Renier de Bruyn, Head of Asset Allocation at Sanlam Private Wealth discusses the outlook for our fragile currency: whether there's a chance it may return to ‘fair value’ over time, and how this impacts long-term investment decisions. The rand has...
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How to break the cycle of debt
A strong theme that emerged in the Money Makeover Challenge this year was the extent to which applicants have built up large amounts of debt in a short period of time. This phenomenon is driven by the rising cost of living and increasing interest...
Easy-access funds with high interest
Money market unit trusts and income funds I recently looked into some of the great interest rates that banks are offering on fixed deposits. But what if you don't want to lock your money away for a fixed period of time? Money market unit trusts and...
Criminal syndicates can hack your phone in minutes
Criminal syndicates are targeting the theft of cellphones not for the value of the phone, but rather to access your data including your banking apps. This is according to Kevin Hogan, head of fraud risk at Investec Private Bank. Hogan says that...
Listen: Take this opportunity to boost your retirement income
In this podcast Maya speaks to Deane Moore, CEO of the Just Group about how to use a guaranteed annuity to boost your retirement income, even if you are already in retirement. If you have a retirement annuity or a pension fund, you should know that...
What is a TFSA and why you should open one
Opening a tax-free savings account (TFSA) is a great way to start investing. If there is one investment all South Africans should aim to have it is a tax-free savings account (TFSA). This is an excellent investment vehicle for growing long-term...
Allegations of corruption around tax refunds
Rumours are circulating about corruption around tax refunds, though it's unclear exactly how this is possible within the current tax administration system. Administrative delays and poor service delivery in any organisation create fertile grounds...
How to keep track of your spending
If your debt keeps increasing, then you are spending more than you earn. The first step to financial freedom is to keep track of your spending. Every year, the first task our Money Makeover candidates undertake is to see where their money is going...
Tax refund delays causing frustration
Tax practitioners have been raising concerns about tax refund delays, while SARS says it is dealing with the challenges. While 90% of tax returns are processed without further verification by SARS, those taxpayers who are identified for further...
The upside of high interest rates
While borrowers are struggling with the ever-increasing interest rates, savers are loving the high interest rates currently on offer. Savers are getting better returns on their bank deposits, and for those people who are prepared to lock their...
Previous Articles
Listen: Six-month journey to financial health
The 2023 City Press/Absa Money Makeover Challenge has begun. This is the seventh year where I will work together with a team of Absa financial advisers to coach six contestants on their six-month journey to financial health. In this podcast I chat to Sarah Nkwana of...
Is a R51k salary enough to comfortably afford bond repayments?
Viral Twitter thread sparks property industry debate Recently, a hypothetical question was posed around what South Africans could afford on a R51 000 net salary. This became a trending topic on Twitter, sparking debates over whether these earnings would be enough to...
Why the NHI Bill is unworkable
Jacqui Nel of Aon South Africa looks at some of the issues surrounding the implementation of the NHI Bill. On 12 June 2023, Parliament passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, and many stakeholders in the healthcare industry are concerned as to what the...
The Money Makeover Class of 2023
Follow six ordinary South Africans as they take up the City Press/Absa Money Makeover Challenge and undergo a money makeover boot camp. I will be sharing their stories with you and hopefully inspire you to start your own money journey. Meet the Money Makeover Class of...
How banks assess affordability for a home loan
With interest rates at their highest levels in 14 years, many would-be homeowners are finding it difficult to meet the affordability requirements for a home loan. According to the latest statistics from ooba Home Loans, while the country’s average purchase price for a...
Opening an investment account for your child
Opening an investment account for your child is one of the easiest ways to give them a head start in life. There are many low-cost digital investment platforms available with low minimum investment amounts, so you can contribute as little as R50 per month. A few...
Listen: Discover your money fingerprint
Welcome to the final podcast of the Emotions and Money series, where Maya and Paul Nixon, head of Behavioural Finance at Momentum, delve into the concept of the Money Fingerprint. During the COVID-19 period, South African investors destroyed over R650 million in value...
Further clarity on the two-pot system for retirement funds
Over the last few years, National Treasury has been working on introducing the so-called two-pot system for retirement funds. Recent updates to the draft legislation are open for public comment and have provided further clarity on how the system will work and what it...
Investing as a side hustle
Higher interest rates are putting South Africans under significant financial pressure, and many are looking for an income boost. Luke Martins, Financial Planning Coach at Old Mutual Wealth looks at investing as a side hustle. It feels as if the Covid-19 pandemic...
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,...