Ahead of the implementation of the two-pot retirement system on 1 September, many people are surprised to discover how much tax they will pay on any withdrawal of funds from their new savings pot. Many are planning on withdrawing the once-off...
GEPF: Calculating your benefits under the two-pot system
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 20, 2024
This is the final video in a four-part educational series on the two-pot retirement system for GEPF members. Watch the first video here, the second video here, and the third video here. This video looks at the benefits you will get at retirement,...
Listen: How health screenings affect claims
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 16, 2024
In the latest episode of “Life Behind the Numbers”, a Discovery Life podcast series, I am joined by Discovery Life Deputy Chief Executive Gareth Friedlander and Chief Medical Officer Dr Maritha van der Walt, to discuss the significant impact that...
Rate cuts: What can we expect over the coming year?
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 15, 2024
Optimism for rate cuts varies between banks, but don’t expect a rate cut windfall. The aggressive rate increases since November 2021 have brought significant financial stress to consumers, especially those with large asset-based loans such as...
GEPF: How savings pot withdrawals affect your retirement
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 13, 2024
This is the third video in a four-part educational series on the two-pot retirement system for GEPF members. Watch the first video here and the second video here. This video and article look at things to consider before you withdraw your pension...
Listen: Smart strategies to manage your debt
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 9, 2024
Many South Africans are drowning in debt, with rising interest rates and inflation exacerbating the situation. If you are struggling to meet your debt repayments, we are here to offer practical solutions and insights to help you regain control of...
Are women really better investors than men?
Guest AuthorAug 8, 2024
Paul Nixon, head of behavioural finance at Momentum Investments Group, looks at the question of whether women are better investors than men, through a behavioural finance lens. The renowned behavioural finance research duo, Barber and Odean,...
GEPF: What happens if you resign after 1 September 2024?
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 6, 2024
This is the second video in a four-part educational series on the two-pot retirement system for GEPF members. Watch the first video here. When the two-pot retirement system is introduced on 1 September, one-third of future pensionable service will...
The two-pot system will improve retirement outcomes
Maya Fisher-FrenchAug 1, 2024
While there are many fears around the imminent introduction of the two-pot system for retirement funds, members of these funds will be significantly better off due to the changes. Firstly, you will have access to your retirement funds without...
Understanding the two-pot retirement system for GEPF members
Maya Fisher-FrenchJul 30, 2024
This is a four-part educational series on the two-pot retirement system for GEPF members. Over the next four weeks the various aspects of the two-pot retirement system will be unpacked, and members’ questions will be answered. On 1 September 2024...
Previous Articles
Listen: Using credit responsibly
Jul 26, 2024
This fourth episode of the Santam Insure your Future Money Bootcamp is all about using credit responsibly. It provides insights into budgeting, borrowing, and understanding the fine line between good and bad debt. I’m again joined by Mapalo Makhu as we offer a...
The dark world of insurance fraud
Jul 25, 2024
Murder for insurance is not that common, but insurance fraud comes in many different forms. Anyone who doubts that insurance companies pay out on death claims, should read Killer Cop, the Rosemary Ndlovu story. Over a period of six years, she had family members...
Are you paying advice fees but not getting ongoing financial advice?
Jul 23, 2024
If you have an investment policy or product, the adviser who sold you that product is most likely receiving ongoing advice fees or commission. These fees are deducted from your investment returns, and you should be receiving ongoing service from that adviser. Yet many...
Listen: The Dollar Life Plan: Diversifying with dollar-based life cover
Jul 19, 2024
While most of us are aware of the importance of diversifying our investments globally, we don’t often think about diversifying our risk cover. Taking out life cover in US dollars is one way to leave a legacy in a hard currency that should maintain its value. In the...
Savings pot withdrawal minimum may disappoint many
Jul 18, 2024
With less than two months to go before the new two-pot retirement system is implemented, you may be disappointed to realise you are unable to immediately withdraw money from your savings pot. Many employees are banking on being able to withdraw some money from their...
How does the interest-free period on your credit card work?
Jul 16, 2024
Most credit card companies try and hook you by saying that they give you 55 days interest free on your purchases. In fact, most credit card holders don’t get any interest-free period on their credit cards. This is because if you don’t pay your card in full on due...
Listen: Navigating the financial maze of buying a home or car
Jul 12, 2024
Buying a home or a car is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. It can be an exciting journey, filled with dreams of new beginnings and the thrill of ownership. But, as our latest podcast episode reveals, it’s also fraught with hidden costs...
Investment opportunities punted via social media are scams
Jul 11, 2024
Reputable and regulated financial services providers will never sell investments via a WhatsApp group, Telegram, a social media platform, email, or an unsolicited random phone call, so you can be sure that investment opportunities punted via social media are scams. As...
Listen: Navigating tax season 2024
Jul 10, 2024
SARS has announced that tax season 2024 will open on 15 July. In order to ensure a smooth (and possibly rewarding) tax-filing process, it's crucial to understand the complexities of your tax return and how to maximise any tax breaks that you may qualify for. Joining...
Is the Discovery home loan a good deal?
Jul 9, 2024
The Discovery home loan is the latest product from the financial giant, offering an interest-rate discount to qualifying clients. But is it worth switching? Discovery Bank recently launched its home loan offering, which is a joint venture with SA Home Loans. As usual...