And the winner is…
The winner of the 2023 Money Makeover Challenge has been chosen. The 2023 Absa City Press Money...
Listen: How I paid off R85 000 in just six months
How this year’s Money Makeover Challenge winner is well on his way to being debt free. In this...
Don’t fall victim to a delivery scam this festive season
A delivery scam usually takes the form of an email that pops up in your inbox telling you that you...
Women in Conversation: Protecting your family
When you get married, there are so many exciting things to focus on like the wedding dress,...
Manage Your Money
This site is a collection of articles written by finance journalist Maya Fisher-French as well as other contributors. The aim of Maya on Money is to help you with those day-to-day money decisions related to South African finance matters. Articles cover all those areas that you need in order to manage your money effectively such as budgeting, saving, investing, banking and insurance. Feel free to engage with us on social media.
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Manage your Money!
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Manage your Money!
My Money
And the winner is…
The winner of the 2023 Money Makeover Challenge has been chosen. The 2023 Absa City Press Money Makeover boot camp has come to an end and once again, all of our candidates have shown what is possible in just six months. They are proof that the power to change your...
Don’t fall victim to a delivery scam this festive season
A delivery scam usually takes the form of an email that pops up in your inbox telling you that you have a parcel waiting for you, and that you should click on the provided link for further details on the necessary steps to get your parcel delivered. As the festive...
Debt is often just a click away
How social media can encourage you to overspend and destroy your finances. Once upon a time, it was easy to see when you were about to get into debt. You saw cash leaving your wallet and knew from the balance in your account that you needed to stop spending. With the...
Funding your start-up
When Sello entered the Money Makeover Challenge, he was establishing a start-up business to manufacture eco-friendly straws for restaurants and retailers. He had taken out personal loans to purchase manufacturing equipment to produce the prototype. Like so many...
My Debt
Listen: How I paid off R85 000 in just six months
How this year’s Money Makeover Challenge winner is well on his way to being debt free. In this podcast Maya speaks to Johan, the winner of the 2023 Absa/City Press Money Makeover Challenge, and his Absa financial adviser, Takalani Badugela. Johan explains how he...
Debt is often just a click away
How social media can encourage you to overspend and destroy your finances. Once upon a time, it was easy to see when you were about to get into debt. You saw cash leaving your wallet and knew from the balance in your account that you needed to stop spending. With the...
Still no action on payroll deductions
Despite several government investigations and submissions from interested parties over the past seven years, there has been no concrete action taken to address unethical payroll deductions. Concerns regarding payroll deductions have been raised for many years. In...
Unethical practices leave workers indebted and desperate
A large number of municipal workers are taking home a fraction of their pay due to unethical practices around so-called payroll loans. In one case, a mother of two children, with an unemployed husband, had total loan deductions of R5 000 off her basic salary of R10...
My Investments
Investing offshore is easier than you think
It is becoming easier and more affordable for South Africans to invest in offshore funds. Pieter Koekemoer, head of Personal Investments at Coronation, has some advice for those interested in investing offshore. Many investors saving to retire in South Africa through...
How do South African women feel about investing?
There is a significant gender confidence gap when it comes to South Africans’ attitudes towards investing. In 2021 Fidelity, a large asset manager in the US, ran a nationwide survey to understand women’s attitudes towards investing and their investment behaviour. The...
Investment strategies for retirement
New actuarial research identifies how different investment strategies may prevent capital erosion in living annuities. Adopting an aggressive investment strategy in retirement seems counterintuitive. But new actuarial modelling shows that most living annuity investors...
Celebrity endorsements, crypto and crashes
Fred Razak, Chief Trading Strategist at CMTrading, warns potential investors to exercise utmost caution when encountering unsolicited cryptocurrency offers, regardless of celebrity endorsements. Amid the 2021 crypto boom, prominent figures such as Kim Kardashian,...
My Property
Tab still running on paid-up home loans
Hundreds of thousands of South Africans have paid-up home loans which may still be costing them money. Homeowners may not be aware that in some cases, their paid-up mortgage will continue to attract fees unless they have canceled the bond over the property and have...
What you need to know about evicting a tenant
For most landlords, evicting a tenant is a last resort. It is a complex, expensive process that takes a long time and is emotionally taxing. However, with the Q2 2023 PayProp Rental Index revealing that the number of tenants in arrears has risen to an alarming 18.4% –...
Planning to own a home
For most young people buying a home is a financial priority, but a home is a significant purchase and it’s important to get your finances in order first. Two of the Absa/City Press Money Makeover contestants are preparing for this big step. Molefi has no short-term...
