The number of people who are currently saving is declining, research shows. Last year MasterCard conducted a survey to discern consumer purchasing priorities and the research revealed that saving is a forgone priority in an increasing amount of household budgets. The biggest barrier-to-entry in any budget for savings is the belief that there is no […]
Category Archives: Financial Planning
BUY OR RENT?
In an article published on Fin24 earlier this year, it was said that homes are expected to become less affordable this year (2014). John Loos, household and property sector strategist at FNB Home Loans, said the following: “After six years of improving residential property affordability, 2014 could be a year in which this improving affordability […]
MIND THE GAP
For those of you who have travelled on a tube in London, you’ll know the familiar sound of the lady saying “Mind the gap.” as you step on and off your tube. In fact, even if you haven’t travelled to the Big Smoke, you’ve probably heard about it. However, when people buy health cover they’re […]
HOW ARE THE MARKETS LOOKING?
Fluctuations in the markets are one of their defining characteristics. Various factors contribute to the vicissitudes of investor behaviour, both locally and globally, and many of these are psychological factors that are strongly influenced by perceptions – and an interest rate hike will surely shake the boat. It’s always good to know how your investment […]
FUEL PRICE ADVICE
What goes up must come down… except for the fuel price! A little over a week into the new month and all drivers are already feeling the weight of the escalating petrol and diesel prices. Reaching record heights last week, petrol pumps are now set at over R14 per litre (R13.95 at the coast), and […]
#BUDGET2014 – THE SKINNY
Last week Pravin Gordhan, Finance Minister to President Jacob Zuma, delivered his final budget speech for the current administration. Financial gurus, economists, financial planners and all those money-astute, sat rapt and listened with educated ears to the updated blueprints for South Africa’s future. This blog is not written with them in mind, but rather for […]
PAY SARS LESS. PAY YOURSELF MORE.
With only a few days left in the tax year, you have just enough time to make a prudent financial decision that may save you a few thousand rand on your next tax return, and earn you considerably more than that at retirement! It’s common practice amongst those astute in minimising their tax deficits and […]
WHY DO YOU NEED A FINANCIAL PLANNER?
This question crosses the minds of most people, just moments before they meet up for coffee with their financial adviser – and it’s a good question! This question can be answered in so many ways… so let’s answer it with a few questions: Would you service your own car? Would you diagnose yourself if you […]
HOW TO BUILD A STRONG INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (III)
Hindsight is 20:20; we can always view what we’ve done with a comprehensive view than before we did it. Whilst you can’t change the decisions that you’ve made, you can change the decisions that you’re going to make in the future. When building an investment portfolio, the third key consideration that you must bear in […]
HOW TO BUILD A STRONG INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (II)
THE LARGER THE GAIN, THE LARGER THE RISK For those in the southern parts of South Africa, there are rainy days ahead. Easter normally signposts the temperature drop and increased saturation in the air. Rain begins to fall, animals slow down and all too often our waistlines begin to explore the other side of the […]