This week I was chatting to my independent financial adviser who told me that the majority of the claims he handles these days relate to critical illness. He says the claims for serious illnesses like cancer and heart attacks have escalated among...
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How to stick to your financial resolutions
The secret to a successful resolution is to keep it simple and to break it down to something manageable. Financial change starts one step at a time. Instead of saying “I am going to be debt free,” rather select one debt that you are committed to...
Does your family think your employer will provide?
Recently the MD of a small company asked me if I thought they should provide employee benefits such as life cover and retirement funding for their employees. Currently the company leaves that entirely to each employee to sort out for themselves....
Why sorting out your paperwork should be a New Year’s resolution
I often receive emails from people who are trying to locate their pension benefits from an employer several years after they have resigned, and I often wonder how people lose track of their money – that is until this week. Over the last few years I...
The story of a scam
Almost every week we receive emails from people who have been caught out in a scam. There are so many rogues out there using charm and manipulation on desperate people looking for better returns. Tammy is one such victim and she kindly, and...
Better to own a car or to simply Uber?
If you are looking for ways to save in 2017, you might want to consider tossing your car and Ubering instead. MyTreasury.co.za, which helps South Africans find the best savings account to match their needs, crunched the numbers to see when it makes...
How to evaluate your current retirement annuity
By Tracy Jensen, Chief Product Architect at 10X Investments A retirement annuity (or RA) is a pension fund for individuals, and one of the ways to save for retirement. In principle, it is a voluntary, tax-efficient savings tool to help you achieve...
Why save for a holiday when you can borrow?
We’ve lost the plot when it comes to borrowing and saving Recently I had a conversation with a young woman who, along with her husband, is under debt review. She told me that they had just let their lifestyle get ahead of them – they bought a...
Why does a 13th cheque not give me double my usual take-home pay?
By Cathie Webb, Director, South African Payroll Association As the Christmas season approaches, some lucky employees will be looking forward to a bonus or a 13th cheque. Frequently, however, people express surprise that their 13th cheque doesn’t...
Five ways to spot a top wealth management business
By Roger Eskinazi, head of wealth management, AlphaWealth I have spent 25 years working in wealth management, many of these for some of the most reputable companies. They all claim to have the best people, a proprietary investment process,...
Previous Articles
Investing Demystified Part 5: Implementing the Investing Demystified portfolio
Lars Kroijer, author of Investing Demystified and a former hedge fund manager, has created a five-video series to explain investing, why you can’t beat the market, and why that fact is important. So if you don’t have the time to read his 200-page book, these videos...
How to select the right medical plan for your needs
If you are considering moving medical schemes or looking to take out a medical scheme plan for the first time, you need to consider the viability of the scheme as a whole and then select the plan that best suits your needs. The health of the scheme Jill Larkan, head...
Spouses need to review their finances
Changes to the taxation of estates could leave a surviving spouse with a hefty tax bill. Last month the Davis Tax Committee (DTC) issued an update on its tax recommendations especially around so-called “death taxes”. Some of the key recommendations are to remove...
Teamwork could lower our medical costs
Medical practitioners need to be incentivised to keep us well, rather than getting paid just when we are sick. Three weeks ago my son cut his finger badly and it needed to be professionally bandaged and assessed for stitches. I popped down to my doctor’s rooms and...
Fears around Trump’s victory: a ‘storm in a teacup’?
By Lesiba Mothata, Chief Economist – Investment Solutions It is not often that the effects of an election can be directly observable in financial markets. This time around, however, the US election and the related ascent of Donald Trump to US President-elect was...
Why we’re paying so much more for medical cover
As long as medical claims outstrip premiums collected, our premiums will keep rising. This year most medical scheme members will see premium increases well above inflation with the industry average hovering around 11%. Depending on your scheme option, some members...
Investing Demystified Part 2: You can’t beat markets
Lars Kroijer, author of Investing Demystified and a former hedge fund manager, has created a five-video series to explain investing, why you can’t beat the market, and why that fact is important. So if you don’t have the time to read his 200-page book, these videos...
An overseas trip doesn’t need to break the credit card
I recently returned from an overseas trip that I started planning nine months ahead of time. I used the time to plan, budget and make sure that when I returned from my well-deserved break that there would be no scary credit card bills to deal with. One of the benefits...
Why you may unnecessarily be paying the equivalent of 7 Porsches to the finance industry over your working life
Lars Kroijer, author of Investing Demystified and a former hedge fund manager, has created a five-video series to explain investing, why you can’t beat the market, and why that fact is important. So if you don’t have the time to read his 200-page book, these videos...
Should a wife have her own financial adviser?
Last month I spoke at a women’s day event held by Alexander Forbes about the importance of women, especially married women, having their own financial affairs in order. The most interesting part for me was speaking to the many women after the event who came to share...