Fixed installments ‒ but at what cost?
An offer from your bank of fixed installments on your home loan might seem like great news, but be aware of the costs further down the road. Standard Bank announced that it is providing some breathing space for more than 20 000 home loan clients by fixing their...
My Car
Buy a home or replace my car?
Many people are wondering whether now is the right time to buy a home for the first time, given the high interest rates. It is a common question I receive from readers. One reader wrote: "I am looking to buy a home for the first time but am concerned about the high...
“Agreed value” for your car insurance?
It’s always a good idea to shop around for the best-value car insurance, but it’s important that you understand what you are paying for. One of the big differences in the cost of the premium is whether you are insured at retail value, market value, or a third,...
“On-the-road” fees hide the true cost of a car
A North Gauteng high court ruling recently found that vehicle financing houses are not required to repay customers for “on-the-road” fees. This related to a finding in 2017 by the National Credit Regulator which determined that the “on-the-road” fees charged by...
What to do if your car needs to be towed
It’s something that happens to most of us at some point in our driving career: getting stranded at the side of a road with a broken-down vehicle. But do you know the right procedures to follow if your car needs to be towed? Whether it’s due to an accident or...
My Insurance
How an education protection plan works
Is it better to use life cover or an education protection plan to ensure that your child’s education is provided for in the event of your death? Every September, which is “Wills Month”, there is a focus on estate planning and drawing up your will. If you are...
Getting a life cover payout in 48 hours
Ensuring that your life cover includes an immediate payment benefit is the key to getting a partial payout in only 48 hours. One of the main reasons for taking out life cover is to provide for your dependants after your death. If you have family who are financially...
Choose the right level of life insurance
When it comes to my investments and life insurance, I often do thought experiments. I ask myself the question: “What would happen if…”. Asking these questions is important to help you understand whether you have a financial plan that meets your needs. For example,...
Unveiling the truth about loadshedding insurance
Are you confused about what your insurance covers when it comes to appliance damage due to loadshedding? Is loadshedding insurance part of your policy? In this article we debunk misconceptions and shed light on vital policy details to help you navigate the intricacies...
My Retirement
Investment strategies for retirement
New actuarial research identifies how different investment strategies may prevent capital erosion in living annuities. Adopting an aggressive investment strategy in retirement seems counterintuitive. But new actuarial modelling shows that most living annuity investors...
Listen: Treasury explains the two-pot retirement system
On 1 March 2024 there will be a radical change affecting everyone who is a member of a retirement fund, with the implementation of what has come to be known as the “two-pot retirement system”. This change will apply to every member of an employer pension/provident...
Two-pot retirement system: questions answered
The so-called two-pot retirement system will be implemented from 1 March 2024. There is still a lot of confusion around the system and exactly how it will work, and we are awaiting further clarity from Treasury on some of the details surrounding the system. In the...
Trying to time the market is a fool’s errand
Roné Swanepoel, Business Development Manager at Morningstar South Africa, provides compelling evidence that trying to time the market invariably has disastrous results. Let’s start with a thought experiment. If you look back on your investment journey to date, and the...
My Estate
Women in Conversation: Protecting your family
When you get married, there are so many exciting things to focus on like the wedding dress, invitations, and the honeymoon. And when you have a child, your life becomes so busy as you care for your growing family. The last thing you want to think about are the...
How an education protection plan works
Is it better to use life cover or an education protection plan to ensure that your child’s education is provided for in the event of your death? Every September, which is “Wills Month”, there is a focus on estate planning and drawing up your will. If you are...
Don’t die without a will!
A will allows you to provide for your family and removes complications after you pass away, but if you die without a will, it could cause delays in winding up your estate and your wishes may not be carried out. “Through years of winding up deceased estates, we see on...
How a beneficiary fund can provide for your child
If your retirement fund and group life cover make up the largest portion of your assets, a beneficiary fund may be a simple and cost-effective way to ensure that your minor child receives a regular income if something should happen to you. Your retirement funds do not...
MY MONEY
Read up to date articles on Finance, Budgeting and more...Managing your day-to-day money flows – it all begins here. This section provides tips and actions you need in order to tell your money where to go.
And the winner is…
The winner of the 2023 Money Makeover Challenge has been chosen. The 2023 Absa City Press Money Makeover boot camp has come to an end and once again, all of our candidates have shown what is possible in just six months. They are proof that the...
