Planning Topics
In many African cultures, the conclusion of lobola negotiations marks a major milestone, symbolising the formal union of two families. While this deeply rooted tradition is widely embraced, fewer people are aware of how customary marriage (or marriage in community of property) can impact current…
With Black Friday mere days away, shopaholics across the globe are gearing up to get the best deals and discounts. Nidia Lourens, senior actuary at Metropolitan, urges South Africans to remain level-headed during this high-pressure sales period. “Black Friday deals are often marketed as being too…
As we approach the festive season, many professionals are eagerly anticipating their annual bonuses – a well-deserved reward for a year of hard work. While the temptation to splurge is strong, using this money wisely can reshape the course of your long-term financial future. Allocating even a…
South African socialite and businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize had her La Lucia, Durban home raided by the South African Police Services (SAPS) and South African Revenue Services (SARS) officials on Tuesday. This comes as Mkhize, also known as Mam'Mkhize, is locked in a legal battle with the country’s tax…
Embarking on your financial journey as an intern can be daunting, especially when your income is tight. But laying the foundation for strong financial habits early on can pave the way for long-term success, no matter where you are in your career. Whether you're navigating your first job or stepping…
As South Africa observes 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), it’s important to remember that abuse isn’t always physical. Many victims endure psychological, emotional, and financial manipulation, which can trap them in unsafe relationships.If you have found yourself in this…
By: Francois WirthBlack Friday can bring a shopping haste that’s both exciting and overwhelming. But while big discounts grab our attention, it’s easy to overlook hidden risks and opportunities. Here are some essential tips to help you get the best deals while keeping your data, finances, and peace…
The shopping event of the season, Black Friday, is set to take place this week with consumers in the country looking for the best deals from retailers ahead of the festive season. One of South Africa’s biggest banks, First National Bank (FNB) said it is anticipating its customers to spend over R3…
Debt counselling is a proven, effective way for consumers in financial difficulty to get help and, although more are choosing it as their preferred way to repay debt, many misconceptions remain.According to the National Debt Counsellors’ Association (NDCA), there are currently…
By Renier KriekUnethical and unjustifiable – that's how the hesitation by the SA Reserve Bank (SARB)hesitation to take decisive action in reducing the interest rate is described. This is in spite of CPI inflation having dropped to 3.8%at the last publication - well below the SARB’s midpoint target…
Financial literacy is once again making headlines as South Africans begin to withdraw from their retirement savings under the new two-pot system. Under the new legislation, members of retirement funds may withdraw up to a third of their retirement savings (subject to various conditions).…
South Africa has experienced a series of intense weather events. From heavy snowfall and icy temperatures in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape to devastating hurricanes in Piet Retief and severe thunderstorms across the nation, these conditions have caused widespread damage, leaving countless…
By: Gerhard Janse van VuurenA new, user-friendly, streamlined payment plan, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), is disrupting the global and South African retail, lending, and digital market industries by allowing consumers to spread the cost of goods over a series of interest-free payments.The mass adoption…
South Africa’s R5.8 trillion in retirement funds holds the potential to drive essential social change — but only if invested with a focus on sustainability, writes Teboho Makhabane, head of ESG and impact at Sanlam Investments.Traditionally, impact investing has been closely tied to unlisted assets…
Many policyholders worry that their insurance premiums will automatically spike after a claim has been submitted. This common misconception even deters some people from using their insurance when they need it most.Youlon Naidoo, executive head of claims and procurement at MiWay Insurance, is…
A presentation at the recent annual conference of the Institute of Retirement Funds Africa brought home to me the extent to which people underestimate the amount of money needed to provide a comfortable, financially secure retirement.Kagisho Mahura, a Certified Financial Planner and director of…
As we approach the end of another tough year it is time to pause and think before we re-engage. Running the treadmill of life is challenging and a pause may just be what is needed for us to re-evaluate if we should continue in the current direction and neck-break pace.1. Recently a friend produced…
The past five years have seen various funds and managers come to the fore in the annual Raging Bull Awards, which recognise outstanding performance by asset managers offering unit trust funds to retail investors. While large established firms such as Ninety One (previously Investec Asset Management…
By: Nicola MawsonFor many South Africans, even as inflation continues to decline and interest rates have come down for a second month by 0.25 percentage points, the opportunity for a splurge over the traditional festive season is a slim one.Low savings levels and an extended tough period, making…
As a freelancer, managing your taxes efficiently is crucial, and understanding what you can deduct can significantly reduce your taxable income. Recently, a colleague asked me whether tax deductions can be claimed on tools like LinkedIn Pro and ChatGPT Pro for freelancers. It’s a great question,…