Planning Topics
Cancer and cardiovascular disease remained the leading causes of death claims in 2024, together accounting for nearly 60% of all life cover payouts. These trends reflect broader health patterns in South Africa and reinforce the importance of maintaining comprehensive cover well into later life,…
As tax season approaches, the Tax Ombud has encouraged taxpayers to choose their tax practitioner carefully.In a statement, the Ombud warned that engaging with an unregistered or non-compliant tax practitioner can expose taxpayers to serious risks, including:Incorrect or incomplete tax…
What propaganda are you not falling for? A viral social media trend is reframing how people engage with the ideas, advice, and narratives they’re exposed to – and it’s surprisingly relevant to the world of investing.“Propaganda I’m not falling for” has evolved into “propaganda I am…
Every year on 16 June, South Africans commemorate Youth Day, a moment that honours the bravery of young people who stood up against injustice in 1976. But beyond remembering the past, Youth Day is a powerful reminder that the fight for a better future continues—and this generation has a critical…
Since its launch a year ago, the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO) has recovered R328.5 million for consumers who lodged complaints against financial institutions, the organisation announced in a statement on Friday.The NFO is a single, one-stop, dispute resolution service made up…
Africa stands at the cusp of a digital revolution—one that has the power to redefine its economic trajectory. With digital payments projected to grow to $1.5 trillion by 2030, the opportunity is transformative. This bold forecast, detailed in a new report commissioned by Mastercard and…
Over 1 million households in South Africa are affected by house break-ins every year. This shocking reality makes a strong case for homeowners to practice a high degree of vigilance when it comes to protecting their properties against crime. But vigilance isn’t only about understanding the…
While the long-term benefits of investing through a retirement annuity should not be underestimated, there’s a lot more to this retirement funding vehicle that investors should be aware of. In this article, we explore the many benefits of a retirement annuity (RA) and how to maximise these benefits…
South Africa’s farming sector is under growing financial pressure, prompting many farmers to adopt innovative strategies to maintain profitability. These can include contract farming arrangements, leasing portions of land to third parties, or switching to higher-value crops and infrastructure…
A large portion of the expenses of personal income goes towards education, for those people lucky enough to have an income. 1. Momentum Investo did extensive research into what it costs to raise a child. “At inflation-related sums, it can cost R550 000 for the first six years, between R640 000…
The Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) is considering “regulatory action” against the South African Local Authorities Pension Fund (SALA) because it isn’t providing the required information on members’ contributions. That the FSCA is considering regulatory action is the result of yet…
South Africa is home to a significant youth population, with roughly 19.7 million children under the age of 18, about 32% of the national population, according to UNICEF data for 2023. Among them, 12.3% could be classified as orphans, having lost one or both parents. The structure of families…
Youth Month Is Not a Moment. It’s a Mirror.Every June, we pause. We reflect. We remember. Youth Month is a time to ask: how far have we come? What systems still fail our students? How do we move from fragmented efforts to a shared, strategic approach that ensures no student is left behind simply…
For many reasons, including the desire to build more drought-resilient homes, South Africa has seen an upsurge in residential borehole installations. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, between 80,000 and 100,000 boreholes are installed every year. Local homeowners need to be aware…
In a digital-first age, South African youth are both empowered and vulnerable, especially as they build livelihoods online. With ambition and connectivity so intertwined, the risk is more than personal; it’s become systemic. Which means, it’s time for our youth to sharpen up.Financial …
The Western Cape continues to be one of South Africa’s most desirable regions for property investment, luring interest from both local and international buyers. Yet for many first-time homebuyers—especially those eyeing Cape Town—the dream of homeownership can feel increasingly out of reach.…
We all want our kids to be financially savvy, but if we wait until they are old enough to learn to save for themselves, we rob them of the most important years of growth.It’s tempting for parents to think, “They’ll start saving when they start earning,” or “It’s not worth it unless I can…
Growing up, many of us received sound advice from our parents: study hard, set goals, and take care of your health and money. This advice serves us well, but when it comes to our money, some more detail and some less conventional truths can go a long way towards a brighter financial future.Here are…
Trusts are versatile estate planning tools that can be tailored to suit your specific objectives, assets, beneficiaries, and planning horizon. Whether preserving wealth, protecting vulnerable heirs, or managing taxes, trusts offer unique advantages. This article explores five effective ways to use…
What contributes to people’s quality of life? The obvious factors include financial security, physical health, education, political freedom, a low crime rate, and trust in government. The World Happiness Report 2025, published in March and powered by Gallup World Poll data, among other sources…