Planning Topics
The Easter holiday season is upon us, and for many South Africans, it’s a time to hit the road, reunite with loved ones, and explore the country’s breathtaking destinations.According to local travel stats published by the South African Tourism Department, domestic travel has surged in the…
Life changes fast. Financial obligations, health status, and family dynamics evolve, sometimes gradually, sometimes in an instant. Yet, traditional life insurance policies are designed as rigid, one-size-fits-all agreements that don’t easily adapt to the realities of life’s twists and…
As cryptocurrency continues to gain traction, scams involving fake messages posing as popular crypto platforms are becoming more prevalent in South Africa. These scams typically appear through phishing emails, fake SMS messages, and fraudulent social media accounts. Scammers often impersonate…
How quickly do markets recover from a crash?Words on Wealth Last week, in reaction to the US government’s extraordinary imposition of tariffs on goods coming into America from almost every country in the world (including islands inhabited only by penguins), stock markets understandably…
Discovery Life has released its 2024 claims experience report, revealing a total of R11.5 billion paid out to clients over the year. This includes R6.85 billion in individual life insurance claims, R2.4 billion in Shared-value rewards (which are earned through healthy behaviours), and R2.3 billion…
We are living in interesting times. South Africa has reached a tipping point in its government finances. This comes at a time when the world’s largest economy has passed its tipping point and drastic measures are invoked by the Trump administration to rectify a runaway train fully packed with debt…
Sperm does not make a father, and being a biological parent does not automatically grant parental rights, according to a ruling by the Pension Funds Adjudicator, Muvhango Lukhaimane.Lukhaimane dismissed a complaint from a woman who was aggrieved that Old Mutual Wealth Retirement Annuity Fund…
In April 2025, the United States triggered a steep and rapid escalation to its import tariffs; one that mirrors the magnitude of the 1920s, but which was delivered in a matter of months, rather than years. This policy shift, implemented in two phases, introduces considerable risk to the…
With Easter around the corner, many South African families are gearing up for memorable road trips and exciting long weekend adventures. Safety on the road isn’t about luck; it's about preparation. I’ve learned on the racetrack how critical even the most minor vehicle faults can be. So,…
Sars confirmed record highs on a number of fronts in its Revenue Announcement which took place on April 1, 2025.This included taxpayer compliance behaviour, improved voluntary compliance, and Sars employee engagement levels. Most notably however is Sars’ gross revenue collection, being a staggering…
Imagine standing on the lawn of a home you poured your blood, sweat, and savings into, watching as it's repossessed by the bank. Now imagine discovering that the very same house, cornerstone of your life, has been sold by that bank for as little as R100. For some South African homeowners, this isn'…
UnionPay strengthens partnership with Standard Bank to advance digital payments in AfricaUnionPay has announced that it has welcomed senior leadership from Standard Bank for high-level discussions, reinforcing their long-standing partnership aimed at advancing digital payment solutions across…
Banks are increasingly making use of technologies in a bid to thwart criminals. With a need to balance fulfilling customers’ desires for instant gratification in terms of having items delivered ASAP with the extra time it takes them to verify transactions, new solutions such as artificial…
The Master’s Office has faced significant criticism in the media over the past few years due to frustrations with service delivery issues. As a 350-year-old institution, with its first trust recorded in 1833, the Master’s Office is under increasing pressure to adapt to societal changes and a…
Our South African wallets are a beleaguered lot. This month, electricity prices are going up. Well, it seems all prices keep going up, thanks to our enemy, inflation.Between the rising cost of living, getting taxed, and interest rates that are so reluctant to go down, it’s easy to feel like the…
An essential component of estate and succession planning is ensuring that your beneficiary nominations are accurate and reflect your wishes. A well-considered nomination not only avoids confusion but can also reduce estate costs and expedite the transfer of assets to your loved ones. Here’s what to…
Most people who work on their physical fitness want to get stronger and lose some weight. Financial fitness works in much the same way, especially when it comes to your credit score. A good credit score puts you in a strong position when you want to apply for credit, and it will also ‘thin down’…
With the VAT increase looming on May 1, 2025, and the usual seasonal price hikes across various sectors like insurance and electricity, South Africans face a tightening financial landscape. As South Africans brace for the impact of these financial changes, it is crucial to…
Standard Bank has reported a 43% year-on-year increase in new credit card uptake over the past year.According to the bank, this surge is driven by both bank-led growth initiatives and rising consumer demand, and it has been accompanied by notable shifts in how consumers use credit cards in South…
Many traders fall into the trap of overtrading, chasing short-term gains without a structured strategy. On the other hand, some over-diversify, spreading their capital too thinly across multiple assets without a clear risk management plan. Striking the right balance is key.While forex trading is at…