We’re almost at the middle of the year! Some will look forward and see the potential stashed away in the seven months that lie ahead, but others will look at the five months passed and be overwhelmed by how little they’ve accomplished. Perhaps you had such a motivated two weeks in January where you felt […]

Women submit more critical illness claims than men. RISKSA published an online article that shed some light on an area of financial planning that appears to be largely overlooked, or at least, underestimated. A key consideration for every financial portfolio is to insure your most valuable asset – your ability to earn an income. Traditionally […]

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 […]

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 […]

Economists are not positive about the growth of investments this year as they foresee a tighter budgetary approach from investors who are feeling the pinch of rising costs. This means that all of us should be doing whatever we can to engage with our monthly spending plans and pull back on unnecessary costs. With that […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]