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 ...
Cars can cost you more than you think!
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...
You pay VAT in more places than you realise…….
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...
Inflation pointing in the right direction….
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...
Do you really need a trust?
What is a trust? ...
Investments are not free……….
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...
Why you shouldn’t have an endowment….
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,...
Lessons we can take from the 2018 Budget….
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...
Manage your cards efficiently for that little extra…..
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 ...
We need a Rand that satisfies Goldilocks….
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...
30/30/40… Allocate your income wisely……
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...
Your Personal Balance Sheet…
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...
Three Big Questions in 2017….
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? ...
Invest with and away from the Rand……
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...
So how close are you to a downgrade?
S&P Global Ratings downgraded South African local currency debt to “junk” territory on Friday, citing a further deterioration in the country’s economic outlook and public finances, sending the rand tumbling. Essentially the downgrade points to the risk investors...
How Real is Retirement?
If less than 10% of South Africans at 65 end up with sufficient capital to retire, then retirement is an illusion for the remaining for most of us. So what are the options? Depend on your familyThe problem is that families are under financial pressure to make ends...
Good Advice is appropriate……
On its own advice is just advice and probably not that effective. Let’s consider a retirement annuity, for example. In isolation the product has many features and benefits which provide many reasons to investIn one. A main advantage is the tax deductibility of...
Is there real value in your loyalty program?
In these tough times when households are under pressure to make ends meet, perhaps it time to have a closer look at loyalty programs to unlock some value to help get through. The more successful loyalty programs help you to change towards lifestyle behaviours which...
Money market is a good place to invest…..
Short term solution in the current environment As our economy is technically in a recession investment options are very challenging. A great place to invest in the short term is the money market. Accounts can be opened at all financial institutions such as your...
Are you worth more alive than dead?
Don’t forget dependents ...