Yes, it is really important we understand that we need to save for the future. One day, some day, we will need to rely on our own investments to maintain our lifestyles. It’s just the way the world works. We spend most of our lives working to get through the demanding...
Yes, we are in a technical recession meaning that our net growth on products and services has contracted for two consecutive quarters (-2,6% and -0,7%). Increased taxes was not the solution Personally, I see the big problem being the increase in VAT and the cost of...
The explosive world of social media is driven by the need for social acceptance. The media allow a single individual to engage with a massive audience empowering them to be heard on a scale unimagined just a few years ago. The need for social acceptance is amplified...
From my previous blog creating awareness of exclusions clauses in your policies the reality is: It is about business ...
Your life assurance policy protects you in the event of death, disability and dreaded diseases. It is a cost effective way of making provisions if you do not have the capital to provide for any of these life changing events. However, T&C’s apply…. Exclusion...
RSA Retail Bonds are an option for those seeking that little extra interest from their strained savings. Effectively, you lending the government money on a short term basis of 2,3 and 5 year options where the interest is fixed and you are guaranteed your money back at...
When you move from one job to the next or if you are retrenched or decide to resign there are some important things to attend to before leaving your company which will guard your financial security. Preserve your retirement fund ...
There’s such a good feeling owning a new car. It has all the reasons why you should have it! With the new technologies and stylish designs and you in control what else is there? Well, there is a reality check which needs to be considered. Cars cost you a lot more than...
The increase in VAT to 15% announced in the Budget Proposals will affect you in more ways than you think. Recent rumors that existing contracts such as cell phones and motor vehicle loans will not be affected are nothing more than wishful thinking. Perhaps even a ploy...
The consumer price index in South Africa increased 4 percent year-on-year in February of 2018, easing from a 4.4 percent rise in January and below market expectations of a 4.2 percent gain. It was the lowest inflation rate since March of 2015. So what is inflation all...
What is a trust? ...
The main objective of an investment is to achieve consistent returns over time relative to the risk you are prepared to take. The principal to follow is the higher return you expect…. the higher the risk you should be prepared to take. These returns are subject to tax...
Endowments are policy contracts which commit you to a minimum investment period of 5 years after which the proceeds are tax free. They basically provide a so called “wrapper” around various funds of choice which may be invested in various assets, such as, equities,...
The 2018 Budget speech created a lot of hype against the backdrop of major political change in our country for the better….. without question. From my point of view I found the budget proposals pretty clinical and distant from the current situation which South Africa...
Using your credit and debit cards more efficiently can save you a lot if you get to understand them a whole lot better. Debit Cards ...
The rand has recently strengthened extraordinarily against our weak economic conditions. The strength points to changes on the political front which are more promising for South Africa’s future. Investors like certainty. By weeding out corruption and presenting...
Working hard for your money needs careful consideration over how to use your income effectively. If you allocate carefully you will ensure that you are living within your means and not above them. Does a car salesman ever question whether the car you purchase is too...
The beginning of a new year is a great time to update your personal balance sheet.The exercise is invaluable in your personal financial planning as it creates a snapshot of your actual worth in relation to what you own and what you owe. Your so called “Net Worth”. OWN...
2017 was certainly a year of uncertainty from which many questions were asked. Here are three of the biggest questions asked from my desk. Should I invest in Bitcoin? ...
Our Rand continues to surprise Just when you think the rand is heading in a particular direction it turns the corner and surprises. A while ago just after Minister of Finance Nene was fired the rand easily weaken to nearly R17 to the US$. We all then assumed it would...