Articles

Financial Advice

The C-word

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. One day, everything’s running smoothly – you’re hitting your stride at work, the …

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Black Friday: Spend with Intention, Save with Purpose

Black Friday often arrives in a flurry of “limited offers” and “must-have” deals, but from my perspective, true value isn’t found in the rush. Just …

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Learning to Swim in the Global Investment Pool: Your Offshore Deep Dive

In our ever-changing global economy and shrinking choice of investment opportunities on the JSE, diversification is key to a robust investment strategy. One question that …

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Let’s engage with your story

As we navigate the new political landscape with the Government of National Unity, I’m sure we’re all considering how these changes will affect our personal …

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Leaving a Legacy: The Importance of a Well-Crafted Will

Have you ever thought about what would happen to your loved ones if you were no longer here? It’s a difficult question, but one that …

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The Evolution and Value of Financial Advice

It’s interesting how the world of financial advice has evolved. Remember when advisers used to hang their hats on picking the hottest funds or boasting …

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It’s important to check in

As a financial planner and wealth manager, I’ve often emphasised that our role extends beyond crunching numbers and offering investment advice. Those who’ve known me …

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The Ballad of Golden Means: A South African Tale

In Mzansi’s realm, where Rand holds sway supreme, From Cape to Limpopo’s lush domain, The call of wealth, a tantalising dream, Resounds through city streets …

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Why we may never have ‘enough’

Let’s be honest, constantly chasing after more wealth can sometimes feel like a cruel game of trying to catch the horizon. Just when you think you’ve …

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The True Value of Financial Planning: A Personal Journey

As a financial planner, often I’m asked about the tangible benefits I bring to my clients. It’s a fair question, one that I’ve come to …

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The balance of heart and mind in financial contentment

Navigating the intricate dance of financial planning isn’t just about numbers and figures for me; it’s a delicate blend of analytical prowess and an intuitive …

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Equipping kids with financial literacy skills

Parents have the profound responsibility and privilege of shaping their children’s relationship with money. In a world where financial literacy is very often lacking, equipping …

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From Rugby Stardom to New Horizons: Bryan Habana’s Inspiring Reinvention

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, the taste of victory – these were the lifeblood that fuelled rugby legend Bryan Habana …

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Retirement needs to be revisited

70 is the new 60! We live in an era where longevity is increasing, and living costs are surging; the traditional concept of retiring at …

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Crafting a life rich with purpose

It’s clear that we need to rethink, revisit, and recalibrate the way in which we prepare for retirement—not only financially, but socially and emotionally as …

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The essential interplay of love and money

Love and money—two forces that drive our lives in profoundly different ways. While one fills our hearts, the other fuels our ambitions. But what happens …

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How will your assets be distributed?

Estate planning is a vital process that involves preparing for the transfer of a person’s assets and responsibilities after their death. While the fundamental principles …

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Fostering healthier relationships through intentional conversations

“How will they react?” “Will this ruin our relationship?” We all have thoughts like this when we are faced with the inevitability of a tough …

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Financial planning mistakes to avoid

Financial planning is a lot like setting out on a journey—it requires foresight, preparation, and smart decision-making. However, amidst the hustle of daily life, it’s …

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One step at a time: The importance of direction in personal growth

We’ve all heard the saying, “One step at a time.” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. …

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Retirement and your healthcare needs

When most people think about retirement planning, they focus on saving enough money to maintain their lifestyle and pursue their dreams. However, there’s one critical …

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The No-Complaints Diet: Awareness and Acceptance

In a world filled with challenges and imperfections, it’s easy to fall into the trap of complaining. We complain about our jobs, our relationships, our …

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Maximising your money with tax optimisation

Paying taxes is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be smart about it. By understanding our country’s tax system and …

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The power of goal-setting

When it comes to financial planning, setting clear and well-defined goals is a crucial first step. Without a destination in mind, it’s easy to get …

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The power of Conceive, Believe, Achieve

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” This famous quote by Henry Ford encapsulates the incredible power our minds have in …

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Tackling financial challenges as a team

In the shared journey of financial management within a relationship, it’s essential to identify the actual challenge: the financial situation, not your partner. Disagreements over …

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Sometimes, the best action is inaction

Many investors are drawn to the fast-paced world of buying low and selling high, chasing the thrill of timing the market for quick profits. Yet, …

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Smashing the invisible barriers

When we contemplate our financial goals, the journey often seems straightforward until we encounter invisible barriers that keep us from reaching our full potential. These …

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The Solomon Paradox

Imagine possessing wisdom so profound that it becomes legendary, guiding nations and solving the most intricate disputes, yet finding oneself ensnared in personal quandaries with …

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Coaching and financial planning

Financial well-being is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about how we approach our finances, understanding our behaviours, and align our actions with our deepest …

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Two lessons for investors

In the journey of personal finance, where the currents of market trends and economic forecasts constantly shift beneath our feet, two principles stand as beacons …

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When pausing becomes productive

Crafting a life that balances action with introspection, peace with productivity, is an art form in itself. In moments of stress or uncertainty, turning to …

