Planning Topics
The start to 2025 saw a notable shift in market conditions, with volatility proving to be the only constant. Recent months serve as a stark reminder of how unpredictable markets can be, particularly in the face of geopolitical tensions, changing monetary policies, and broader macroeconomic…
In a tightening economy, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) is under increasing pressure to collect every cent it can to shore up the South African fiscus. While many compliant businesses play by the rules, it is becoming clear that some large corporations are pushing the envelope too…
In 2025, South African millennials face a unique financial crossroads. Despite being one of the most digitally connected and financially aware generations, many still hesitate to invest due to persistent myths and misconceptions. With traditional savings accounts sometimes offering returns that…
Shares and derivatives each have their distinct place in investing. Understanding the differences between these two financial instruments can help investors use these products effectively to reach their financial goals. Shares An easy way to understand what shares are is to think about…
A Will is not just a piece of paper. It’s a legal document that shapes how your estate is handled, how your family is supported after your death, and how your final wishes are carried out, according to Karen McMurray, Wills product manager at FNB.But unless, she says, it meets strict legal…
As National Savings Month coincides with the opening of the South African Revenue Service’s (Sars) tax season, Afri Training Institute is calling on employers to treat financial literacy as a strategic business tool. According to general manager Sandra Pretorius, too many companies underestimate…
It seems that everyone has a story to tell about insurance companies seemingly trying to get out of settling claims.One recent one involved someone who was hijacked. If that isn’t traumatic enough, the jacker then went on a joy ride around the Alexandra township, near Sandton in Johannesburg,…
Debt may seem like a means to an end – a necessary part of modern life. But for many, it’s more than just money owed. Debt is a weight that holds you back, a chain that limits your freedom, and a slow drain on your financial future. The harsh reality is that every rand of debt you carry…
In spite of heightened global tensions and local squabbling within the GNU, investors, especially in local assets, fared surprisingly well in the second quarter to the end of June. When one would have expected equity markets to buckle under the various pressures they were facing, including an…
Leaving an inheritance to minor children requires careful planning, especially when it comes to selecting appropriate vehicles, structuring beneficiary nominations, and complying with legislation. In the absence of property planning, your children’s inheritance could end up in the hands of…
South Africans are no strangers to online scams. From dodgy emails promising instant riches to fake investment groups on WhatsApp, we've seen them all. But a new scam is doing the rounds that should have everyone on high alert. This time, it’s not just fake profiles or phony schemes. It’s deepfake…
The global financial services sector is developing at a fast pace, with growing competition among providers leading to a flood of new products. While this creates more choice for investors, it also adds to the complexity. In many cases, the sheer volume of options makes it harder, not…
Let’s face it, for most of us, money has felt tighter than ever. Whether it’s rising costs, unexpected bills, or just trying to stretch each rand a little further, many South Africans are navigating a season where ‘just making it work’ is a daily mantra. And yet, through resourcefulness, discipline…
After a little more than a year into my role as Metropolitan’s chief marketing officer, I have started to think a lot differently about death and the business of death. Coming from an FMCG environment, the transition to the services sector, specifically funeral and life insurance, has been…
For South Africans seeking access to quality private healthcare, medical aid continues to be a crucial component. However, it is simply no longer enough on its own. The reality is that, even on the most comprehensive plans, members are increasingly subject to co-payments and medical expense…
Education is one of the most important investments parents can make, but also one of the most expensive. Whether your child is in preschool or preparing for university, the cost of education is rising steadily every year. Life insurance might seem like a practical way to plan for the unexpected,…
Sanlam Credit Solutions has unveiled its 2025 Credit Confidence Index, revealing a marked generational divide in South Africa’s credit behaviour, debt management, and financial confidence. Based on data from over 818,000 active users, the findings highlight critical insights…
Effective estate planning means fully utilising the available mechanisms to structure your affairs and transfer wealth seamlessly to your loved ones. Like a cog in a well-oiled machine, each element must work in harmony to achieve your specific succession objectives. Here we unpack several…
With the 2025 tax filing season underway, taxpayers and registered tax practitioners are urged to exercise heightened vigilance amid a rise in scams and fraudulent schemes targeting the process, according to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica).Saica says criminal…
South Africans remain notably satisfied with their life insurers, according to the newly published research from the University of Pretoria (UP).The first-ever Life Insurance Customer Experience (CE) Index for 2024/2025 paints a largely favourable picture of the industry, which achieved a…