Planning Topics
In a significant move impacting South African electricity consumers, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved new tariff increases for Eskom, following a meeting on March 11.The decision marks an average increase of 12.74% for Eskom’s direct customers…
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered this year’s postponed Budget Speech, which presented a budget subject to Parliamentary approval. Knowing how the proposed Budget Speech affects you will give you the power to take control of your finances, relook at your financial…
Roxanne TobiasFinance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered this year’s postponed Budget Speech this week, which presented a budget subject to Parliamentary approval. Knowing how the proposed Budget Speech affects you will give you the power to take control of your finances, relook your financial…
There’s been a lot of buzz around the Two-pot retirement system that officially came into effect on September 1, 2024. It’s a significant shift in how retirement savings are managed in South Africa, and with it comes a host of questions and uncertainties. To get to the bottom of things, I had…
As the adage so aptly proclaims, ‘In this life, only death and taxes are guaranteed.’. Unfortunately, the reality is that your financial obligations to the tax authorities persist even posthumously, as estate duty and other taxes are levied against your estate before any inheritance can be…
In a bold move set to shake up the online trading landscape, FXGT.com has launched its groundbreaking Ultimate Cashback program. This outstanding initiative empowers traders with unlimited earning potential, ensuring that every trade counts. Unparalleled Cashback Opportunities With Ultimate…
As many South Africans transition into retirement, the financial landscape becomes increasingly challenging, particularly regarding healthcare costs. For many retirees, managing medical expenses is a daunting task that can significantly impact their quality of life. Approximately 38% of…
In 2008, South Africans watched as the global financial crisis unfolded, shaking markets, businesses, and entire economies. For many, it felt like the end of prosperity. Property values dropped, businesses struggled and people feared for their financial future. Yet, just a few years later, those…
The practice by South African banks of advertising simple interest rates on fixed deposits has become more widespread. Only two banks in the “Big Five”, FNB and Capitec, have not resorted to this deceptive and confusing practice, and smaller banks and other institutions are doing it.I covered this…
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has announced that it has agreed to the revised revenue estimate of R1.846 trillion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, as announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.This marks a slight increase from the R1.841 trillion estimate put forward in the previous year…
Tempting online adverts offering unrealistic investment returns have flooded social media in recent years. Many of these schemes operate without oversight, exploiting gaps in regulation to appeal to those desperate for rapid financial gain. Compounding this risk is the role of unqualified…
South Africa has a housing supply backlog of at least 2.2 million units, with a significant shortage in the affordable housing or “gap market”, according to a recent study by the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance (CAHF).The gap housing market is generally considered to be households…
The statutory earnings threshold (Threshold) will increase to ZAR 261,748.45, representing a ZAR 7,376.78 increase from the current Threshold. The Threshold, a determination in terms of section 6(3) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), affects the applicability of certain provisions of…
Experian highlights cautious progress in South Africa’s credit sectorExperian’s latest Consumer Default Index (CDI) reports a 14% year-on-year improvement in South Africa’s consumer credit performance.According to Experian, this uptick, however, stems not from enhanced consumer financial management…
As South Africa marks World Consumer Rights Day on 15 March and Human Rights Day on 21 March, it’s a perfect time to take a closer look at the rights that safeguard consumers in the microfinance industry. The National Credit Act (NCA) of 2005 stands as a pillar of consumer protection in our country…
Budget 2025: South African Experts Weigh In on a Mixed Bag of MeasuresThe 2025 Budget Speech, delivered on March 12, 2025, has ignited heated debate across South Africa. From VAT hikes to unadjusted tax brackets, the implications for consumers, youth employment, education, and the broader economy…
Investing in your own home, whether a flat, townhouse, or a house, is one of the best life decisions you can make. According to the Seeff Property Group, it is an investment in your future and creates a foundation on which to build a life.It means that instead of paying off a rental property…
According to recent research by Grand View Research, South Africa's pre-owned car market continues to expand, with revenues reaching approximately $14.9 billion in 2024 and projected to rise to $18.3 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by South Africans seeking more affordable vehicles amid…
If you aren’t approaching your 60s anytime soon, retirement might seem like a far-off dream. In reality, the life you see for yourself post-work hinges on the decision you make today. At the heart of this planning lies one big financial question: Should you choose a living annuity or a guaranteed…
As South Africa braces for the tabled budget this Wednesday, the country's political landscape has again been set alight with speculation.An initial proposed increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) by two percentage points has sparked outrage, with many accusing the government of further burdening the…