About Me

John Bruckmann

My Life's Story

Life is precious. It is also expensive! With the right financial advice and planning, your life road will undoubtedly be a smoother one! My passion for financial planning was ignited by my passion for people and development, so Landscaping Life is therefore a very deliberate name – reflecting the more holistic, life-orientated ethos underpinning my financial and investment advisory and planning business. My mission is to help people to do exactly that: ‘landscape’ or shape their lives successfully, in accordance with their personal goals, vision and ethos. I often joke that I am like a hairdresser: confidante, mentor – and an enthusiastic investment and financial planning adviser!

Years of experience

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Clients Assisted

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Cases in portfolio

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Industry awards

1000+ clients in over 34 years

As such, I have worked with 1000+ clients over the past 34+ years: from youngsters in their first jobs to high-net worth individuals with millions to invest and those who have retired on a very limited pension, and everyone in between. I can see the ‘big picture’, educating clients and working with them to design and manage their investment and risk management portfolios.

My career began in the volatile, demanding world of industrial steel and metallurgical engineering. From there, I moved to the City of Gold (Johannesburg), selling educational systems and then opening an outdoor and camping equipment outlet with a business partner. I also consulted to Nashua and did leadership management training. I was then approached by Liberty Life to sell their range of life insurance products, which I did for some 15 years, until my move to Momentum in the mid-2000s.

Investing in investment advising

With my move to Momentum, I began focusing far more on the investment advisory side of financial planning, and I have an ongoing affinity with it. I attend regular fund managers’ meetings and study the latest local and international stock market and hedge funds, investment trends and strategies keenly, to ensure that my continuous professional development, and to ensure that my knowledge is current, so that I can assist my clients to make the best financial planning and investment decisions possible.

Now, as a Registered Financial Planner with over 3 decades of experience, I strive to counteract the biggest misconception of all about financial planners: that we do not add value. To this point, I know that – as the ‘human face’ of the financial and investment world for my clients – the most important attribute I have is the ability to communicate in an articulate, empathetic way.

Demystifying finances

I demystify financial terminology or jargon step-by-step, analysing it and helping you to structure your finances and investments in the best way to ensure your success.

In summary: my interest and expertise in financial and investment planning goes way beyond the merely transactional (sales). It has been thoughtfully developed over more than 3 decades, representing my deep care for people, as well as my perseverance and determination.

As a sailor and yachtsman since my youth, I know the value of trimming one sails and riding out the storm until one can enjoy calmer waters. I know the value of not giving up until the race is won!

Trusted by Thousands of Clients

Genique Kriel

Financial Director

From the very beginning, John has been consistently professional in every interaction we’ve had. He always takes the time to explain concepts clearly and answer my questions in depth. I value his honest opinions, his willingness to challenge my assumptions, and the alternative perspectives he offers – while always respecting my wishes and keeping my best interests as his client at the centre. I’m truly grateful that John has made my investment decisions clear, straightforward, and stress-free!

Julio Fava

Semi Retired

Over the past decade, John Bruckmann has become not just our investment broker, but our trusted financial adviser. He has given me and my spouse honest, thoughtful guidance which has helped us build a strong and respectable portfolio. Whenever we’ve had questions (and there have been many), John has never hesitated to dig deeper, often going above and beyond what most advisers would do just to satisfy my curiosity. We’ve had plenty of lively debates, but we always arrive at common ground. We have recommended (and will continue to recommend) John to friends and family - because we trust his judgement, and his integrity is beyond reproach. Thank you, John!

Cheryll Cocking

Office Manager

Although our investments may be small compared to those of other clients, John has never made us feel any less important - nothing is ever too much trouble for him. He has walked a long road with us, helping us consolidate and manage our investments, and we trust him completely with our financial future. We have always found John to be professional, reliable, and genuinely committed to having our best interests at heart. His dedication and integrity give us great confidence, and we truly appreciate the support he continues to provide.

Dave

Self Employed

I have known John for many years. I have found his style of managing my investments to be spot on - he is considered and cautious, explaining all options and not rushing into anything without proper investigation and due consideration. He listens to our needs and makes sure that the advice matches our objectives. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone requiring a diligent financial advisor!