Homeownership represents a significant milestone for many South Africans, but the true cost extends far beyond the purchase price. In our latest Money Bootcamp discussion, Mapalo Makhu and I unpack the unexpected expenses that can catch first-time...
Rory Brachner, founder of Doshguide, explains how paying for a flat-fee financial adviser could be one of the smartest investments you make. Most South Africans don’t think that they can afford expert financial advice, but so many of us spend...
Marriage and homeownership are two significant life milestones, and they’re often closely linked. But as relationships evolve, circumstances can change and when two people who co-own a property decide to go their separate ways, it raises various...
Listen to how one mother managed to shift her mindset to transform her relationship with money. When Thokozani first began her financial coaching journey with Mapalo Makhu, her relationship with money could only be described as “poor and...
“Know your ombud” episode 8 For many South Africans, their pension fund represents their largest financial asset, yet countless members remain in the dark about their rights when things go wrong. In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series,...
Bongani Msimango, Wealth Manager at Alexforbes, explains why aligning your retirement date with the tax year makes sense. One of the key principles that a wealth manager needs to understand is that although many things are beyond our control – like...
“Know your ombud” episode 7 In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series, I am joined by John Simpson, the Ombud for Financial Services Providers (FAIS Ombud). We chat about his office’s approach to handling disputes between financial...
Welcome to the second episode of the second season of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, where I tackle various financial topics together with my co-host, Mapalo Makhu. As we dive into July, many of us feel the familiar pang of anxiety...
Thokozile Kumalo, Tax Consultant at Tax Consulting South Africa, lays out the law when it comes to claiming home-office expenses. As the 2025 tax filing season kicks off, many South Africans working from home are wondering what home-office expenses...
“Know your ombud” episode 6 In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series, I am joined by Sonya Marais, Senior Adjudicator for the Life Insurance Division of the National Financial Ombud (NFO), who helps us understand the complexities of...
Wiehann Olivier, a Partner and FinTech & Digital Assets Lead for Forvis Mazars in South Africa, explains how a group of politically motivated hackers sent a message to Iran by essentially burning bitcoin worth $2 million. On 18 June 2025, something remarkable...
“Know your ombud” episode 5 In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series, I am joined by Edite Teixeira-Mckinon, the lead ombud for non-life insurance at the National Financial Ombud. Have you ever felt overwhelmed or confused by one of your insurance policies?...
Welcome to the second season of the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp, where I will tackle various financial topics together with my co-host, Mapalo Makhu. In this first episode, we investigate the complicated relationship between emotions and money. We discuss...
Growing demand for rental properties – combined with limited availability – has made South Africa’s housing market a fertile hunting ground for fraudsters. Rental scams are on the rise, as prospective tenants scramble for accommodation. Rising demand and limited...
“Know your ombud” episode 4 In the latest episode of our Know Your Ombud series, I am joined by Howard Gabriels, the head ombud for credit. Credit providers are required to treat customers fairly, but consumers also have a responsibility to repay their debts. Howard...
I recently had a conversation with a friend about the pros and cons of using diet pills and injections. She was arguing that people are using medication – that comes with serious side effects – instead of using self-discipline. It’s easy to talk about self-discipline,...
“Know your ombud” episode 3 In the latest episode of our "Know Your Ombud" series, we dive into the world of financial services with Nerosha Maseti, the lead ombud for banking services. With an increasing number of complaints about banking practices, it’s crucial for...
Siyabulela Nomoyi, Quantitative Portfolio Manager at Satrix, explains how fatherhood has influenced his investing decisions. Fatherhood reshaped my perspective on investing. I have a toddler discovering the world, a nine-year-old full of questions, and a teenager...
“Know your ombud” Episode 2 I’m joined by Reana Steyn, the head of the National Financial Ombud, to discuss the role of this ombud, and how it is a vital resource when you have a dispute with a financial institution. Reana shares insights into the recently streamlined...
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced the official start of the 2025 tax filing season, effective from 7 July 2025. Filing season for non-provisional taxpayers will close on 20 October 2025, whereas provisional taxpayers have until 19 January 2026 to...