Don’t fall victim to a delivery scam this festive season
A delivery scam usually takes the form of an email that pops up in your inbox telling you that you have a parcel waiting for you, and that you should click on the provided link for further details on the necessary steps to get your parcel...
Debt is often just a click away
How social media can encourage you to overspend and destroy your finances. Once upon a time, it was easy to see when you were about to get into debt. You saw cash leaving your wallet and knew from the balance in your account that you needed to stop...
And the winner is…
The winner of the 2023 Money Makeover Challenge has been chosen. The 2023 Absa City Press Money Makeover boot camp has come to an end and once again, all of our candidates have shown what is possible in just six months. They are proof that the...
Don’t fall victim to a delivery scam this festive season
A delivery scam usually takes the form of an email that pops up in your inbox telling you that you have a parcel waiting for you, and that you should click on the provided link for further details on the necessary steps to get your parcel...
MY DEBT
Credit agreements, Debt Review & more...
Listen: How I paid off R85 000 in just six months
How this year’s Money Makeover Challenge winner is well on his way to being debt free. In this podcast Maya speaks to Johan, the winner of the 2023 Absa/City Press Money Makeover Challenge, and his Absa financial adviser, Takalani Badugela. Johan...
Debt is often just a click away
How social media can encourage you to overspend and destroy your finances. Once upon a time, it was easy to see when you were about to get into debt. You saw cash leaving your wallet and knew from the balance in your account that you needed to stop...
Still no action on payroll deductions
Despite several government investigations and submissions from interested parties over the past seven years, there has been no concrete action taken to address unethical payroll deductions. Concerns regarding payroll deductions have been raised for...
Listen: How I paid off R85 000 in just six months
How this year’s Money Makeover Challenge winner is well on his way to being debt free. In this podcast Maya speaks to Johan, the winner of the 2023 Absa/City Press Money Makeover Challenge, and his Absa financial adviser, Takalani Badugela. Johan...
Debt is often just a click away
How social media can encourage you to overspend and destroy your finances. Once upon a time, it was easy to see when you were about to get into debt. You saw cash leaving your wallet and knew from the balance in your account that you needed to stop...
MY INVESTMENTS
Saving, Investing, Investment Products & more...
Investing offshore is easier than you think
It is becoming easier and more affordable for South Africans to invest in offshore funds. Pieter Koekemoer, head of Personal Investments at Coronation, has some advice for those interested in investing offshore. Many investors saving to retire in...
How do South African women feel about investing?
There is a significant gender confidence gap when it comes to South Africans’ attitudes towards investing. In 2021 Fidelity, a large asset manager in the US, ran a nationwide survey to understand women’s attitudes towards investing and their...
Investing offshore is easier than you think
It is becoming easier and more affordable for South Africans to invest in offshore funds. Pieter Koekemoer, head of Personal Investments at Coronation, has some advice for those interested in investing offshore. Many investors saving to retire in...
How do South African women feel about investing?
There is a significant gender confidence gap when it comes to South Africans’ attitudes towards investing. In 2021 Fidelity, a large asset manager in the US, ran a nationwide survey to understand women’s attitudes towards investing and their...
MY PROPERTY
Household, Bonds, Mortgages & more...
Tab still running on paid-up home loans
Hundreds of thousands of South Africans have paid-up home loans which may still be costing them money. Homeowners may not be aware that in some cases, their paid-up mortgage will continue to attract fees unless they have canceled the bond over the...
What you need to know about evicting a tenant
For most landlords, evicting a tenant is a last resort. It is a complex, expensive process that takes a long time and is emotionally taxing. However, with the Q2 2023 PayProp Rental Index revealing that the number of tenants in arrears has risen to...
Planning to own a home
For most young people buying a home is a financial priority, but a home is a significant purchase and it’s important to get your finances in order first. Two of the Absa/City Press Money Makeover contestants are preparing for this big step. Molefi...
Tab still running on paid-up home loans
Hundreds of thousands of South Africans have paid-up home loans which may still be costing them money. Homeowners may not be aware that in some cases, their paid-up mortgage will continue to attract fees unless they have canceled the bond over the...
What you need to know about evicting a tenant
For most landlords, evicting a tenant is a last resort. It is a complex, expensive process that takes a long time and is emotionally taxing. However, with the Q2 2023 PayProp Rental Index revealing that the number of tenants in arrears has risen to...
MY CAR
Finance, Insurance, Purchasing & more...
Buy a home or replace my car?
Many people are wondering whether now is the right time to buy a home for the first time, given the high interest rates. It is a common question I receive from readers. One reader wrote: "I am looking to buy a home for the first time but am...
