Congratulations! You've tossed your graduation cap, landed your first job, and are ready to dive into the real world. But with the excitement of your first paycheque comes the daunting realisation of adult responsibilities: rent, groceries, car...
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Is there a nasty surprise in your short-term insurance contract?
When last did you read your short-term insurance contract? This year I was surprised to discover that the excess on both my car and building insurance had increased. While the premiums had not gone up significantly, the portion I would have to pay...
Is a pension-backed home loan a good idea?
A pension-backed home loan is an alternative form of housing finance where a person uses their pension savings as security for a home loan. When you apply for a home loan, the bank will consider the property as security for the loan but will also...
How to borrow responsibly
Many of the articles on this website focus on helping people to get out of debt, but credit is not necessarily a bad thing if you understand how to borrow responsibly. In personal finance, we often talk of “good” debt versus “bad” debt. Typically,...
Listen: When love doesn’t pay the bills: dating outside your financial league
In this episode of the My Money, My lifestyle podcast, Maya is joined by Queen Malobane, Provincial General Manager at Metropolitan, as they delve into the complex intersection of money and relationships. The romantic notion that love conquers all...
Five stock market myths keeping you from building wealth
Wendy Myers, Head of Securities at PSG Wealth, looks at some myths that are prevalent among South Africans when it comes to the idea of investing in the stock market. When it comes to the world of investing, many people have no idea where to start,...
TikTok: a cesspool of financial scams
While there is certainly good financial education content to be found on social media, there are also numerous scams and unethical practices, and TikTok is no exception. In fact, the massive increase in TikTok’s popularity has seen a massive...
No change to 2024 income tax tables, but watch out for bracket creep
Beatrie Gouws, Tax Director at BDO, and David Warneke, Assoc. Prof. and Tax Partner at BDO, share their insight into the implications of the 2024 budget for taxpayers across all economic tiers. South Africans breathed a collective sigh of relief as...
Listen: Exposing hidden costs: the truth behind your insurance excess
Have you ever taken a close look at your short-term insurance policy? Do you know exactly what your insurance excess is? Not too many people do, but if you study your policy wording, it can be quite the eye-opener. In the latest episode of the My...
Stay away from too-good-to-be-true promises!
MMM Krypto and Tumi Links are two of the latest scams doing the rounds online. Every week I receive an update from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warning about scams. Unfortunately, when people are caught out, there is nothing our...
Previous Articles
Email interception fraud – are you covered?
Email interception fraud takes place when criminals gain unauthorised access (via stolen usernames and passwords) to your private or business email accounts, allowing them to impersonate you or the business. “Email interception fraud allows the threat activator behind...
You may be liable for your spouse’s tax bill
What being married in community of property means for your taxes If you are married in community of property you may be surprised to discover that 50% of your spouse’s tax liability from investment income (such as interest, rental income, dividends, and capital...
Listen: Unpacking the national budget: where your taxes really go
Every year, the announcement of the national budget grips the attention of ordinary South Africans and experts alike. But what does it really mean for you and me? In this latest episode of the My Money, My Lifestyle podcast, we cut through the jargon to bring clarity...
A view on the 2024 budget speech
Sanisha Packirisamy, economist at Momentum Investments, picks up on some key focus points from the 2024 budget speech delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. Committing to maintaining sustainable public finances proves to be challenging amidst a geopolitically...
Red hearts to red flags: spotting love’s financial warning signs
Farzana Botha, Communications Manager at Sanlam Risk and Savings, and Lee Hancox, Head of Channel and Segment Marketing at Sanlam, present a guide to ‘relationship financial flags’, helping South Africans navigate the complexities of love’s financial dynamics this...
Commit to your financial goals
"Present bias" can lead us to procrastination, impulsivity, and poor decision-making when it comes to achieving our financial goals. Making New Year’s resolutions is a popular way to set goals for the upcoming year and make positive changes in your life. However, many...
Saving for school fees
For most parents, being able to educate their children is one of their most important financial goals. But when it comes to finding the money for school fees or tertiary education, we wish we had made better plans earlier. We are reminded of this every January when we...
Listen: Tax 101 for freelancers
Navigating tax can be tricky, and this is especially true for freelancers. Whether you're a graphic designer, writer, or any independent contractor, you need to understand your tax obligations – this is crucial for financial success and legal compliance. In this...
Investment outlook for 2024
Michele Santangelo, portfolio manager at Independent Securities reflects on last year's stock market performance, and identifies sectors and themes that will likely dominate in the year ahead. 2023 unfolded amidst geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and...
Surge in fake online shopping sites
Despite the fact that I write extensively on scams, I nearly became a victim in what seems to be an increasing wave of fake online shopping sites. When I shared my story on social media, it became apparent that several well-known brands are being targeted by...