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...
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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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Previous Articles
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 salaries must last for...
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 all areas of society...
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 salary paid earlier...
The 12-month financial plan
A great way to give your finances a good shake-up during 2024 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 In January: Update your budget and plan for...
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 unit trusts or...
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 BDO South Africa,...
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...