights to help clients make informed decisions. Her strong relationships with clients and service providers ensure efficient processes and excellent service.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has completed a short course in investment management. Currently, she is pursuing a post-graduate diploma in financial planning to further expand her expertise.
Originally from Eerste River, Anastasia’s passion for helping others led her to the financial services industry. Now based in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, she enjoys jogging on the beach and nature walks.
Kelley joined Ternary Wealth as a Client Relationship Manager in 2023, bringing 12 years of experience in client-focused service as a Beauty Therapist. Her strong commitment to excellence and personalised client care ensures a seamless experience for Ternary Wealth’s clients.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and a Bachelor of Laws, Kelley is dedicated to expanding her expertise for a refined approach to business.
Originally from Malmesbury, she loves the Winelands and enjoys outdoor adventures like kayaking and spending quality time with family.
Gerald joined Ternary Wealth in 2025 as an intern. While completing his studies in finance and business management, he is also working towards his RE5 certification, with aspirations of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst and earning an MBA.
His passion for financial services was sparked as Stakeholder Relations Manager in the UWC Investment Society (Young Investors’ Programme). Originally from Moletjie, Limpopo, he moved to Cape Town in 2021 to pursue new opportunities. As the eldest of three brothers, he is driven to grow, uplift others, and be a role model.
Gerald enjoys staying active through sports, hiking, and exploring new restaurants. The soccer pitch is where he feels most at home.