If you have an investment policy, chances are someone is earning commission on it. When did you last speak to your adviser and do you even know who they are? Maya (@mayaonmoney) and Mapalo (@womanandfinance) discuss commissions, fees, advice as...
You are Here >
Home >
Video: How much does your debt cost?
Have you ever wondered how much your debt is actually costing you? It is probably a lot more than you realise by the time you have included all the interest and fees payable. If you borrow for less than six months, the microlender can charge up to...
The balloon payment shock
One of the more common questions we receive from readers about car finance is regarding a balloon payment. In many cases it seems that consumers eager to buy a car sign on for a financing agreement that they do not fully understand. When we talk...
Listen: Will your debt really be expunged?
If you think the signing in of the debt relief bill means your debt woes will soon be over, think again. Maya (@mayaonmoney) and Mapalo (@womanandfinance) look at the implications of the so-called debt relief bill both for consumers and credit...
Video: Plan for money moments and avoid debt
Most short-term debt is simply a lack of planning. So, this year, instead of taking on more credit, plan for those money moments by starting a contingency fund in a high interest savings account. If you are planning a holiday this year, create a...
How to interpret financial results
You should be able to assess the health of a company by looking at certain key indicators from their financial results. All companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange are required to issue financial results twice a year ‒ interim results...
The great middle-class squeeze
The average middle-class South African has run out of runway, having already depleted savings and now tapping into whatever credit facilities they may have. These are the figures revealed in the 2019 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor which...
Listen: How to pick a share
Building a long-term share portfolio requires more homework than just investing in the latest hot stock you heard about around the braai. Maya (@mayaonmoney) and Mapalo (@womanandfinance) discuss what it takes to make the right investment decision....
Understanding your interest rate
You may have seen an advert for a five-year fixed deposit offering an interest rate of 13.3% on maturity. This seems like a really high interest rate, but what you need to understand is that this is the interest you receive at the end of a...
Listen: Shape your finances as beautifully as you shape those nails!
In this Women's Day feature, Maya (@mayaonmoney) and Mapalo (@womanandfinance) talk about how to create a budget that reflects your priorities and values, areas women need to focus on in their financial plan, and how to set up a testamentary trust...
Previous Articles
Fighting debit order fraud
A new debit order system will be made compulsory towards the end of the year, but will it make a difference in the fight against debit order fraud? Just last month, organised crime syndicates operating on a massive scale ‒ duping banking customers by debiting sums off...
How to give your child the retirement you wish you had
Most parents want to leave their children a legacy, but what if you could leave your children a secure retirement? A retirement that they never have to save a cent towards and that is completely tax free? According to Nic Andrew, executive head of investments at...
Listen: Why a balloon payment explodes your finances
Balloon payments are financial traps to entice you to buy a car you really cannot afford. Maya (@mayaonmoney) and Mapalo (@womanandfinance) explain the evils of balloon payments and offer some tips on how to settle that balloon payment hanging above your head.
On-demand credit could morph into lay-by culture
If anyone has made a purchase through online retailer Takealot recently, you would have noticed that you now have an option to finance the purchase through a loan. I don’t need to tell the readers of my website how I feel about this type of instant credit being...
Banks can no longer “set-off” your debt
A bank may no longer unilaterally transfer funds from your bank account to settle your outstanding bank debts. Two years ago, we wrote about how a Standard Bank client had money deducted from his current account to settle his outstanding credit card, without his...
Listen: The tax implications of cashing in your pension
How much tax do you save by investing into an RA? What is the tax bill when you cash out? Why is it a bad idea to use your pension to settle your debts? If you’re thinking about cashing in your retirement fund or starting one, listen to Maya (@mayaonmoney) and Mapalo...
Investments in VCCs no longer looking so attractive
By Doné Howell, Director, Head of Individuals, Trusts and Estates, BDO South Africa On Monday, National Treasury released the draft bills for public comment, which once approved will serve to effect the legislative amendments announced as part of the 2019 Budget...
Listen: Create a stokvel and start investing
From buying groceries to building wealth, Maya (@mayaonmoney) and Mapalo (@womanandfinance) discuss the evolution of stokvels and the power of collective investing.
The pros and cons of a business bank account
If you are self employed and working as a freelancer in the services industry, you may be debating whether you should work as a sole proprietor or register as a business. There are pros and cons for each, and the answer is not clear cut. I ran my business as a sole...
How to work out your electricity costs and save
By Michael Franze, managing director at Citiq Prepaid New electricity rates kicked in on 1 July, with municipal electricity tariffs increasing by around 13% to 16%. Understanding how electricity tariffs work is the first step towards taking charge of your spending....