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Safeguarding your family wealth with a trust

In the intricate realm of financial planning, trusts emerge as a beacon of strategic estate management, offering a tailored approach to safeguarding family wealth and …

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Navigating the Financial Landscape of Ageing

A Modern Approach to Wise Financial Planning With healthcare and lifestyle improvements leading to longer lifespans, it’s essential to align financial planning with this new …

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Embracing emotional honesty

In a world that often glorifies the “stay positive” mantra, it’s easy to fall into the trap of toxic positivity — the belief that no …

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Balancing our need for control

At the heart of financial planning lies a universal truth: we plan to gain control over the unforeseen and to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence. …

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Smaller, manageable chunks, today

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to push aside the administrative tasks that seem daunting or time-consuming. Yet, when tax season …

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Get stuck, get strong!

In every life, there will inevitably come times when we find ourselves at a standstill, facing challenges that seem insurmountable. It’s during these moments, when …

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Courage: The catalyst for personal and financial transformation

In the journey of life, courage is often the unsung hero that propels us toward change and growth. It\’s the force that challenges us to …

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Don’t count the days; make them count!

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it\’s easy to fall into the routine of counting days, waiting for the weekend, holidays or the …

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The ripple effect of change

Change, a constant companion in our journey through life, often becomes a focal point as we transition into a new year. However, its principles are …

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It’s the steady hand on the tiller

In the insightful words of Nick Murray, \”All financial success comes from acting on a plan. A lot of financial failure comes from reacting to …

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Revitalising your planning approach

At any moment during the year, finding the space to pause and reflect is more than just a breather; it\’s a chance for a transformative …

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The integral role of tax planning in financial strategy

When it comes to shaping a robust financial plan, understanding and preparing for the complexities of tax planning is crucial. Tax considerations play a pivotal …

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The only list you have to worry about

“He\’s making a list, and checking it twice; Gonna find out who\’s naughty and nice.” You’ve probably heard that line once or twice, right? For …

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Riding the waves of financial uncertainty

In the vast ocean of financial management, money anxiety often feels like an unending series of waves. Sometimes, these waves are gentle, nudging us towards …

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The Power of ‘Get To’ Over ‘Have To’

Life only seems to get busier – no matter how hard we try to slow things down. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of …

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The relationships we cherish and celebrate

In the rhythmic and deceptively unpredictable day-in and day-out of our calendars, there are moments when our wallets feel significantly lighter. The end of the …

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Less scrolling, more strolling

Screens dominate much of our waking hours. There\’s a growing need to disconnect from the virtual and reconnect with the tangible world around us. The …

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Don’t bank on it being the bank…

How to Recognize and Respond to Email Fraud In a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, email fraud has become a pervasive threat, with scammers …

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Where habits and wealth intersect

Our daily existence is a series of patterns and habits, some as visible as the paths we walk, others as intimate as the thoughts we …

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Finding playtime in your planning

When we think of financial planning, things can get serious way too fast — a far cry from the carefree essence of playtime. However, the …

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How do you express stress with your money?

We\’ve all been there: that moment when life throws you a curveball and stress builds up. Your palms might get sweaty, your heart rate spikes, …

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Your assets should fulfil your ‘why’

Financial planning, for most people, brings to mind a labyrinth of paperwork and the perpetual agony of tracking every dime and dollar. It\’s no surprise, …

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Threat, Stress, and Trauma: The unspoken influences on your money personality

Have you ever wondered why some financial decisions are harder to make than others? It\’s not always just about the numbers or the facts laid …

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Time, the ultimate wealth-building asset

The secret of wealth-building that often goes unnoticed is not just how we manage our money, but how we manage our time.  Time is a …

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Understanding the role of culture in your financial journey

You\’re looking for more than a number-cruncher when seeking integrated financial planning services. This is because you\’re essentially seeking a partner in a very critical …

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Closing the Behavior Gap: Navigating emotional money mistakes and asset allocation

How often have you found yourself making impulsive decisions about your investments based on headlines or peer pressure? Maybe you’ve even shifted your entire asset …

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Rewiring your financial mindset (II)

Socratic Questioning and Guided Imagery In our previous blog, we discussed how cognitive distortions can influence your decision-making, emotions, and, ultimately, your financial well-being. In …

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Rewiring your financial mindset (I)

The Psychology of Financial Planning Have you ever found yourself spiralling down a mental rabbit hole, arriving at a worrying conclusion about your finances without …

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Entertained or educated?

Our lives are saturated with information, so it\’s important to scrutinise what we consume, especially when it comes to financial news and our use of …

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Costs, Delays, and Challenges of Estate Administration

The emotional toll of losing a loved one leaves us unprepared for the logistical labyrinth that follows: the administration of their estate. Navigating this complex …

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Finding the truth in a \”My Truth\” world

The lines between personal beliefs and universal truths often blur, and the role of a financial planner becomes ever more critical. As we wade through …

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Down with debt!

