Planning Topics
By: Salem NyatiEmotional spending often stems from spur-of-the-moment joy or a sense of lack, where individuals try to fill that void. While it might offer a brief emotional boost, this behaviour can ultimately backfire, harming personal finances, relationships, and overall well-being.…
By: BrightRockLife insurance often takes a back seat regarding financial planning, but it’s one of the most crucial steps toward securing your future and protecting your loved ones. As you reflect on your financial goals for the year ahead, making life insurance a priority can…
Investment experts recommend diversifying your investments offshore, and many South African investors do that in a global equity index-tracking exchange traded fund (ETF). While this is an easy, inexpensive way to invest offshore (I extolled the virtues of global equity ETFs in a column last year…
I got engaged over the December holidays and want to starting building financial wealth together with my partner. Do you have advice on how to start a joint financial plan before we get married? Carina van Rooyen, Wealth Manager at PSG Wealth, Pretoria East.Congratulations on your recent engagement…
Having been a Journalist for several years, I’ve witnessed numerous changes in legislation. However, the introduction of the Global Minimum Tax Act (GMT Act) by the National Treasury has caught my attention.This piece of legislation is aimed at enhancing South Africa's ability to collect tax…
The term “survival of the fittest”, was made famous in a research paper (published in 1869) titled On the Origin of Species by British naturalist Charles Darwin, which suggested that organisms best adjusted to their environment are the most successful in surviving. Not the strongest…
By: Nicola MawsonWith most of the shock of the radical increase in back-to-school supplies having (almost) passed, it’s clear that parents are increasingly being asked to contribute more than just stationery, textbooks, and school uniforms. The list now extends to items such as Domestos, toilet…
African Bank and Visa renew partnership for 7 yearsAfrican Bank and Visa have announced that they have renewed their strategic partnership for another seven years, emphasising their shared commitment to innovation, security, and financial inclusion across South Africa. According to African Bank,…
By: Ester Ochse and Alpheus LegodiHaving lingering thoughts about debt and money issues can impact your quality of life, health, and mental well-being. The stress of being in debt, coupled with pressure from creditors and societal stigma, can lead you down the path of anxiety, depression, physical…
Debt counselling companies Debt Rescue and DebtBusters urge consumers to draw a budget and spend finances wisely to avoid getting into more debt in January.Neil Roets, the CEO of debt counselling company Debt Rescue, said that January is one of the most challenging months for South African…
By: Hannah MyburghPurchasing a larger home involves more than just a higher asking price. From unforeseen costs related to property transfer and maintenance to ongoing expenses such as insurance and utilities, it's essential to understand the true financial commitment involved fully.When placing…
Revitalised from their end-of-year vacation, South Africans typically tackle the new year with gusto and renewed vigour. It is also a time when students who matriculated the year before, start the next phase of their journey as they enter into universities and colleges eager to further their…
The global exchange-traded fund (ETF) market continues to expand rapidly, reaching US$14.85 trillion in assets under management (AUM) in 2024. This reflects a 10-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1%. South Africa is mirroring this global trend, dominating the local market with 72.5%* of…
By: 10XWith tax season here, you might be wondering how to make your money work harder for your future while reducing your tax burden today.If you’re a working professional juggling multiple financial priorities, understanding the tax benefits of retirement savings could be your secret weapon for…
Consumers in South Africa can expect to continue paying higher prices for groceries as the food inflation ticks up.Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday showed that inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) rose slightly by 0.2% to 2.5% in December, up from 2.3% in…
The buy-to-let strategy has faced headwinds in South Africa, with rising interest rates, economic pressures, and escalating property prices making it harder for investors to ensure rental income covers costs, according to Odette Maartens, head of rentals at DG Properties.Despite these challenges,…
The demand for used vehicles in South Africa is currently outpacing new car sales by more than two-to-one, according to Sheraaz Patel, executive head at Motorvaps.According to Patel, this trend is largely driven by consumers seeking cost-effective transportation in a challenging economic…
In challenging economic times, consumers are scrutinising their spending more closely. While affordability is a key consideration, there’s one area where cost-cutting should not come at the expense of quality: life insurance.Nic Smit, chief product actuary at Bidvest Life, cautions against being…
By: Salem NyatiFinancially speaking, January is notorious for being the worst month for South African consumers, who find themselves fighting to make it to month end thanks to December’s earlier payday coupled with excessive festive season spending. And it just got worse: this January saw a second…
By: Talita Laubscher, and Chloë LoubserThe correct interpretation of section 187(1)(f) read with section 187(2)(b) of the Labour Relations Act, 1996 (LRA) has been the subject of much debate over the years. In terms of these sections, a dismissal based on age will be automatically unfair (and…