INVEST for LIFE

The festive season should give us time to relax and enjoy our families. Yet it can leave us starting the new year under financial pressure, using credit to cover everyday expenses while December’s purchases still need paying off. This year, set yourself a simple...

The gap between the numbers and our wallets When we hear that inflation is coming down, we understandably expect some relief. Yet the grocery bill remains painful, filling the car costs a fortune, and our salaries never seem to stretch far enough. So where is the good...

The measurement is the debt ratio When we talk about debt problems, many people imagine someone earning a low income and struggling to make ends meet. That certainly happens. But a recent News24 article highlights an important reality: debt distress is not determined...

Why is the South African Reserve Bank asking businesses more questions? The South African Reserve Bank, or SARB, is looking beyond the usual economic statistics to understand how inflation is affecting businesses and households. Official figures such as inflation,...

The big question Here’s a question many people ask: How can a bank refuse me a credit card, but still be willing to give me a much bigger loan? At first, that sounds completely contradictory. Surely if a bank trusts you with a large loan, it should trust you with...

Inflation Is Not the Same for Everyone When we talk about inflation, we usually refer to the Consumer Price Index, or CPI. But CPI is an average. It measures how the prices of a basket of goods and services are changing across the economy. The problem is that this...

20 September 2025 Writing a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family and make your wishes clear. But signing a document does not automatically make it a valid will. If the correct legal requirements are not followed, the will may be...

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...