Debt can be overwhelming, often feeling like a never-ending battle against numbers that just won\’t budge. It\’s not just your bank balance that takes a …

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Time to think about money – Part 4

You know how sometimes we tend to procrastinate when it comes to our finances? Yeah, we\’ve all been there. Procrastination can be a major roadblock …

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Balancing emotions and risk in asset allocation

Investing can be likened to the ancient Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, where opposing forces are interdependent and complementary. In the realm of investments, …

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More than just checking the boxes

The Real Purpose Behind Financial Planning When we talk about financial planning, what springs to mind? For many, it might conjure up images of spreadsheets, …

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Debt Detox: Preparing for spring in any hemisphere

As the earth’s axis tilts, heralding the onset of new seasons across the globe, there\’s a palpable shift in our surroundings. When the Northern Hemisphere …

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The rising currency of human skills

Information is at our fingertips, and artificial intelligence continually surpasses human capabilities in specific tasks; the landscape of valuable skills is evolving.  According to Dr …

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How talking about finances shapes our wealth

The Power of Conversation When we think about building wealth, our minds often dart to the tangible components: investments, savings accounts, real estate, and other …

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Time to think about money – Part 3

Trust is a crucial component of any successful financial relationship. Trust plays a huge role in making things work, whether it\’s with your spouse, financial …

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The significance of money scripts

It\’s fascinating to see how the world of financial planning is evolving. Today, more than ever, there\’s a growing acknowledgement of the role psychology plays …

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Creating a new financial narrative

In a few recent blogs, we’ve considered our money stories and how we can not only route out false narratives but work towards creating new …

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How your communication style can empower your financial future

Navigating the world of personal finance is often as much about effective communication as it is about understanding the technicalities. Whether you\’re conversing with a …

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How automatic thoughts shape our financial habits

Automatic thought patterns are pervasive and impactful, influencing our moods, behaviours, and even our self-concept. In our everyday lives, we sometimes struggle to recognise their …

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Accountability: Your secret weapon for financial success

The financial world can be complex, teeming with jargon, concepts, and strategies that can bewilder even the most diligent among us. One aspect of navigating …

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Unearthing the roots of your money story

Money, it is said, makes the world go around. We use it daily, exchange it for goods and services, save it for the future, worry …

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The spectre of financial uncertainty

The spectre of financial uncertainty can have substantial impact on one\’s psychological well-being and future planning capabilities. However, it is not a burden that has …

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Data to Wisdom for your financial journey

As we journey through life, we often hear phrases like \”seeing is believing\”. But when it comes to our financial health and well-being, there\’s a …

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Unleash the power of articulating your financial plan

In the sphere of financial planning, the way we speak about money and articulate our plans can have a profound impact on our financial well-being. …

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Time to think about money – Part 2

Independent thinking is critical in lifestyle financial planning, and here\’s why. Each person has unique financial needs, aspirations, and circumstances. When you think independently, you …

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Decoding the Language of Money

Just like our language influences our perceptions of the world, the language we use around money – especially the complex jargon and market commentary that …

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More about your money story

Money is more than just a tool for transactions; it\’s an emotional force intertwined with our identities, values, and sense of self-worth. Our money story …

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Investing with Heart and Mind

Embarking on and sticking to your investment journey requires a solid understanding of financial principles and an appreciation for the emotional roller coaster that comes …

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A short (not too boring) story about interest rates

This is the ancient tale of how interest rates change and the forces that shape their destiny. Once upon a time, in the land of …

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Rising Above the Red

The rise of over-indebtedness is a growing concern not only locally but also for individuals across the globe. Legal action and bad credit records due …

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Don’t ditch your insurance

In the current economic climate, a growing number of individuals are experiencing financial strain due to the escalating cost of living and rising interest rates. …

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Time to think about money – Part 1

Discussing finances can be a daunting task, especially when emotions run high. It\’s important to remember that there\’s a human element behind every financial decision …

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Empathy vs Codependency

In lifestyle financial planning, striking the right balance between empathy and codependency is essential to building healthy relationships while maintaining personal well-being. A recent tweet …

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Common financial planning mistakes

Financial planning can be a daunting task, and it\’s common for people to make mistakes as they navigate the complex world of personal finance. In …

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A miss is as good as a mile

Our mindset is crucial to our financial success. Dealing with our money can quickly become an obsessive task; either focusing solely on the amount we\’re …

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Retelling your money story

We all know that money plays a key role in our lives, but have you ever considered the money story you\’ve inherited from your family? …

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Create a life of your own design

Personal financial planning has become critical in shaping our lives and determining our future. However, many of us need help to make the right decisions …

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Use AI to learn more

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought both excitement and trepidation in equal measures. Many see it as a threat to job security, …

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Steve’s Story – the worst market timer ever



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Need a little grounding?

Have you ever gone for a walk in the garden without shoes on? Remember what it felt like, as a kid, to come home from …

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Become a better networker

As our world becomes increasingly digitised, personal skills will become more valuable. Many salespeople call these the soft-skills and realise that the old-school hard-sell-skills are …

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Building wealth, one brick at a time

The root of our wealth is not in our income or our spending; it’s in our behaviour. Our habits make us wealthy, not the markets. …

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Planning vs Coaching

Regardless of what words we want to put to our journey with our money, there are a few realities that we need to face. First …

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What a better financial plan could look like

It’s easy to think about a financial plan and consider the elements that typically go into it. For instance, we could picture a plan that …

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What’s changed in your life?

