The rout in global financial markets is continuing, characterised by extreme swings of up to 5% in some markets. According to Dr Prieur du Plessis, chairman of the Plexus group and author of the Investment Postcards blog, there are a couple of...
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Investors are ignoring value stocks
Geoff Blount, CEO of Cannon Asset Managers, shows that the market has all but abandoned value stocks over the last few years with most investment managers shifting their portfolios to more expensive growth stocks. This will have significant...
Kicking off a financial plan with a lump sum
“I am ready to formulate a financial plan and want an idea of where I should be investing my money for a real return. Once I have my lump sum should I buy a property, purchase shares in a start-up company that looks very promising or invest in...
Reducing tenant risk for buy-to-let property investors
There is a perception that the South African legal system gives tenants more rights than property owners. People assume a tenant can default on rent for months, and there is nothing the property owner can do about it – you certainly can’t evict...
Reducing tenant risk for buy-to-let property investors
There is a perception that the South African legal system gives tenants more rights than property owners. People assume a tenant can default on rent for months, and there is nothing the property owner can do about it – you certainly can’t evict...
Reducing tenant risk for buy-to-let property investors
There is a perception that the South African legal system gives tenants more rights than property owners. People assume a tenant can default on rent for months, and there is nothing the property owner can do about it – you certainly can’t evict...
Reducing tenant risk for buy-to-let property investors
There is a perception that the South African legal system gives tenants more rights than property owners. People assume a tenant can default on rent for months, and there is nothing the property owner can do about it – you certainly can’t evict...
How your piggy bank savings can pay for your festive spending
When my husband opened his FNB account at the end of last year he opted for a "Bank Your Change" savings account which is linked to his transactional account. Each time he uses his bank card, the transaction is rounded to the nearest R5 and the...
Should you save when you have debts to repay?
“I have a total debt if R63 000 with various credit providers. I have thought that I should start saving but not when I am under such debt. I would like to consolidate them but I am wondering with which institution. Is there one that you can...
Why your inflation rate is higher than the official CPI
Whenever the inflation figures are released, consumers must wonder what basket of goods StatsSA could possibly be using because one thing is for sure, our cost of living is going up far quicker than the official 5.3%. As an example, just this week...
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Six ways to cut R1000 off your budget
So you think you can't find money to save? Here are six savings tips which could save you over R1 000 a month. Shop online We cut about R500 to R800 a month off our grocery bill by shopping online. This forces you to buy according to your list as it prevents those...
The best way to buy gold
"I have received marketing material from Investcare Amathubagold and I want to know if this is a good investment opportunity," asks Henry. Investcare Amathubagold describes itself as a Precious Metals provider and offers a Precious Metal Investment Savings Plan (ISP)....
How to calculate if you are on track for retirement
The Crawford Measure has been created by Dave Crawford, a financial educator. It is a simple spreadsheet that helps to calculate whether or not your retirement savings are adequate. It starts with your current living standard and then compares that with the amount you...
Tow-truck scams to watch out for
Seeing tow trucks parked at my local intersection recently reminded me of a scam whereby tow-truck drivers dupe unsuspecting accident victims into allowing them to tow the victims' vehicles. The scam involves the driver telling you he will call your insurance provider...
Jargon buster: Asset swaps
When you invest globally, you can invest in either rand-denominated (asset swap) or foreign domiciled funds, which are denominated in foreign currencies. According to Stephan Schalekamp, manager of fund research and development at Stanlib, an asset-swap fund is a unit...
Beware of the insurance rip-off
City Press was recently sent a copy of a loan agreement between a customer and micro-lender Letsatsi Finance. In this agreement Letsatsi Finance lent the customer R8000 and included insurance on the loan at a monthly cost of R320. According to the loan agreement this...
Credit Life: The cost of insurance on your loan
When you take out a loan or buy a car, you will often be encouraged to take out credit life which is an insurance to settle the loan should you die, become disabled or lose your job. While credit life has its place it can be abused and consumers need to understand...
The difference between a money-market and unit trust account
“What's the difference between a money market account and a unit-trust money-market account?” asks Roderick Maya replies: A money-market account offered by a bank is simply a bank account with a more aggressive interest rate. It's an investment account rather than a...
Am I saving enough?
“I am a 31 year old dedicated saver and I have two main savings besides my pension and I want to know if they are the right investments. I've been increasing these savings by 10% each year and putting some into my bond. Do you think this will give me the right returns...
The impact of retirement caps on high earners
In his budget address, Finance Minister Gordhan proposed that from March 2012 all employees will be allowed to deduct up to 22.5% of their taxable income for contribution to retirement funds up to a maximum of R200 000. While this may bring pension and provident fund...