If the current coronavirus crisis has taught us anything it is to make sure our investments are diversified. When it comes to investing in financial assets, we ensure diversification by investing in funds that provide exposure to local and offshore...
Listen: You’re not broke, just pre-rich
Maya Fisher-FrenchJun 12, 2020
Due to an urgent personal situation, Maya (@mayaonmoney) and Mapalo (@womanandfinance) were unable to record a podcast this week. However, we share with you this excellent discussion we had last year about taking a different perspective on how we...
Bounced debit orders will be very costly
Maya Fisher-FrenchJun 11, 2020
Bank customers will have a nasty surprise if they allow their debit orders to bounce. When Anil contacted his medical scheme to cancel his premium as he knew he had no funds, he discovered it was too late. The debit order went off and Standard Bank...
Money Makeover: Use a side gig to meet those money goals
Maya Fisher-FrenchJun 10, 2020
A side gig where you offer your skills or services can be a great way to earn some extra cash to settle debts, start investing, or provide for those luxuries. However before you start, you need to do your homework and make sure you understand...
Decades of turmoil in half a year
Guest AuthorJun 9, 2020
The year is not yet halfway through, but it feels as if decades of turmoil have been compressed into it already. By Izak Odendaal and Dave Mohr, Investment Strategists at Old Mutual Wealth As the clock struck midnight on 31 December, apocalyptic...
Investing in a structured product
Maya Fisher-FrenchJun 8, 2020
Technology has made investing via a structured product more accessible to the average retail investor. With the economic fallout expected from COVID-19, investors have either seen their portfolios seriously hurt or are too afraid to enter the...
Listen: Money Makeover: How to invest in property
Maya Fisher-FrenchJun 5, 2020
Have you fallen into property investing by accident? Are you an existing property investor looking to consolidate, or planning on buying your first property? In this podcast Maya (@mayaonmoney) chats to Miguel Martins of Absa Home Loans, a property...
Temporary change to living annuity drawdown percentages
Guest AuthorJun 4, 2020
By Jenny Gordon, Head: Technical Advice Investments, Product and Enablement at Alexander Forbes From 1 June to 30 September 2020, retirees with a living annuity will be able to draw down between 0.5% and 20% of the asset value of their living...
Video: When to use the budget facility on your credit card
Maya Fisher-FrenchJun 2, 2020
If you are a regular watcher of Money Matters you will know that the best way to manage a credit card is to pay it off in full at the end of each month. A credit card acts as a revolving loan. If you are only paying off the minimum instalment...
Loan scheme now available for small businesses
Maya Fisher-FrenchJun 1, 2020
National Treasury recently announced that it had provided a guarantee of R100bn to banks to provide additional funding for small businesses. This will be increased to R200bn if it is necessary and the Scheme is successful. “This guaranteed loan...

Previous Articles
Listen: Getting into gold
May 29, 2020
In line with our theme on alternative asset classes, in this week’s podcast Maya (@mayaonmoney) and Mapalo (@womanandfinance) discuss investing in gold. Is gold a good investment? What role should it play in your portfolio and how do you go about investing in gold ‒...
COVID-19 covered by all medical plans
May 28, 2020
The Council for Medical Schemes has confirmed that COVID-19 falls under the prescribed minimum benefits as defined in the Medical Schemes Act. According to Neil Kirby, Director and Head of the Healthcare & Life Sciences practice at Werksmans Attorneys, the effect...
Money Makeover: Lessons in planning a successful property portfolio
May 27, 2020
Like many ad-hoc property investors, Colen has largely fallen into property investment by accident, grabbing opportunities as they arose. He has built a property portfolio of five properties which has put him under financial pressure. His Money Makeover journey has...
Video: Where to invest that extra cash
May 26, 2020
Busang wrote to say that he has no debt and R600 extra each month that he wants to start investing for the long term. He wanted to know which unit trust or exchange-traded fund would be the best option. For anyone who is starting to save or invest, you need to decide...
Slumping economy, surging stock market– what’s going on?
May 25, 2020
While tens of millions of Americans were losing their jobs, the stock market in April produced its best monthly return in over 30 years. Sean Markowicz, strategist in the Research and Analytics division at Schroders, looks at what’s behind this apparent disconnect....
Listen: Diversify your investments through cattle
May 22, 2020
Investors are increasingly looking to non-financial assets to provide further diversification. We have previously discussed Fedgroup Impact Farming, where investors can buy into farming of beehives, blueberries and even solar energy. We have also written about...
What to do if your debt counsellor goes AWOL
May 21, 2020
If your debt counsellor is not registered, or not contactable, or not providing you the required service, then you can transfer to another debt counsellor. All you have to do is approach a new debt counsellor and complete the application form. It will then take about...
Active versus passive during COVID-19 market turbulence
May 20, 2020
By David Shochot, CEO: Stylo Investments Proponents of active management argue that this style of investing adds value in a bear market. They argue that with sharp market falls and with asset price volatility, the flexibility of an active manager to move in and out of...
Video: What is considered a good credit score?
May 19, 2020
Say you have been working hard at improving your credit score by settling outstanding debts and you are now paid up and you want to buy a house or a car. How long before that reflects on your credit score to the extent that you are now considered a “good risk”? We...
Premium relief on medical schemes unlikely
May 18, 2020
Don’t expect a blanket premium relief, but if you are struggling, contact your medical scheme for options. If you are struggling to meet your medical scheme contribution this month, don’t hold out for a blanket offering of a premium waiver. Medical schemes pay out on...