WHERE TRUE FINANCIAL PLANNING STARTS One of the best ways to make any constructive change or difference in the direction of our lives is to …

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Thank you, money

Some people say that magic isn’t real, but what about the first magic words we’re all taught to say? No – not “abracadabra” or “zimzalabim”, …

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Building your Money IQ… and EQ!

Would you consider yourself to be financially intelligent? Depending on how you answer that, here’s another tough question: how much do you trust yourself to …

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Marketing yourself beyond 2022

In the next few years, we are likely to see a significant increase in small businesses, from home enterprises to startups. Many people have had …

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Just one more

They say that getting old happens slowly, and then all at once. Most of the change around us occurs so gradually that we barely notice …

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Re-train your brain for healthier relationships

At the heart of everything, we find relationships. Most of these are unintentional relationships that happen situationally, but some are relationships that stem from our …

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Feelings – thoughts – actions

\’Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought,\’ Marcus Aurelius. How we engage with our money reflects what’s going on …

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Don’t let tax get you down

We all know that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. Even after we’ve gone, taxes are still levied against our estate. …

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The importance of being intentional

If we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything. Essentially, our actions will either result from what we choose, or what is chosen …

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Four ways to measure your fortune

We often don’t worry about something until we realise that it’s limited. If we have lots of something, it’s a fortune. If we don’t, it …

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The best time to live

“Remember the past, plan for the future, but live for today, because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.” The best time to live …

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Catastrophising and how to manage it

Have you ever gone down a rabbit hole on social media? You know, that moment when you see something triggering and you click on it, …

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Ask yourself these questions BEFORE switching funds

As financial planning conversations deepen and explore more value, we find ourselves moving from the empirical to the emotional, from processes to perceptions and from …

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How much do you need?

One of the hardest questions to answer when it comes to financial planning is: How much do I need? There are two ways we can …

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Making goals easier to achieve

“If I had a penny for every time I put something off until tomorrow, and never got to it… I’d put them all in a …

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Sustainable sanity

When we stand together, we can succeed together. We can support and encourage one another. But this only happens in our smaller, more intimate groups. …

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How much time is your money worth?

As we build businesses and seek to create various income opportunities, we are always confronted with the challenge of pricing. It’s a challenge because all …

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Learning leverages healthy decisions (3/3)

Readiness is key to learning something new. If we’re not ready to learn something… it will probably go straight in one ear and out the …

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Setting benchmarks

Whilst intentional reflection may happen at the end or beginning of a year or personal growth journey, unintentional reflection happens all the time. And, we …

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It’s time to turn up the kindness, to yourself

In a recent blog from Marelisa Fabrega, lawyer and entrepreneur, she spoke of 17 ways to be kinder to yourself! It seems like a lot, …

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What’s an annuity?

Have you ever heard someone say that you need to make your money work for you? It seems like an impossible achievement for many of …

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The best place to invest

Somehow, despite all the messages to be kinder to ourselves, we have this predisposition to put ourselves down. Along the line, the early messages of …

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Can you change how you feel about money?

Here’s the quick answer: yes! That’s the easy part. The challenge lies in the next question: How do I change how I feel about money? …

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Levels of financial dependence

At the very surface level of constructing a financial plan, the journey can feel linear. We begin with what we have and plan to move …

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Learning leverages healthy decisions (1/3)

A curriculum doesn’t drive learning; curiosity drives learning. When we consider the learning pattern of those who are outside of schooling systems, it’s curiosity that …

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Charge what you’re worth

“How much should I be charging my clients?” This is a common question as we work with an increasing number of people setting up their …

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What happens to our passwords when we pass?

Estate planning, wills and final testaments are not easy processes to navigate. Setting up life cover and considering what will happen to your family when …

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Six areas of financial planning

Have you ever gone down the #Fintwit rabbit hole? According to fintwit.ai, #Fintwit is a vibrant community of investors on Twitter, who tweet trading ideas, …

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Ready to be more resilient?

We can’t change what happens to us, but we can change how we respond to what happens to us, and within us. Everything ages, but …

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The higher the fee, the better the value?

How do you decide on the better of two products you are not really familiar with or can’t visually tell the difference? For example – …

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Making mindfulness easier

Anything in life that is truly worth doing – is not easy. It is easy to forget this when we see others doing really well …

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Déjà vu?

