Planning Topics
Personal Finance will host its inaugural PF Money Series event, themed "Breaking Barriers: Building a Financially Inclusive South Africa." The event will take place on November 27 at Wanderers Stadium, bringing together leading voices from banking, fintech, policy, advisory, and consumer advocacy.…
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a series of public alerts warning South Africans about fraudulent individuals and entities impersonating legitimate financial service providers to solicit funds through social media and messaging platforms.The FSCA has cautioned the public…
After several difficult years, the South African property market is entering 2026 with strong momentum.A mix of interest rate stability, improving affordability and changing buyer priorities is driving the recovery that started in mid-2025.Sellers are seeing the benefits, while first-time buyers…
As electricity and water tariffs keep climbing, more South Africans are hunting for homes that cut costs and shrink their carbon footprint.Energy-efficient, eco-friendly properties are no longer a niche – they’re fast becoming the new must-have.Community housing schemes such as Sectional Title…
Money troubles don’t just empty wallets – they shape young minds. A study published by the National Library of Medicine has found that growing up in financial hardship can trigger emotional and behavioural problems in children as young as three.Researchers tracked more than 2 000 families from…
For ages, we've been sold this shiny idea that retirement is “work hard for 40 years, invest, and boom”, welcome to your reward of endless golf, beach chairs, and grandkid photos. Punch in, punch out, straight to margarita time. But honestly, that’s looking pretty outdated now, almost like a hoax.…
Moderate oil prices and a stronger rand, which pushed fuel costs lower this month, should help contain inflation.Annabel Bishop, Investec chief economist, said, given the current contained oil price and the fairly stable – at the moment – rand, there is unlikely to be a push effect on fuel for…
It’s alarming to consider the implications of South Africa’s insurance gap, and even more concerning that so many consumers have little to no insurance protection in place. This leaves them dependent on the government, family, or credit (which often leads to debt) when the unforeseen occurs,…
So, you’re finally flying solo. Whether you’re buying a car, moving into your own apartment, or starting that dream job, welcome to the world of doing your own laundry, debit orders, and… Insurance.Insurance isn’t just for ‘old people’. If you own anything of value – a car, a laptop, that all-…
South Africans battling high food and fuel costs could get some relief, if the Reserve Bank’s calculations are right.The markets will be watching Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana closely when he delivers the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on November 12.Wednesday’s budget is likely to bring…
For many South Africans, making international payments can feel like navigating a maze of regulatory requirements, confusing documentation, and uncertainty about whether everything is being done correctly. Whether it's investing offshore, purchasing property abroad, paying for education overseas,…
With the 2025 tax submission season now behind us, many South Africans living abroad may believe their tax obligations are settled for the year. However, for expatriates whose records at the South African Revenue Service (Sars) still reflect them as South African tax residents, the work may not be…
Understanding your credit score isn’t just for people taking out big loans or mortgages; it impacts everyday financial opportunities. A healthy credit score can help you qualify for better interest rates, faster approvals, and stronger protection against fraud by regularly checking your…
The 2025 DebtBusters Money-Stress Tracker reveals that South Africans over the age of 45, earning more than R20 000 a month, are facing a growing debt crisis. These individuals are now among the most financially stressed in the country, with 48% spending nearly half of their take-home pay on debt…
South Africans are juggling rising living costs, increasing debt, and constant digital noise, a combination that makes it harder to stay focused on long-term financial goals. As a result, distraction has become a major barrier to progress, often leading to short-term decisions that weaken savings,…
Black Friday has become a cultural phenomenon in South Africa, a retail ritual that promises unbeatable deals and thrilling midnight hunts. But beneath the glittering discounts lies a sobering reality: for many households, this annual shopping spree is a financial trap disguised as opportunity.…
In an increasingly interconnected yet uncertain world, South African investors face a unique set of challenges. Local market volatility, political risks, and the persistent threat of a weaker currency have led many people to look beyond our borders for security and growth. However, offshore…
Do you have questions about your last will and testament? David Thomson, Senior Legal Adviser at Sanlam Trust, answers some of the key questions South Africans have raised with Sanlam during Wills Month.He says that with two-thirds of South Africans (66%) not having a will (according to the…
Here’s a question for young working South Africans. What is your most valuable asset? No, it’s not your property, and it’s not your retirement savings. It’s you.Unless you are in retirement or close to retiring, your ability to work and earn an income is more valuable than the assets you have…
Single motherhood is becoming the norm in South Africa, with 42.3% of households headed by women. But with the cost of raising a child hitting R1.6 million and women's unemployment at 35.9%, financial planning has become a matter of survival.Gerda van der Linde, Verso Wealth MD, says she and the…