INVEST for LIFE

The conventional wisdom For years investors have heard the same advice: “It is time in the market, not timing the market, that creates wealth.” Generally, this is good advice. Markets rise and fall, and investors who panic and sell during downturns often lock in...

When we invest money, we would all like the same thing: good returns with as little risk as possible. Unfortunately, investing doesn’t quite work that way. Generally, the opportunity for higher returns comes with greater uncertainty and greater movement in the value...

Here’s a question worth considering: How much does SARS already know about your financial affairs before you open your tax return? The answer is: quite a lot. Your employer has submitted your IRP5. Your bank has reported interest and investment information. Your...

You would imagine that someone earning R50,000 a month should be financially comfortable. Yet even relatively high-income South Africans are struggling with debt and finding it difficult to make ends meet. Perhaps the better question isn’t “How much do you earn?” but...

Why starting early matters Young South Africans often focus on studying, landing a first job, or paying off immediate expenses, but retirement savings should begin as soon as income starts. The main reason is simple: time gives money room to grow, and delaying...

Financial planning is part of women’s well-being This National Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience and contribution of women across South Africa. But celebrating women must also include an important conversation about financial security. Personal...

What Is a Trust? A trust is a legal arrangement in which one or more trustees hold and administer assets for the benefit of beneficiaries, in accordance with a trust deed and applicable law. A trust is generally a separate taxpayer and must meet its own legal,...

An article published recently in the Sowetan is a useful reminder that personal financial planning is not just about earning money, but about managing it with intention. It shows how young South Africans are balancing rising living costs, limited resources, and...

1) The big picture In South Africa, the key difference is how your employer supports transport: • Company car (fringe benefit): Your employer provides a car and you often may use it privately as well as for work. Because you receive a real benefit, SARS taxes the...

Scammers thrive by exploiting fear, urgency, and trust. They try to trick you into giving money or revealing personal information. Scammers are getting more and more sophisticated using A! in many instances to structure their scams to appear more convincing. A...

If you’re earning a salary in South Africa, you’ve probably heard a lot about “real” and “nominal” wages. Here’s a simple way to think about it, within the current South African context . Nominal take-home pay is what you actually get now. This is the money your...

Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide for individuals, with the key dates and changes you should know for 2026. Auto-Assessment Window: July 1–12 The system will automatically review your data and may generate an assessment. Take a moment to check the pre-filled...

Inflation is climbing in South Africa, nibbling away at household budgets and tempting many to trim expenses. Short‑term and life insurance can feel like easy targets, but cutting coverage today can spark a financial disaster tomorrow. Insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s a...

1) What is the primary budget? It’s the government’s revenue minus its non-interest spending. In simple terms: money you have left over after paying for things like schools, hospitals, and roads, but before paying interest on existing debt. A positive number (like...

New data from DebtBusters’ Debt Index (Q1 2026) shows debt is no longer a problem just for lower-income households. Among high earners — those taking home more than R50,000 per month — debt service already consumes 101% of take-home pay, with a debt-to-income ratio...

. Inflation at 4% means prices for everyday goods and services are, on average, 4% higher than a year ago. For most households, this feels like things are getting more expensive, even if your salary hasn’t kept up yet. Here’s how to think about it in plain language...

What this is in simple terms   Home building insurance covers the actual house—the brick-and-mortar parts like walls, roof, foundation, and fixed fittings. Banks usually want you to have it if you have a bond, so there’s money to rebuild if something bad happens....

Introduction: Framing the moment (global context) Global energy dynamics and geopolitical tensions, including broader concerns about the relationship between the United States and Iran, can ripple through energy markets. Because South Africa imports a large portion of...

Gambling is no longer just about having fun. In South Africa, more workers are using gambling to cover everyday costs when money is tight. A recent finding from Old Mutual Corporate says about 40% of employed people now gamble regularly to bridge monthly shortfalls....

You know that feeling when you upgrade one tiny thing because you’ve got a raise, and suddenly your whole month feels tighter? That’s lifestyle creep in action. It sneaks up because each change feels harmless at the moment, but the total adds up. Here’s how we deal...