When we experience our first crisis, we think our world is about to end. It could have been our first unrequited love when we were …

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Have you been offered early retirement? (Part 2)

Following on from the previous blog on considering early retirement, the focus of this conversation sparker is to look at five key things that should …

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A round tuit – and a bit about dread disease cover

There’s a rare object known as a tuit. It’s a special gift to keep for yourself, but also has great value for your friends and …

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Have you been offered early retirement? (Part 1)

For many years we’ve been having better conversations about retirement. It’s no longer a matter of finding a job, staying in it for 40 years, …

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Designing Your “No Rules Retirement”

Our concept of retirement is undergoing a metamorphosis. Demographic, societal, and workplace trends have all converged to offer a stage of life—at mid-life and beyond—that …

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Fortify financial peace of mind

There are few things worse than lying in bed at night, tossing and turning over financial stress. Lack of sleep only adds to our stress …

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A powerful mental trick to master the markets

If someone is selling something, their primary goal is most often to convince you to buy what they’re selling. If you follow financial accounts on …

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How to nurture financially savvy kids

In 1988, financial planner and best-selling author Venita Van Caspel wrote in her bestselling book Financial Dynamics for the 1990s: “Our educational system continues to …

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How does the stock market work?

The fastest way to lose half of your money is not a stock market crash but a divorce, separation or a poor business decision (so …

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When the opposite is true

There is a thin veneer over everything. When we are distracted by news streams, overwhelmed by direct messaging and tired from keeping up with the …

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Is anchoring holding you back?

One of the challenges of financial planning is its complexity. Not only is it mathematically layered, but it’s also fraught with bias and emotional influence. …

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The miracle of Meraki

In every culture and creed, there are traditions and philosophies about how to experience the best that life has in store for us, whilst overcoming …

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Sandwich generation

The sandwich generation refers to working-age individuals who are in the precarious position of looking after their growing children and caring for elderly parents.  They …

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The nourishment of nature

A breath of fresh air, the sun on our faces, bare feet in the sand. Spending time outside can provide many small pleasures, which all …

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Crypto can be taxing

One of the early appeals for cryptocurrencies was that they would not be taxed as they are not fiat currencies (yet), in that they are …

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Dualistic Thinking

Dualistic thinking assumes a universe where there are only two opposing, mutually incompatible options or realities. This type of thinking is either/or, good/bad, negative/positive, and …

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Things don\’t get easier – we become more resilient

Life is uncharted. Maps can only be made from where we’ve been – not where we have yet to go. The only certainty is uncertainty, …

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Don\’t be a lemming

One long-held belief is that lemmings purposefully run off cliffs in their millions. This myth has become a metaphor for the behaviour of crowds of …

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I’m not sure I want to know

There’s a story that was told many years ago (it may or may not be true…) about a Microsoft call-centre agent and their call with …

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How to do it in the 4IR

\”But we didn\’t need it, and we turned out fine.\”  We hear this line more than we should. From tap water to technology, from diets …

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Are you money-mental?

The simple answer is: Yes, we all are! In a recent blog, we looked at five financial trip-wires and glanced over the term ‘mental accounting.’ …

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If our feelings could talk

Epictetus, the Greek Stoic philosopher, was the first to say it. \”We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as …

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Hold the line

“It\’s not in the way that you hold me It\’s not in the way you say you care It\’s not in the way you\’ve been …

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Me, myself and Ikigai

From the stoics to the sentimentalists, most have one question in common: What is the meaning of it all? Searching for purpose and meaning helps …

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Discovery and discomfort

It’s nearly impossible to make it through an entire week without glancing at a blog, social media post or newsletter that reminds us about the …

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Five financial tripwires

If you’ve ever seen the mayhem from the middle of the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), you can be forgiven for …

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Bias and your bank balance

When it’s a question of money – everyone is of the same religion, or so said Voltaire. Like religion, there are many different perspectives on …

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The premium time to review your premiums

When it comes to financial planning, risk planning, estate planning and investing, many of us like to “set and forget”. Our lives are full of …

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Our oft-told money stories

Money isn’t real. It’s just an agreed-upon system of exchange. Have you ever heard that?  This is the realisation that many reach when feeling frustrated …

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Win back your weekend

“Where did our weekend go?” Have you ever found yourself asking this question on a Sunday night or a few minutes after hitting snooze for …

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Protecting your income for a better outcome

A few short decades ago, we lived in a world that seemed to have far more security and certainty. The rate of change was slower, …

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Plan to fail

It doesn’t make sense, but we need to have a plan for when things go wrong.  People love to say that Benjamin Franklin once said …

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Offshore shouldn’t be off-putting

“… your money deserves to go places,” Ninety One (dual-listed on both the South African and London Stock Exchanges). Many people who choose to stay …

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How to make a sustainable change

All of us have moments in our life when we realise that we have to make a change. Sometimes change is something we choose, and …

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Ifs, buts and Bitcoin

“If only I’d bought into Bitcoin in 2008…” “But, it’s not regulated…” “But, the bubble…” “Bitcoin – I don’t want to miss out…” Before engaging …

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It\’s Hue-Guh, not Hoo-Gah

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh, not hoo-gah) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment as cosy, charming or special. This can happen whether …

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Bite-sized chunks

No matter how hard we try, we never seem to get it all right… all the time! We were taught as kids that practice makes …

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Stop telling yourself these things

Everyone knows that building wealth can help to ensure financial security in the future. Yet, it is a small number of the world’s population who …

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Key thoughts for passive investors

Passive investing has become the most popular investing strategy, globally. Simply put, it’s the strategy of buying the whole market (a diversified reach of stock …

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Four Fresh Investment Ideas

We all want more from life. We want to live a good and meaningful life. This is how we generate hope, by believing that there …

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Is active or passive fund management better?

