Planning Topics
As financial pressures intensify across South Africa, a growing number of households are experiencing the profound personal and societal effects of sustained financial strain. Beyond tightening budgets, it erodes confidence, focus, and well-being, influencing how people think, feel, and behave when…
From our homes to our cars and livelihoods, insurance is meant to safeguard the things that matter most to us. However, many South Africans still misunderstand what that protection really includes. These misconceptions around cover can create a false sense of security, only to surface as costly…
Many South African senior citizens have spent decades working hard, saving diligently, and investing wisely to build a secure financial future. Retirement should be a time to enjoy the fruits of their labour without the looming threat of financial loss due to fraud, according to Chris Boxall, FNB…
Today’s investment landscape is increasingly complex for South African investors, amid heightened market volatility and political uncertainty. Offshore investing remains a critically relevant strategy for preserving and growing wealth while managing risk. Diversifying beyond South African borders…
As South Africa prepared for another major shopping weekend, RCS warned that this year’s Black Friday brought with it a new wave of digital deception.With International Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November) also approaching, the company urged shoppers to stay alert for AI-driven scams, deepfakes,…
Every November, the global spotlight turns to men’s health, and Sanlam’s latest claims data delivers a sobering wake-up call for local men. In 2024, individual prostate cancer claims doubled, making it one of the group’s fastest-rising severe illness claims. This Movember,…
The South African Revenue Services’ (Sars) provisional sequestration of Roy Muleya, sole director of a company with a tax liability of about R155 million, underscores the serious consequences of tax non-compliance, as confirmed by the North Gauteng High Court on 29 October 2025. This most…
The South African government is on the cusp of introducing a significant legislative change that could transform the landscape for suppliers of testing services. Proposed amendments to the Value-Added Tax Act no. 89 of 1991 (VAT Act) aim to broaden the scope of zero-rated transactions, specifically…
The National Financial Ombud (NFO) has urged consumers to resist the temptation to overspend and fall into a “financial hangover”.This comes as South Africans prepare for Black Friday on November 28.While the shopping day promises massive discounts, the NFO warned that swiping too freely can leave…
Thousands of South Africans who previously worked in the United Kingdom may be eligible for UK State Pension benefits worth millions of rands, but remain unaware of their entitlement. A little-known provision in UK law allows individuals to purchase missing years of National Insurance contributions…
As inflation remains elevated and market volatility persists, many retirees face difficult choices about when and how much to draw from their retirement savings. With longevity increasing and investment returns volatile, South Africans must balance immediate financial needs with the sustainability…
If you were to ask ten people where they get their financial advice, chances are you’d hear ten very different answers. From a friend at work who “knows about investing”, to a cousin who once made money trading crypto, to the endless stream of “finance hacks” on social media, it can…
Whether you are saving for retirement, a rainy day fund, or a future goal, the most important step is getting into the habit of saving. Six habits to adopt when you are saving for retirement We hear so often that we are not saving enough for retirement. People also quote statistics such…
The MSG Advocacy Coalition (a growing collective of NGOs and researchers) has called for a swift approval of a Maternal Support Grant (MSG).This comes after the coalition says the Department of Social Development’s proposed Maternal Support Grant (MSG), a monthly cash transfer to pregnant women for…
As South Africa celebrates the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) this October, it’s clear that retirement is no longer the final curtain but the start of a powerful second act. With rising living costs, longer life expectancy, and evolving career paths, many South Africans are embracing…
A global audience of more than 2,500, many of them eager bidders, is expected to join two major online auction sessions hosted today by Bassani’s Auction House, the powerhouse of South African numismatics.Banknotes, rare coins, and investment-grade gold worth between R8 million and R10 million are…
South Africa’s major banks are closing physical branches and ATMs at an unprecedented rate. Standard Bank, for example, has reduced its branch footprint by 42% since 2017, while Absa, FNB, and Nedbank have also scaled back operations. The industry is clearly moving…
South African consumers are no longer waiting until the last week of November to hunt for bargains. With Black Friday now a month-long event, shoppers start eyeing deals as early as October. Larger retailers are expected to roll out bigger-ticket offers earlier, too. While this may pull some…
While celebrity breakups often make for sensational reading, they also serve as powerful reminders of the legal complexities that many South Africans overlook amid the excitement of impending nuptials.The festive season is not only a time for family and celebration but also a period when many…
The process of offshore investing seems intimidating to many people, but the reality is far less complex than it seems.In an increasingly globalised economy, South Africans are turning to offshore investments to increase their earning potential, while diversifying their portfolios and hedging…