A recession is a period of economic decline where businesses don’t do as well, leading to fewer jobs, and people struggling to make ends meet. It’s characterized by a decrease in the total goods and services produced (GDP), increased unemployment rates, and overall...
Gold is often considered a better investment in times of high inflation due to several key reasons: Inflation Hedge Gold has historically acted as a reliable hedge against inflation and the Rand. When the general price level of goods and services rises, the value of...
Some basic principles apply to successful investments. Study your investments Before making any investment, conduct thorough research and analysis. Study the market trends, historical performance, and financial health of the companies or assets you’re considering....
In the universe of financial planning, there are so many aspects to consider which often leads to oversights or missed opportunities which affects the effectiveness of the plan. Here are some common areas which tend to be overlooked. Not nominating a...
There are some distinct benefits to reaching financial independence. It’s the stage where your financial provisions can maintain your lifestyle without relying on a payroll. Financial Independence has some distance benefits: Freedom and Flexibility: ...
In today’s interconnected world, the risk of falling victim to scams is rising. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial to be vigilant and well-informed. The golden rule in the financial universe is: If it is too good to be true then...
So if you were offered R3 million on the 1st of this month or 1 cent which doubled every day for the whole of the month which option would you take? Well, if you could delay your gratification for 31 days you will end up with a staggering R10,7 million! Extraordinary...
In times of economic uncertainty characterised by high inflation, rising interest rates, and an unpredictable future, renting a property has emerged as a favourable alternative to buying. While homeownership has long been hailed as a symbol of stability, renting...
Inflation can put a significant strain on our finances, forcing many individuals and families to explore ways to save money. However, cancelling insurance policies, although tempting, can have severe consequences that outweigh short-term financial relief. This article...
As interest rates continue to rise, homeowners with mortgage bonds may find themselves facing increased financial pressure. The recent increase this week by another 0,5% takes the prime lending rate generally charged to bondholders to 11,75%. The rate was at an...
“Sell in May and go away” is an investment adage that suggests that investors should sell their stocks in May and reinvest them in November, as the period between May and November is typically associated with lower returns in the stock market. Historical data have...
Essentially, the financial plan for young people follows the same approach as for everyone. It answers the questions:Where am I now?Where do I want to be?How do I get there? The difference in the plan for young people is that it should cater for their probabilities of...
The financial benefits of cohabitation play a role in how people live in the US. About 2/3 of people who have moved in with a romantic partner say finances and logistics contributed to their decision and the share is even higher for younger couples. And while the...
The harsh but necessary increase of 0,5% in interest rates by the Reserve Bank this week was harsh and unexpected. It does, however, show how determined the MPC is to bring back inflation into the target range of 3% to 6%. Dealing with rising interest rates...
The budget proposals delivered this week offered individual taxpayers a so-called tax incentive for solar installations made in the next tax year commencing 1 March 2023. When drilling into the detail is it really that much of an incentive considering that we...
There are three aspects of a budget: Income (GDP) Income into our budget relies on taxes in various forms. VAT( everyone @ 15%) Income tax (only 10% of the population to a maximum of 45%) Customs and excise duties and sin taxes….. All of these pour into a pot to cover...
The State of the Nation Speech which was eventually delivered on Thursday evening presented us with some lessons on what not to do which we should take away to our own households. Proactive rather than Reactive Eskom (and all other SOEs) are in crisis due to an...
As we enter into the final month of the tax year for 2023 we still have some time to take advantage of some tax opportunities. Even if you don’t have the resources to take full advantage of these any contribution will make a difference to your tax payable. Retirement...
Improving your personal balance sheet is crucial for achieving financial stability and success. A strong balance sheet can help you plan for retirement, save for big purchases, and weather financial setbacks. Here are a few ways to improve your personal balance sheet:...
If you’ve found yourself in debt after the festive season, don’t panic – there are steps you can take to get back on track. Measure your situation One of the most effective ways to get out of debt is to create a budget and stick to it. This means looking at your...