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...
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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...
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...
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...
Better money management for 2024
After festive-season overindulgence, many of us need a financial detox in January. Here’s how to attain better money management and revitalise your finances this year. The festive season can strain our finances to breaking point – our December...
Listen: Can we trust the banking system?
In this podcast, I have a frank discussion with David Buckham, founder and CEO of Monocle Solutions, and an expert on the global banking system. We discuss the inherent flaws in the banking system and the reasons behind the erosion of trust across...
Tips to help you avoid Janu-worry
Munya Shumba, financial adviser at Discovery Limited, has some great advice for those who find their January turning into Janu-worry. Why is January so often referred to as “Janu-worry”? It’s because in many parts of the world, employees get their...
The 12-month financial plan
A great way to give your finances a good shake-up this year is to follow this 12-month financial plan so that your finances and admin are all up-to-date by the end of the year. Your 12-month financial plan: Month by month January: Update your...
Why investing in property is not low-risk or passive
Investing in property can be a great investment, but be sure that you understand the risks. I recently ran a survey on social media to understand what asset classes people invest in. The majority of women prefer property over investments such as...
Tax matters for creative freelancers
When someone says influencer, freelance designer, writer, or content creator (collectively referred to as creative freelancers) do you think VAT? Probably not! Well, you're not alone. Ayanda Masina, Assistant Manager, and Kagiso Nonyane, Manager at...
Previous Articles
When is a trust appropriate?
When we think of intergenerational wealth, we often think of trusts and the proverbial trust-fund baby. While trusts can be a great way to house intergenerational wealth, over the last ten years there have been significant changes to laws that affect the way trusts...
The psychological impact of taking control of your finances
Taking control of your finances has a profound impact on your overall wellbeing, resulting in reduced stress, improved relationships, and better self-esteem. Writing up a budget, tracking your spending, and creating a debt repayment plan will not miraculously solve...
Should I cash out my pension?
I’m thinking about resigning so I can cash out my pension and rather invest the funds myself. What are the pros and cons of doing this? Maya's Answer Some people feel more in control if they can manage their own investments, however, this is not necessarily a good...
The unexpected value of not getting a year-end bonus
Freelance writer Capo Cassidy ponders the possible upside of not getting a year-end bonus. It’s year-end bonus season, and for the first time in many years, having stepped off the treadmill of a corporate job, there is not a glimmer of hope that I will get one. I’m...
Could advisers be held liable for ponzi losses?
As information comes to light regarding the BHI Trust investment scheme, investors are questioning the role of their financial advisers and whether they have recourse against bad advice. Many individuals had trusted the investment of their life savings to their...
Women in Conversation: Navigating money conversations in a relationship
Money is not only rands and cents – it is also a currency of emotions, which is why money conversations are so hard. In this podcast, Maya and Andrea have a candid discussion with relationship therapist Connie Valkin about how to have these difficult and emotionally...
Why it’s so easy to blame the banks
The reason we have a weak rand is a bigger issue than short-term trades by the big banks. A colleague of mine recently told me, “I hate banks”. And it seems she is not alone. If I post a comment that is critical of a bank, my timeline is soon filled with people adding...
Listen: How I transformed my relationship with money
The power of taking back control of your finances Maya speaks to Zihle, the runner-up in the 2023 Absa City Press Money Makeover Challenge, about her personal journey and how – with the help of her financial adviser Anton Battiss – she has succeeded in taking back...
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...
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...