Planning Topics
Old Mutual has issued a public warning about a highly sophisticated investment scam currently circulating on social media platforms, including WhatsApp. The fraudulent scheme falsely uses the names and images of real employees, along with the company’s logo, to create a deceptive sense of…
We feel the effects of inflation in almost every aspect of our daily lives. From the rising cost of groceries to the escalating price of petrol, and especially the big increases in medical aid premiums, we often find ourselves wondering when this continual increase will finally subside. …
Many South African motorists are unaware of the different values they can insure their vehicles for, leading to potential financial setbacks in the event of a total loss or major damage to their vehicles. When accidents occur, vehicle owners who do not have insurance on their cars run the risk of…
In a world where dramatic market swings and economic uncertainty have become the norm, making smart investment decisions has never been more important. To build wealth confidently, it is important to understand the foundational steps to investing money wisely.Ashburton Investments shares five…
Not only are women more financially responsible than their male counterparts, but they are also increasingly losing out at work at a time when technology is developing at a rate of knots. As the World Bank has noted earlier, even with the current rates of improvement, full gender parity will…
It’s been a rough few weeks for investors across the globe with volatility caused by higher-than-expected tariffs announced by United States President Donald Trump on April 2, which he called Liberation Day, before walking them backwards somewhat. Markets have seesawed, losing serious ground…
When a fund member reaches retirement age, he or she has a choice to purchase one or more life annuities and living annuities. A single life annuity is a guaranteed annuity that the pensioner will receive as pensioner for the rest of his or her life. The monthly pension can be a set amount, for…
The latest data from the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) concerning the Business Confidence Index (BCI) has delivered a mixed bag of sentiments for the nation’s businesses.While there are indications of improved confidence, industry experts warn that complacency is far from…
As businesses prepare to weather potential stormy economic conditions as a result of geopolitical and global economic trade uncertainty they know they must be highly relevant and resonant to grab the attention of increasingly discerning consumers.To help businesses gain a sharper understanding…
In this column, I look at how the investment markets performed in the first quarter, up until March 31. I do not cover what economists are now referring to as “Trump's Tariff Tantrum” on April 2, also called a “self-inflicted wound” by former US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, and the havoc…
Ahead of the Easter weekend, Budget Insurance sounded the alarm on the growing risks South Africans face on the country’s roads during this busy travel season. With families preparing to reunite, congregations gathering for religious celebrations and road traffic volumes set to…
The 2008 global financial crisis highlighted the risks that short-sale transactions pose to financial institutions and the broader market stability, particularly in times of declining share prices. These risks include market abuse, disorderly trading, and settlement failures. In…
As we continue to see a surge in e-commerce activity in the lead up to Easter, FNB is urging customers to use trusted and secure merchants to avoid falling victim to fraudulent payment merchants when shopping online. In recent months, we have seen a rise in a new fraud modus operandi targeting…
With South Africans gearing up for Easter celebrations, cybercriminals are also preparing to scam. KnowBe4 Africa warns that holiday-themed fraud surges yearly, preying on distracted shoppers and generous donors alike.“Scammers know we’re more relaxed during the holidays, and they take full…
As South Africans venture into the month of April, characterised by a series of long weekends and school holidays, many are seizing the opportunity to travel and recharge.However, amidst this seasonal uplift, a notable shift in consumer behaviour is emerging, particularly regarding charitable…
As climate change accelerates, South African businesses face growing risks from extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires, which can lead to financial losses, supply chain disruptions, and operational shutdowns. The World Economic Forum warned that…
Money Values Matter Creating a lasting financial legacy isn’t just about leaving money to your children—it’s about teaching them how to manage it responsibly and understand its purpose. Henri Le Grange, Certified Financial Planner® at Old Mutual Personal Finance, warns that accumulating assets…
For many South Africans, the Easter holidays mean cross-country camping trips or coastal escapes with caravans or trailers in tow. The open road spells freedom, relaxation, and adventure, but travellers should also take steps to protect themselves from the risks of road accidents and theft from…
It is well within the powers of the South African Revenue Services (Sars) to limit a taxpayer’s right to travel outside the Republic. A section in the Tax Administration Act (TAA) has a provision whereby a senior Sars official can even require “the taxpayer to surrender his or her passport to Sars…
Operations at six Master’s Offices across South Africa have come to a near standstill after key leadership positions were left vacant at the end of March. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has not yet renewed or appointed replacements for several critical…