Planning Topics
South Africa’s foreign policy is premised on our values and principles, key amongst which is the right to resist illegal colonial occupation and to realise self-determination. This is a right provided for by the United Nations and is one of the most significant gains of post-World War II…
In a significant development for the investment industry, the 29th annual Raging Bull Awards, which is set to take place on January 27, 2025, in Cape Town, will recognise outstanding performance across the South African collective investment universe, from actively managed unit trust funds to…
The implementation of the government’s “two-pot” retirement savings regime, which came into effect in September, was extremely burdensome for retirement funds – they had to work furiously to adapt their systems in time and subsequently faced a deluge of savings-pot withdrawal claims. But the…
Sanlam Life Insurance merges with NMS Insurance Services for strategic growthIn a significant move that underscores its expansive reach in the South African insurance market, Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd has received the go-ahead from the Tribunal for its proposed merger with NMS Insurance Services (…
Being a patriot is not easy. When the Springbok rugby team wins the World Cup we rejoice, but when we look at statistics such as the Gini index, we can only drop our heads and accept we are failing as a nation where it matters most.1. The Gini index is often represented graphically through…
By: Brett LadouceWith the Savings Pot withdrawals reaching the R21 billion mark, of which Sars probably pocketed more than R4 billion, it might be time to focus our attention on other important matters relating to our pension and provident funds.The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator recently…
While attending an inter-regional peer exchange on Beneficial Ownership Transparency and the Role of Trusts, organised by Open Ownership (OO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR), hosted by the Namibian Ministry of Justice, it became…
The Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa), the body representing the local life insurance and asset management industries, recently published a revised classification of collective investment schemes (CISs): the Asisa Fund Classification Standard, effective from October 1.CISs…
By: Nicola MawsonBuying a property is daunting. More so is purchasing a unit in a complex that falls under the Sectional Title Act, as there are strict laws that govern their day-to-day running.The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) has several orders listed in its website that it has dealt…
As the online trading landscape continues to expand, so too does the mental and emotional burden it places on traders. Recent research indicates that academics engaging in cryptocurrency trading are experiencing a decline in their overall quality of life. These traders report poorer sleep quality…
By: Grant Alexander Wealth management is a multifaceted process that encompasses a spectrum of strategies and practices aimed at securing an investor’s financial future. Two critical yet fundamentally different phases within this realm are wealth creation and wealth preservation. Understanding the…
By: Adriaan Pask A noteworthy shift is occurring in South Africa's unit trust sector. While some larger managers are experiencing modest outflows, mid-sized managers are seeing substantial inflows on the back of strong performance. Investors also gravitated towards balanced and multi-…
Kidnapping for ransom has surged to unprecedented levels in South Africa over the past few years, with official numbers showing that the total number of kidnapping cases in the country reached more than 15 000 in the 2022/2023 financial year.According to Stats SA, of the total 15 343 kidnapping…
In a recent webinar with the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa, Rex Cowley, the Director and Co-Founder of Overseas Trust and Pension, shared valuable insights on the transformative impact of behavioural theory on financial planning and considered some emerging trends in South Africa.…
By: Karen Rimmer16 October 2024: The weather around the country has delivered unexpected results this spring so far, from freezing cold temperatures to incredibly hot days. However, we know that the warmer months are approaching. It's easy to overlook essential home maintenance tasks that are…
HONOR, a global leader in smartphone and AI-driven technologies, has announced its participation as a Gold Sponsor at the Africa Tech Festival 2024. This is HONOR’s first involvement in the premier event, which has long been the focal point for innovation across Africa’s telecom and tech sectors.…
Who would have thought that a delivery service would make such a huge impression on a little boy? The Checkers Sixty60 delivery service has become hugely popular with adults because all you have to do is put through an order and within the hour your groceries are on your doorstep.While the adults…
After another tough economic year, a spike in mental health issues has been exacerbated by job insecurity, remote work stress, the rising cost of living, and the blurred lines between work and personal life. The reality is that money problems and mental health are deeply connected. …
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 warning for Gauteng to brace for heavy thunderstorms and lightning expected in the coming days. The warning comes after a week of heatwaves and high temperatures in the region.Severe weather patterns in the first half of this year have…
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has solidified its stance as a formidable enforcer of tax compliance. Recent enforcement results, as revealed in the Sars Annual Report, underscore the aggressive and effective measures the revenue authority is employing to crack down on tax crime. The focus…