The first thing to remember when approaching investing is that the best approach is dependent almost wholly on the investor and their desired investment outcomes. …

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Is there more to life than happiness?

There seems to be an increasing drive to pursue happiness; we want to be satisfied and content with who we are and what we do …

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Divorce and your retirement savings

Recent times have been life-altering for so many, from emotional and health traumas to relational and financial traumas. We’ve all had to encounter a considerable …

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Savings Goals

The hardest time to save is when we’re ‘just saving’ with no end in sight. It’s like going to the gym to train; but, train …

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Tax Savvy Investing

Nothing is certain in life, except for death and taxes. Benjamin Franklin said this almost 300 years ago, and it still rings of truth. The …

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How to set flexible goals

Last week we looked at why it’s important to become flexible in setting goals. This week we’ll consider how we set flexible goals. Setting personal …

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Stocks vs Shares

In the world of investing there are myriad ways to create wealth. These systems are complex, integrated and offer just enough certainty to attract our …

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Why we need to be flexible with our New Year\’s Resolutions

Towards the end of every year, it is customary to reassess our priorities, take stock of the year that was, and plan for the year …

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Who\’s advice are you taking, seriously?

Times of festivities and celebrations are often paradoxical in that we want to see friends and family, but we find that when we’re with the …

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Investing: How elections matter

There are three things we should never discuss around the dinner table: money, politics and religion. Ironically, the three things we normally always talk about …

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The gift of compounding interest

Every holiday season, the search begins for gifts that keep on giving. From music to cooking classes and other hobby-related courses – scores of us …

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Being responsible means so much more

Festive celebrations will look a little different this year (and possibly every year going forward!). No matter where you find yourself this December, everyone has …

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Gifts for the cost-conscious

As our finances ebb and flow, we will sometimes face a festive season where we have to think out of the box for holiday gifts. …

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Savvy celebration tips when times are tight

Tough years lead to leaner budgets and lighter wallets. But it’s important to celebrate and the festive season is traditionally a time to enjoy and …

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Taking stock and talking stocks

Anyone with a mediocre knowledge of investing will be familiar with the term “stock”.  But few people are aware that there common stocks and preferred …

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Three ways to survive a bear market

What do you do when a bear attacks? For many of us, we don’t live near any bears, so we’re likely to be unprepared. When …

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Planning reduces anxiety

We don\’t plan because we fear the future. We plan because we realize we can enjoy today more by reducing the anxiety of tomorrow.  Most …

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One of the worst things to plan for…

In Western culture we have become very detached from the cycle of life and death. Only those who work in specific industries will be accustomed …

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What lockdown taught us about wills

When lockdown happened, it happened fast. For some, there were only a few days to prepare for an indeterminate time of severe restrictions. For others, …

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Anxiety and our money

Most of us would gladly jump at the opportunity to have more money. Very few people are likely to say that they would prefer to …

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Let food be thy medicine

…and medicine be thy food. Hippocrates adopted this philosophy around 2400 years ago! Before fad diets and modern medicine, he recognised that food has the …

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The next best thing for investors…

Ray Dalio is an American billionaire hedge fund manager and philanthropist who has served as co-chief investment officer of Bridgewater Associates since 1985. As a …

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Who wants to save more?

This is not such an easy question to answer. Many of us may shoot up our hands, quickly realizing that what follows is a tough …

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Why Mental Health needs our attention

The journey of developing your life can be challenging on your mind and overall well-being. Prioritizing mental health can help us build the resilience we …

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The difference between Medical Aid, Medical Insurance and GAP Cover

It is easy to think that the terms Medical Aid, Medical Insurance and GAP Cover refer to the same thing. Although they all serve to …

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How much is enough?

Medical aid (including insurance products) contributions need to form part of our overall financial planning. Every year these products are adjusted slightly – both in …

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Pre-Lockdown vs Post-Lockdown Spending Trends

The largest factor in our wealth creation, and our wealth protection, is our behaviour. How we choose to save and how we choose to spend …

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Why we need losers in our portfolio

There is a strange behavioural effect where investors tend to sell winners early and hold onto losers for longer. You would think that investors would …

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ETF not EFF

Not to be confused with the EFF (the South African political party or the lesser-known Electronic Frontier Foundation…), ETFs have been gaining popularity in investment …

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Stay abreast of your healthcare cover

Whilst October is Breast Cancer awareness month, cancer has become a disease that was touted in 2018 as the second leading cause of death. It\’s …

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Markets don’t make you money

Markets don’t make you money; your habits… make you money. As creatures of habit, we ultimately become our own best friend, or our own worst …

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Why hobbies help

Time is our greatest investment opportunity – we should invest the time that we have in a diverse portfolio of activities that will provide us …

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The impact of the economy on small businesses

In a 2018 article, Tim Davis (President of The UPS Store) said this of small businesses: “Small business is the backbone of the economy. … …

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What did you do with your first paycheck?

