Every time we open the newspaper, switch on the radio or watch TV we are inundated by information on the imminent collapse of Europe and the impact it will have on global growth. As a result stock markets across the world are extremely volatile so...
Isaac shows how with discipline and a goal it is possible to build up a portfolio of properties on a limited salary that will one day pay you an income. It is important however to make sure that you do not over extend yourself and risk losing your...
The recent challenge by members of Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) around the administrative charges on their medical scheme highlights the pressure that individuals are feeling due to rising healthcare costs which are increasing well above...
According to Piet Viljoen of valuation-based asset manager RE:CM, investors need to be well informed about the risks associated with money market investments. The primary objectives of a money market fund are capital protection and provision of...
A recent survey conducted by Groupon South Africa found that while people are desperate to go on holiday over 50% said they simply cannot afford it as holiday accommodation is too expensive and the current tough economy is holding them back. A...
Shares in social networking giant Facebook have continued to extend their losses since its poorly received initial public offering (IPO) in May 2012. Already down 45% on the listing price, there are fears that the lifting of a lock-in on stock...
To some people hedge funds are unfathomable investments which grab international headlines when risky bets result in a sticky end. In South Africa however hedge funds and hedging strategies are mostly used to protect investors’ capital. We look how...
By Samantha Matthew, Investment analyst, Glacier by Sanlam In the last few decades women have made strides in almost every facet of life – from politics, to education and the workplace - no longer content to sit in the background; we have seen...
Pieter van Zyl, Director at FinFive, shares his view on why debt clearance is the first step in a solid investment strategy In today’s uncertain economic environment, planning for your financial future has never been more important. As the cost of...
Dr Adrian Saville, Chief Investment Officer of Cannon Asset Managers, explains how investors can make the most of an unhappy economic outlook One of the greatest enemies of successful investing is emotion. In making an investment decision, being...
“I have an extra R300 that I want to invest with Satrix as a debit order. Is this the right time to invest now and which Satrix fund should I chose?” asks Stanley. Maya replies: The world is a challenging place at the moment and we will see far more volatile returns...
Structured funds that guarantee investors’ capital tend to be very popular after a market crash. Typically investors that get caught up in the market hype have full exposure to the equity markets and therefore suffer heavy losses when the markets fall. Investors then...
A recent study by Alexander Forbes suggests that today’s average 40 year old will have 30% less funds in retirement than the previous generation due to lower market returns, longevity and lower savings rates relative to income. The Alexander Forbes Pensions Index,...
James is an estate agent who focuses on both commercial and residential property leasing and sales. He recently moved from Durban and started his own agency in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. “I have a challenging situation. I have no cash flow and as a result...
Bidvest Bank’s offering is perfect both for the young and old. Grandparents often want to open a bank account for their grandchildren to encourage them to save. The problem with many existing products is that there is always a monthly bank fee that eats into the...
One of the questions I am often asked by self-employed people is how to budget. Most self-employed people tend to live in a world of feast or famine. When times are tough they skimp, beg and borrow, but when times are good they spend like the good times will never...
At the moment estate agents are calling this a buyers’ market as property prices have come off their highs and interest rates are at historic lows. However many young first-time buyers are not able to take advantage of favourable market conditions due to the fact that...
My brother is my hero, for the simple reason that every day, as a small business owner, he makes a difference. Three years ago he made a massive leap of faith by leaving his employer to start his own business, today he employs six people and has a turnover in excess...
Most people only realise they are blacklisted when they apply for credit. A credit provider is very unlikely to provide further credit if you have unpaid bills, if you were unable to pay your last debts, what is the chance you will be able to pay now? Riana Steyn says...
A sense of disquiet has been growing among independent financial advisers around the pricing of certain investment products sold by tied agents. When a product’s cost structure makes it virtually impossible to beat a cash rate or when other equally good solutions...