Planning Topics
By: Dr Eric LevensteinThe global business landscape is a turbulent sea, where even the most robust companies can find themselves navigating treacherous waters. Economic downturns, disruptive technologies, crashing currencies, political upheaval, and unforeseen crises can quickly send a once-…
“Whe America sneezes, the world catches a cold”. This phrase originates from the 1929 Wall Street crash that sent markets around the globe into a tailspin and wiped off trillions of dollars in market capitalisation and it signalled the start of a depression.1. On January 20, 2025, President Donald…
By: Nicola MawsonArt, sports memorabilia, shoes, handbags, watches, Beanie Babies, cryptocurrency, and stamps are just some examples of alternative investments. However, there are other options when it comes to saving, such as private equity and venture capital.Ricardo Smith, chief investment…
No, it’s not just investment professionals or rich people who invest directly in companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, you can too, at any time, at any age.Investing in shares on the JSE can be financially advantageous at any time, and can be pursued at any age or phase in life.Whether…
I have written extensively about living annuities, how they differ from life (or guaranteed) annuities, and what to be aware of when using one to provide an income in retirement. But here I delve into their legal nature and what to be aware of when choosing a living annuity from a product provider.…
By Staff ReporterThe Raging Bull Awards ceremony, which recognises excellence in the collective investment scheme industry and takes place on Monday, February 17 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, will feature two distinguished speakers, Mark Barnes, and Valdene Reddy.Guest speaker:…
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announced a cut in the repurchase rate on Thursday, taking it to 7.5%. Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG South Africa MPC Reaction said that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of SARB has decided to reduce the repo rate by a further 25 basis points. This…
By: Hannah MyburghAs personal and financial circumstances evolve, a will—one of the most crucial documents you’ll ever sign—often goes overlooked. While it may have perfectly captured your wishes when first drafted, changing relationships, family dynamics, and objectives can make a review essential…
By: Duma MxengeCould exchange traded funds be South Africa’s next big retirement trend? As people plan for retirement, exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a smart choice. They are liquid, cost-effective, and an easy way to diversify your investment portfolio. ETFs can be a great addition to your…
By: Sankie Morata In South Africa, about 20 million people, or half the working population, have active debt. Many may not realise that this debt will not disappear when they pass on but will be transferred to their next of kin.I always tell our clients who think their debt will be gone when they…
As World Cancer Day approaches on 4 February, it’s a timely reminder that being proactive saves lives and livelihoods. Regular cancer screenings detect illnesses early and improve survival, while early financial planning protects families from unexpected financial shocks."The connection between…
By: Kanyisa MkhizeMost of us think we’ll retire at 65. However, the reality is quite different. According to Sanlam Corporate’s internal member data, South Africa’s true retirement age – the age at which most citizens can afford to retire comfortably – is closer to 80.There should be…
The increasing costs of medical care and diminishing benefits offered by medical schemes are leaving South Africans with unexpectedly high medical bills. Gap cover, an insurance product that covers in-hospital costs not covered by medical aid schemes, has become essential to mitigate co-payments…
By Thomas Berry, Head of Sales at PSG WealthThe recently introduced two-pot retirement system aims to enhance retirement outcomes for South Africans by keeping the majority of future retirement contributions invested for retirement while allowing limited access to a portion of one’s funds before…
By: Martin RimmerAs we step into 2025, families are diligently re-evaluating household budgets, distinguishing the "must-haves" from the "nice-to-haves," and seeking smarter ways to manage essential expenses. One critical area under scrutiny is healthcare coverage, a universally acknowledged…
By: Brent MorrisWith matric results recently released, school leavers are weighing up their study options and some are looking overseas, but the costs are prohibitive. It’s more cost-effective for South African students to complete their undergraduate qualifications here and then do a postgraduate…
Despite economic headwinds and high inflation, South Africa’s rental market showed resilience throughout 2024. However, a quick succession of interest rate cuts has many speculating about whether more tenants will finally make the move to homeownership.“2024 was another big year for South Africa’s…
By: Khwezi JacksonIt’s that time of the year again when we sit down to reflect on the year gone by and think about plans for the year ahead. For most of us, these goals often focus on aspects to better ourselves, like losing weight, picking up a new hobby, or focusing on personal growth.…
By: Adrian Hope-BailleThe start of every new year is the perfect time to take charge of your finances and set yourself up for success. You might be saving for a big goal, looking to grow your wealth, or just wanting to improve your spending habits. Here are five actionable tips to help…
With growing consumer confidence about their financial future, access to credit is deemed essential for achieving financial goals. However, the rising demand for personal loans, credit cards, and "buy now, pay later" services is causing financial hardships for some, says Howard Gabriels, credit…