Planning Topics
Below is a copy of South African Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana's full Budget Speech presented on Wednesday, 21 May 2025: Honourable Speaker, Thoko DidizaDeputy Speaker, Annelie LotrietChairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refiloe Mtshweni-TsipaneDeputy Chairperson of the…
Advice that puts customers firstThe way customers access and engage with financial advice is evolving rapidly. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a significant role in how customers seek advice. However, the human element remains essential. Personal interaction will always…
The Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, is scheduled to table the budget 3.0 in parliament today.This follows two failed attempts, in February and March, due to the opposition against the proposed VAT hikes, initially set at 2.0% and later reduced to 0.5% for two consecutive years.…
Employers can count on a house inspection from the South African Revenue Service (Sars) this filing season. With revenue recovery top of the agenda and more hands on deck to get the job done, know that a thorough mop-up of any payroll non-compliance is on the way. Much like household…
Old Mutual is urging South Africans to be on high alert as deepfake scams become increasingly sophisticated and widespread. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to create highly convincing fake videos, voices, and images, duping unsuspecting individuals and businesses.The growing…
In theory, prescribed debt offers relief: if a debt hasn’t been acknowledged, paid, or legally pursued within three years, it’s no longer enforceable. But in reality, many South Africans are still being hounded for these expired debts, and most don’t know they have the right to say no. Many…
Approaching retirement is a significant milestone that requires careful and holistic planning. One of the best ways to ensure nothing is overlooked is to create a retirement checklist. Below are some key items to include on your list as you prepare for this major life transition. Inventory of…
As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, South Africans are navigating a mixed financial landscape. On one hand, petrol prices are down, inflation is easing, and interest rate cuts are on the cards. But on the other hand, thousands of workers are tapping into their retirement funds just to…
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a public warning regarding financial services offered by Mr. Lethabo Molefe, urging caution when engaging in financial transactions with him.The FSCA has identified that Molefe has been soliciting funds for investment purposes, promising…
FNB has introduced Fincents, a financial literacy platform designed to improve knowledge about money management, debt, and other key financial topics among South Africans. Available at www.fincents.co.za, the platform offers free access to various learning materials, including articles, videos, and…
South African financial institutions, including retirement funds, are racing against time to comply with Joint Standard 2 of 2024: Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience before the deadline of June 1, 2025. This regulatory framework, published in May 2024 by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority…
After years of volatility and innovation, the financial world is entering a transformative era – one powered by technological advancements but shaped by people. Clients today want more than just financial growth: they want advice that connects with their goals, whether that’s sustainable investing…
Insurance fraud is becoming more frequent, more sophisticated, and far more costly. In 2023 alone, South African life insurers and investment companies detected 13,074 cases of fraud and dishonesty, a staggering 46% increase from the previous year’s 8,931 cases. Losses linked to these…
South Africans are facing a time of unprecedented financial complexity, which is why it’s more crucial than ever to develop strong financial habits from an early stage, according to wealth manager Citadel. According to the Citadel, compelling evidence, both locally and globally, suggests that…
Time to Back South Africans: Cut Interest Rates and Prioritise JobsSouth Africa is facing a jobs crisis, and it’s getting worse. The latest employment figures are hard to stomach: 237,000 jobs lost in the first quarter of 2025, pushing the official unemployment rate to a staggering 32.9%. That’s 8.…
South Africans are feeling the financial squeeze, and car ownership is no exception. With over 80% of households concerned about the rising cost of living, the difference between securing a good deal and falling into a financial trap often lies in the fine print. One of the most common pitfalls is…
For many South Africans, offshore investing is a strategic move—one that provides access to global markets, reduces reliance on the local economy, and protects against currency volatility. While some investors pursue offshore exposure to meet specific future liabilities, others seek broader…
The value of having a trusted financial adviser is not to be underestimated. Research in the US shows that advisers can boost clients’ returns by about 3% a year, on average. That’s not necessarily by putting clients into better-performing investments; it’s mainly about influencing their financial…
As consumers continue to battle with making ends meet, income is being eroded by inflation, and jobs are being lost, one solution is to start a side gig.Research indicates that between 14% and 16% of middle-income households earn additional income from one or more side hustles, according to loan…
As temperatures drop in South Africa’s winter months, retail sales historically heat up – but it’s not just the need for warmer clothes and hot drinks driving consumer spending. Seasonal spending may be linked to the subconscious quest for a dopamine hit to beat the blues.It’s an interesting…