Planning Topics

Disability insurance is a complex and technical area of financial planning that requires more than a cursory glance at your policy wording. With ever-evolving product designs, technical definitions, and a growing number of insurers entering the market, navigating this area can be particularly…

The explosion of credit cards and in-store credit facilities resulted in a decline in non-credit payment methods for big-ticket items. There was the popular lay-by system, where the store kept an item for you until you had paid it off over a few weeks or months. I also remember many stores offering…

‘The Man who says he can, and the man who says he cannot. Both are correct. Source: Confucius, a Chinese philosopher whose teachings became integrated into Confucianism, which taught personal morality and correctness of social relationships.1. We all accept that people’s circumstances and resources…

South Africans have long grappled with low savings levels, high consumer debt, and increasing financial pressure. As July marks National Savings Month, it serves as an opportune time to reflect on the importance of disciplined saving, not as a luxury for the privileged few, but as a financial…

You know it’s tax season when there’s a rise in the old ‘death and taxes’ humour. But this year’s biggest clue has been the media hype around Sars’ artificial intelligence-driven tactics to enforce tax collections. The South African fiscus needs money, in a country where only 7.4 million (12…

Financial planning is a lifelong journey that shifts in focus with each stage of life, from childhood and schooling to early adulthood, midlife responsibilities, and then, retirement. Hayley Parry, Money Coach and Facilitator at 1Life’s Truth About Money, says it’s vital to distinguish between…

Have you ever been asked to submit your payslip by a prospective employer, before you’ve even sat down for the interview? For many South Africans, it’s a routine (and often frustrating) part of the job search. But that could soon change.The recently tabled Fair Pay Bill aims to put an end to this…

While the first quarter of 2025 saw the Consumer Confidence Index drop, South Africans can build their financial resilience by sharpening their saving strategies and taking control of their financial futures. Consumers must turn the current economic uncertainty into an opportunity to build…

While the first quarter of 2025 saw the Consumer Confidence Index drop, South Africans can build their financial resilience by sharpening their saving strategies and taking control of their financial futures.  Consumers must turn the current economic uncertainty into an opportunity to build…

In the town of Mthatha, a week of unprecedented rainfall has left a trail of devastation: More than 100 lives lost, thousands displaced, and roads and public infrastructure washed away. The true economic loss of the Mthatha disaster, however, is not known yet.  But one thing is for sure – it…

Many South Africans who can’t afford traditional medical aid still understand the importance of protecting themselves and their families against the high cost of emergency medical care. As a result, more people are turning to more affordable medical insurance products as practical alternatives,…

The digital transformation of financial services has introduced unparalleled convenience, with mobile apps, QR payments, and online onboarding now the norm. But as South Africans embrace these innovations, a silent threat is growing in tandem: cyber-enabled financial fraud.The…

In a significant win for taxpayers on the South African Revenue Service’s (Sars) “narrow” approach to the ability to claim input Value-Added Tax (VAT), the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) recently ruled in favour of Woolworths Holdings (Woolworths), the group holding company, affirming its right…

Those investing for the long term can generally expect a smoother investment experience, provided they maintain emotional discipline. Knowing you’re committed to a longer investment horizon helps you manage inevitable market fluctuations with patience, consistency, and composure. In this article,…

Continuation funds, otherwise known as GP-led secondaries, have become a key investment trend in the private equity landscape, accounting for between 45 to 60% of all global secondary market deal flow in each of the last five years.Of the record total of $160 billion worth of secondaries deals…

When it comes to tax season, there are three types of people: the proactive (they know what to do and get on it fast); the procrastinator (they know what to do but leave it to the 11th hour); and the panicker, who is not sure what to do and hopes that if they ignore it, it might go away.This year’s…

Providing timely and appropriate assistance to consumers, particularly those residing in rural areas or who are economically vulnerable, can significantly curtail complaints relating to financial products and services.This is according to Reana Steyn, chief executive officer and head ombud of the…

Legacy has always mattered. For generations, it was often referred to as what was passed down, a home, a family name, assets, or even a business. As Youth Month draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to ask: what kind of legacy are we creating?A shift is being seen across the country. Legacy is no…

Saving money might seem like a daunting task, especially if you're aiming to achieve long-term goals such as buying a home, funding your children’s education, or retiring comfortably. However, much like building a house, financial success isn’t built overnight; similar to the discipline you apply…

With growing attention on the country’s youth, some may be wondering whether the concept of property ownership is still accessible to this vital demographic today. The short answer is yes.Although young people are entering the property market later than in previous years, data indicates that they…