Beplanning onderwerpe

Standard Bank sees 13% drop in branch transactions as clients shift to digital channelsSTANDARD Bank says its branch transactions have decreased by 13% in the first half of 2024 to around 2.5 million as clients shifted to digital channels.The bank says over the same period, online transactions…

By Willem OberholzerIn recent years, there has been growing concern among South African taxpayers regarding the practices of the South African Revenue Service (Sars). Allegations have surfaced suggesting that Sars may be engaging in questionable activities, including raising tax assessments that…

There are important differences between medical aid cover offered by medical schemes and health-care cover offered by short-term insurance companies, known as health insurance or medical insurance. You need to know these differences before you choose cover in order to avoid any unpleansant…

By: Ken NewportSeptember is Wills Month in South Africa. It also marks the introduction of the two-pot system of access to retirement savings for South Africans.What is two-pot?The two-pot system addresses the dual need for liquidity and long-term retirement savings. It splits retirement savings…

One in approximately 24 accidents can be attributed to mechanical failures, highlighting the importance for motorists to protect themselves against these unforeseen events.“Optional insurance and non-insurance add-ons such as motor warranties, service plans, and tyre and rim protection not only…

By: Lilian LermThe investment management industry has historically experienced an underrepresentation of women in key roles. Despite efforts to change this, progress in balancing gender representation has been gradual. However, women are overcoming biases and carving out their paths to success in…

By: Colleen KaufmannMany South African businesses who are on the receiving end of delayed VAT refunds from the Taxman, may be unaware that there are instances where they are entitled to interest on overdue refunds.The South African Revenue Service (Sars) understandably takes its time to thoroughly…

Like many of its counterparts in the developing world, Africa has been swept up by the tide of urbanisation. Spurred on by rapid population growth, urban regions in the continent’s flagship economies, have expanded significantly. In South Africa, this has translated into the increased development…

Multi-asset income funds are seen as low-risk unit trusts, but that doesn’t mean that they are risk-free. How the fund manager deals with those risks should be one of the most important considerations for any investor.“We are very focused on risk management,” says Anton Eser, chief investment…

By: Jashwin BaijooDemonstrating a strong stance on criminalising tax non-compliance, SARS and the IDAC have joined forces to combat financial crimes, including tax crimes. This alliance will bolster the capacity to make non-compliance hard and costly.The scope of criminal charges for contravention…

For the first 30 minutes, motorists stranded in the heavy snow would have thought it was temporary, and that they would continue with their journeys in no time.But as minutes became hours and darkness crept in, one can only imagine their fear inside their freezing cars, buses, taxis and trucks.…

The eagerly anticipated interest rate cut by 0,25% announced by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on 19th September 2024 signals the end of South Africa’s interest rate peak. Property Marketing expert and Rainmaker Marketing’s Director, Stefan Botha, shares how this announcement marks a…

This year’s matriculants have really gone all out when it comes to their matric dance entrances.From taxis to coffins, they are constantly coming up with original ideas no matter how ridiculous it can sometimes be.This learner took her entrance very seriously and wanted to be original as she opted…

Less than a month since the implementation of the two-pot retirement system, the surge in withdrawal applications continues and Sanlam says it is gaining a deeper understanding of some of the most common questions and misconceptions based on client conversations across its call centres, social…

Statistics from the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa) on collective investment scheme inflows and outflows highlight how short-sighted changes to your investments can backfire, leaving you poorer than those who take a more “hands-off” approach.As I reported in July (“How…

By Harry JoffeWhether you’re single or remarried, your estate planning will look different. Life is mostly unpredictable. However, being prepared for one of its inevitabilities – passing away – makes a difficult experience more manageable for those left behind. This preparation comes down to two…

South Africa is infamous for the worst savings rates in the world, with a multitude of surveys telling us it is difficult to save when you can’t make ends meet and are struggling to pay off debt. But is this the full picture – and more importantly, is there anything consumers could be doing…

By: Stacy RouchosOne could argue that the law and the administration of “life” lag far behind the evolution of humankind, resulting in a society governed by outdated laws and rules. A client of mine was recently left in a predicament after losing his partner of 22 years. The red tape and legal…

The developing nations (Africa in particular) did not cause global warming, yet here we are assisting the world to rectify the damage. The language surrounding climate change is changing, right alongside the climate itself. It all began with global warming, as NASA scientist James Hansen testified…

This week’s interest rate cut by the SA Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will bring some relief to farmers' borrowing costs, improve profitability and offer farmers an incentive to invest in their enterprises, the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa said.The interest rate…