One thing we can always know for certain is the past; but with far less certainty, the future, and even ‘later today’… eludes us. Despite …

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Crack the ice ahead of you

Spring is around the corner – bringing newness, freshness and invigoration. After a long winter, it\’s easy to find your attitude has iced-over! Here\’s how …

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Start marketing yourself

Before we can think of saving, spending and investing – we first need to make money. Almost everybody would accept more money if it were …

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Lessons from the lighthouse

Here’s the thing about the lighthouse – it’s focus is always offshore. At the time of writing this article, the world is still flailing under …

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Don\’t spend based on other people\’s income

The practice of storytelling is ubiquitous among cultures all across the globe. Sometimes we seem to forget the power that a story can hold over …

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What the low interest rate means for you

In light of the difficult times recently, Southern Africa has been awash in low interest rates. When South Africa significantly cut its base interest rate …

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Ways to save when times are tough

Most of us are chronic under-savers even in the best of times. Yet with the current economic environment, lots of previously hypothetical concepts like ‘what …

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Cold hard cash

Debt statistics are growing – this is very likely in part to the fact that a vast majority of us today prefer credit cards over …

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Three ways to thrash your debt

Effectively managing your debt is one of the best and most proactive ways of ensuring a sustainable financial future. It is deeply gratifying knowing that …

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Are you a savings statistic?

Most Sub-Saharan African countries are chronic ‘dis-savers’. But, you don’t have to be. Before we look at the options, let’s take a snapshot of recent …

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The long haul

Saving is not just about a plan – it\’s a behaviour. Part of this behaviour is rooted in our mental ability to overcome our own …

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Soup’s on ain’t a soupçon!

As the days draw shorter, the sun stays hidden for longer and the colder weather encourages us to hibernate away, coupled with constrained financial conditions, …

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When Rona hits your wallet

Whilst we may try our best to keep our bodies safe from the flu – we may overlook the sluggish money myalgia that can hit …

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How to emotionally distance when investing in tough times

Current investors have seen more ‘interesting times’, more black swans and market freefalls, than any other generation gone before. From the 2008 global financial crisis, …

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Tips for when markets recover

The last few years have seen more market volatility than anyone could have predicted, with the icing on the cake being the COVID-19 pandemic. But …

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Mid-Year Money Check

Many of us only look at our financial plan when we receive a windfall (this is not often…) or when things go terribly wrong. It …

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Living annuities and how they affect your living

Oh, the ironies of life…  One of South Africa’s most contentious laws regarding annuities states that a retirement fund may not be completely withdrawn in …

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Words that will make (or cost) you money

Communication around your finances is crucial if you want to be more mindful and intentional around wealth creation. There are some conversations that will help …

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Hold onto your life cover

Sometimes it feels like this conversation is a broken record, constantly going round and around on the same track: people the world over are feeling …

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Finding the fungibility in commodities

Depending on your level of investing savvy, you may or may not be comfortable with the term ‘commodities’. As our global systems currently enter one …

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Working with different money personalities

As the 2020 global pandemic for COVID-19 becomes forever etched in our history, most of us will remember how the term ‘lockdown’ moved from a …

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Investing amid uncertainty

Anything of any value takes time. Likewise, creating wealth is a long-term process. Well-structured investment strategies have always taken uncertainty into account. Patience, resilience and …

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A level head saves skewed vision

As Nelson Mandela said, once we’ve climbed a great hill we only find that there are many more hills to climb. When you’re looking up …

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Avoid these investment decisions

Do you know what’s going to happen in the markets tomorrow? Neither do we! All we know is that the markets are an opportunity to …

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Bear Markets vs Bull Markets

When it comes to investing in the markets, the terms bull and bear market are used to describe how stock markets are doing in general. …

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Why have the markets taken a knock?

In a nutshell, the markets are driven by business activity which is supported by investor confidence. When businesses have investors, they can grow and create …

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Don’t sabotage your future self

Bad market performance, government lockdowns, global epidemics and loadshedding aren’t what threaten our investing and financial behaviour. Our biggest threat is ourselves. Studies have shown …

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Fight the fear

When life doesn’t go according to plan, our first response will often be one of fear. Unfortunately, life generally never goes according to plan – …

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Understand what you need in your adviser

Here’s the thing about a 20-minute DIY job: it never takes 20 minutes. Either you don’t have the right tools, or the right skills… or …

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Goodwill to all: a closer look at ESG stock options

Swiss banks hold a certain cachet about knowing good from bad investments, and currently the hottest topic on their lips are ESG funds. ESG stock …

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Setting goals and taking stock

How you finish your year is a powerful way to create momentum for the new year. How much you achieved (or didn’t quite manage) this …

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December-proof your investing

December should be a time of peace, cheer and goodwill to all men. But, if you’re a South African investor, it’s the month that likely …

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How to stay out of the malls

Whilst the holiday season holds many treats and treasures, one of the most stressful errands is shopping for gifts. Finding the perfect gifts for your …

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Watching what you spend… and what you eat!

