How it works Buy now, pay later (BNPL) can feel convenient—buy today and split the cost into small installments, often with no interest if you pay on time. In South Africa, the appeal is clear, but so are the risks. BNPL can encourage spending beyond what you can...
Women’s face challenges with financial planning…..
National Women’s Day in South Africa, is a good time to reflect on why tailored financial planning for women matters. Women often face gaps in financial literacy, career interruptions, and longer life expectancy, all of which influence savings, investments, and...
Elder Financial Exploitation in South Africa: A Growing Concern
Seniors facing financial abuse South Africa is facing an increasing challenge with elder financial exploitation, often perpetrated by trusted family members or caregivers. With the country’s population aging rapidly—estimates suggest that by 2050, over 12% of South...
Buying Property: Key Additional Costs
When buying a property you should be fully aware of the additional costs. --- 1. Transfer Duty - A tax payable to SARS based on a sliding scale. - For properties valued at R1 million, **transfer duty is approximately R0** (properties at R1 million or below are...
Few South Africans Planning for Retirement, Survey Finds
According to a recent report by Mail & Guardian, most South Africans are unprepared for retirement, risking financial insecurity in old age. Several reasons explain this trend. Limited Financial Literacy Many people lack understanding of financial products and the...
Tax Season is here …..Why wait for your RA refund?
Tax season in South Africa is a time for reflection—reviewing past financial decisions and planning for a more secure future. One of the most effective ways to reduce your tax liability and boost your savings is by investing in a Retirement Annuity (RA). Not only does...
Auto Assessment: Here’s what to do….
What’s auto-assessment? Basically, SARS figures out your taxes for you using info they already have. You don’t have to do anything unless you’re not happy with it. Who can do this? Some provisional taxpayers (like you) can now choose to be part of it this year. How to...
Relief offered to living annuitants….. be careful…
Changes were gazetted on the 1st June governing conditions regulating living annuities. This is an attempt to help retirees more access to their funds if they have been affected financially by the lockdown through COVID 19. What is a living annuity?When you retire you...
Sell in May then go away?
This has been a strategy applied by investors in the stock market over the years. It is a classic market adage which is also known as the Halloween Theory as the time to re-enter the market is after Halloween. (End of October). The saying dates back to old England...