One thing all financially savvy people have in common is that they have a good handle on their money. They know how much they are worth, what they spend each month and where their money is going. They have savings goals and they understand their...
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South Africans may soon be able to invest in unit trusts tax free
In an effort to improve household savings which have declined over the last fifty years from over 6% to a negative 0.05%, National Treasury has made proposals which will allow investors to invest in a range of investment products tax-free. These...
How to halve retirement costs
By restructuring the way we save for retirement we could halve the cost of retirement savings vehicles. The current model of annual fees and a lack of preservation is unnecessarily driving up retirement costs according to Anton Gildenhuys, head of...
The retail bet pays off for investors
A significant valuation gap has emerged in equities between consumer and retail sectors and resources which, according to Alexander Forbes’s Global Large Manager Watch, has resulted in divergences in returns between fund managers of over 10% in the...
What to expect when you are expecting
“What to expect when you’re expecting”, the latest American blockbuster that was released in South Africa in June this year, put the spotlight on the journey by parents-to-be as they prepare to become parents for the first time. This is both an...
FNB House Price Index low
FNB property economist John Loos gives an overview of the residential property market The FNB House Price Index showed a further slowing in its year-on-year growth rate in August, from a revised 7.8% rate in July to 6.6% in August. The further...
How financially healthy are you?
PODCAST How do you measure your financial health? By the amount you earn or the amount you save? Does your sense of financial wellness come from the car you drive and the house you live in or do you measure it by the amount of emergency savings you...
Discovery Health data shows members are getting older and sicker
This is a very interesting press release from Discovery Health that argues that medical scheme costs are being driven by higher claims as more ill people sign up for medical schemes than healthy people. Actuarial research estimates that if medical...
How to invest in risky markets
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...
Starting a property portfolio
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...
Previous Articles
What is making your medical cover more expensive?
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 inflation. While...
How to have that holiday you are “desperate” for
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 further 27% of people...
Further slump in Facebook share price presents opportunity for local investors
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 sales by some of its...
Valuing your vehicle correctly
It is important to review your vehicle insurance every year to insure that you have valued your car according to its replacement value. Insuring based on the replacement cost of your car not only saves you premiums but it is also important in the event of a write-off,...
Women and finances
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 women in general come to...
Invest in debt clearance before retirement
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 living increases, so...
How to benefit from the economic gloom
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 too optimistic in good...
Retirement savings rates fall
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,...
Managing cash flow for a small business
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...
A bank for children and their grandparents
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...