“Agreed value” for your car insurance?
It’s always a good idea to shop around for the best-value car insurance, but it’s important that you understand what you are paying for. One of the big differences in the cost of the premium is whether you are insured at retail value, market value,...
How an education protection plan works
Is it better to use life cover or an education protection plan to ensure that your child’s education is provided for in the event of your death? Every September, which is “Wills Month”, there is a focus on estate planning and drawing up your will....
Getting a life cover payout in 48 hours
Ensuring that your life cover includes an immediate payment benefit is the key to getting a partial payout in only 48 hours. One of the main reasons for taking out life cover is to provide for your dependants after your death. If you have family...
MY INSURANCE
Life, Short-Term & more...How an education protection plan works
Is it better to use life cover or an education protection plan to ensure that your child’s education is provided for in the event of your death? Every September, which is “Wills Month”, there is a focus on estate planning and drawing up your will....
Getting a life cover payout in 48 hours
Ensuring that your life cover includes an immediate payment benefit is the key to getting a partial payout in only 48 hours. One of the main reasons for taking out life cover is to provide for your dependants after your death. If you have family...
Choose the right level of life insurance
When it comes to my investments and life insurance, I often do thought experiments. I ask myself the question: “What would happen if…”. Asking these questions is important to help you understand whether you have a financial plan that meets your...
How an education protection plan works
Is it better to use life cover or an education protection plan to ensure that your child’s education is provided for in the event of your death? Every September, which is “Wills Month”, there is a focus on estate planning and drawing up your will....
Getting a life cover payout in 48 hours
Ensuring that your life cover includes an immediate payment benefit is the key to getting a partial payout in only 48 hours. One of the main reasons for taking out life cover is to provide for your dependants after your death. If you have family...
MY RETIREMENT
Pre and Post Retirement & more...
Investment strategies for retirement
New actuarial research identifies how different investment strategies may prevent capital erosion in living annuities. Adopting an aggressive investment strategy in retirement seems counterintuitive. But new actuarial modelling shows that most...
Listen: Treasury explains the two-pot retirement system
On 1 March 2024 there will be a radical change affecting everyone who is a member of a retirement fund, with the implementation of what has come to be known as the “two-pot retirement system”. This change will apply to every member of an employer...
Two-pot retirement system: questions answered
The so-called two-pot retirement system will be implemented from 1 March 2024. There is still a lot of confusion around the system and exactly how it will work, and we are awaiting further clarity from Treasury on some of the details surrounding...
Investment strategies for retirement
New actuarial research identifies how different investment strategies may prevent capital erosion in living annuities. Adopting an aggressive investment strategy in retirement seems counterintuitive. But new actuarial modelling shows that most...
Listen: Treasury explains the two-pot retirement system
On 1 March 2024 there will be a radical change affecting everyone who is a member of a retirement fund, with the implementation of what has come to be known as the “two-pot retirement system”. This change will apply to every member of an employer...
MY ESTATE
Wills, Marriage Contracts, Life Cover & More...
Women in Conversation: Protecting your family
When you get married, there are so many exciting things to focus on like the wedding dress, invitations, and the honeymoon. And when you have a child, your life becomes so busy as you care for your growing family. The last thing you want to think...
How an education protection plan works
Is it better to use life cover or an education protection plan to ensure that your child’s education is provided for in the event of your death? Every September, which is “Wills Month”, there is a focus on estate planning and drawing up your will....
Don’t die without a will!
A will allows you to provide for your family and removes complications after you pass away, but if you die without a will, it could cause delays in winding up your estate and your wishes may not be carried out. “Through years of winding up deceased...
Women in Conversation: Protecting your family
When you get married, there are so many exciting things to focus on like the wedding dress, invitations, and the honeymoon. And when you have a child, your life becomes so busy as you care for your growing family. The last thing you want to think...
How an education protection plan works
Is it better to use life cover or an education protection plan to ensure that your child’s education is provided for in the event of your death? Every September, which is “Wills Month”, there is a focus on estate planning and drawing up your will....
Video: How we sabotage our retirement
For most of us, retirement is one of our most important goals. Putting away money for our retirement is probably the biggest investment we will make in our lifetime, yet we find so many ways to sabotage our retirement goals. The most common mistake is cashing in our...
Video: What your credit score says about you
If you are planning on buying a home, the first thing you should do is go check your credit score. The purpose of your credit score is to inform prospective lenders how much of a risk you present when you apply for a loan. If a lender perceives you as a high risk,...
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