Prescribed Assets… take away financial freedom

Prescribed Assets… take away financial freedom

In its 2019 Election Manifesto, the ANC says it will “Investigate the introduction of prescribed assets on financial institutions’ funds to mobilise funds within a regulatory framework for socially productive investments (including housing, infrastructure for social...

Bitcoin Reviewed

Bitcoin Reviewed

Yes, history is a perfect science. We now can clearly see where Bitcoin and other crypto currencies are and have been. The frenzy leading to the peak at the end of 2017 at $20 000 left many in a state of awesome wonder. Wondering whether they should buy, sell or hold....

2018 has left some pockets to breathe…..

2018 has left some pockets to breathe…..

It’s been a year of turmoil to say the least. Locally and Globally. If you have you head above water at the turn of this year then congrats!!! You been through one of the toughest years in our economic history. There is some breathing space which we have managed to...

Avoid risk in 2019

Avoid risk in 2019

Start with your net worth                                                                    ...

Cash is King…….

Cash is King…….

2018 has revealed how unconventional the world has become. In the conventional days one would predict the future with some certainty as past performance was a guide to the future.  Economics 101 sets out a principle in economic cycles. In a free market there...

There is a silver lining on the horizon……

There is a silver lining on the horizon……

This week was pretty hectic to say the least with the Reserve Bank sneaking in a ,25% interest rate increase whilst inflation is still within the range of 3 to 6%. The timing was pretty harsh just before Black Friday and then only a few weeks before the festive...

So how much do you need to be financially free

So how much do you need to be financially free

Retirement is seen as a stage in your life where you can live off the investments you have accumulated over your working career. In these modern times where people are living that much more longer we need to revalue or financial freedom. It doesn’t have...

Why you should not have a retirement annuity….

Why you should not have a retirement annuity….

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...

How close are you to a personal recession?

How close are you to a personal recession?

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 cost of social acceptance…..

The cost of social acceptance…..

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...

Be aware of exclusion clauses in your policy….

Be aware of exclusion clauses in your policy….

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...

Repo rate stays the same… RSA Retail Bonds?

Repo rate stays the same… RSA Retail Bonds?

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...

Changing Jobs? Here’s what you need to do……..

Changing Jobs? Here’s what you need to do……..

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!

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…….

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….

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...

Investments are not free……….

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….

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,...