With all the treats at the social gatherings, watching both your budget and your diet during the festive season can be a challenge. Whether we’re …

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Investing masterclass: Four tips for the long game

When it comes to coffee-shop conversations, little is said about the long game in the investment space – it’s often about which asset manager did …

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Covering cancer in your senior years

One of the less-pleasant facts to face about life in your 60s, 70s and 80s is the fact that you’re more likely to have health …

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Investing in your health

It’s a well-known and accepted fact that the best time to plant a tree was twenty-years ago! It’s easy to look back and wish we’d …

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Earning more isn\’t the answer

When it comes to building your wealth, it’s not about how much you make, it’s about how you work with what you have. You do …

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Five inspiring quotes from women to up your hustle game

August is traditionally about celebrating women, but we believe every month should honour the strong ladies that make our world go around. Here, courtesy of …

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Four often overlooked steps to reducing financial stress

A lot of people are quite financially stressed right now. It’s understandable – it’s been a hard few years for most of us, and the …

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Five reasons to be stoked on SA

Most of us know someone who has emigrated, or is about to emigrate. After several hard years for our nation, it can sometimes seem like …

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Diversifying happiness

The ancient philosopher Aristotle came up with a single word for what every person wants: ‘Eudaimonia’. Eudaimonia means happiness but more than that it alludes …

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When it comes to Wills, don’t wing it.

September celebrates National Wills Week, a reminder to us all about the importance and necessity to create a Last Will and Testament. According to recent …

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Take the dread out of disease cover

A lot of people misunderstand the term ‘dread disease cover’… and with that name, it’s enough to take the smile out of anyone’s day. But dread disease or CI (critical illness) insurance is a powerful tool to ensure that health emergencies don’t trip up your financial dreams or weigh heavily on your family.

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Five awesome things about women investors

It’s Women’s Month, and we’ve been thinking lately about all the ways in which women are wonderful in matters of money.

Women as investors don’t get praised often enough – there’s been an unfortunate stereotype in the past that keeps finances in ‘man territory’. Today, we’d like to honour the ladies in our stock markets and on our shareholders’ boards and count the ways in which they rock and the things male investors can learn from them.

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Mind the gap within

What you think you can do and what you can do are not the same thing. What would you try with your finances if you couldn’t fail?

When it comes to the things we want in life, most of them are inextricably linked with our finances.

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The seven habits of cyber secure people

It’s not for nothing that cyber crime and hacking was considered 2019’s number one “major risk” by the world’s largest insurer, Allianz, in their latest Risk Barometer Survey. These days, it’s not if the security of your electronic identity and assets will be tried by a criminal, it’s when.

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Is your portfolio overly concentrated?

A well-balanced, diversified portfolio is a joy for all seasons, giving something no matter what various markets or asset classes are doing. An overly concentrated portfolio is the opposite, a ticking time bomb volatile to fluctuations in macroeconomics and other influencers of the share price.

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Running on empty – is it time to fill up your tank?

Are you the type of person who puts in a little petrol here, a little petrol there, or enough to last you the week based on calculations you’ve done of what you need, or are you someone who fills your tank up every time you visit the garage?

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Three reasons why you need an emergency fund

There are always bills to pay and money needed for something or another, and few things seem as boring and unnecessary than an emergency fund. While you can enjoy the rewards of spending on, say, a good winter coat, or can see the benefits of saving for something like university for the kids, emergency funds are, by nature, never seen.

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Tips for a less taxing tax season

‘Tax season’ elicits in most people the kind of shudder you’d imagine ‘open season’ to elicit in hunted animals. We all hate doing our taxes and, because of this, we often postpone the inevitable, sometimes with horrible consequences like penalties and waiting hours at SARS.

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Soil is not enough – what does it mean to be truly rich?

Last month we talked about interest rate risk – the risk of your investment devaluing and you losing money due to changes in interest rate. In a sense, this is about an investment’s possibility of flailing due to macroeconomic conditions. This month, we’re going to look at credit risk.

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5 ways to keep you and your money warm this winter

It’s a cold world out there this June. As the thermometer temperature drops, the price of fuel and cost of living keep rising… but it’s not all doom and gloom.

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Taking an interest in interest rate risk

Education around the basics of wealth creation and preservation is like a good, solid diet packed with healthy food staples, it can help you enjoy healthy finances for years and create a strong foundation for building your future.

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A shout out to dads

It’s Father’s Day time, and we would like to honour the men, and the women too, who have been parents to us. Our dads.

… And by ‘Dad’ we don’t necessarily mean our fathers. Ever seen the Omo Father’s Day advert that went viral on YouTube? It showed a little boy reading a Father’s Day card, with all the important things dads do listed in it like providing financially and teaching right from wrong, to his grandmother. She was his ‘Dad’.

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The retirement you know will be gone by the time you retire

One of the most important reasons to save throughout our working life remains retirement. It’s shocking how few people afford themselves the ability to live with dignity and independence, without sacrificing a huge drop in standard of living.

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Delicious savings – how to eat for a week on four meals

With tough economic times all around, a lot of us are trying to cut unnecessary expenses. Be that as it may, we still need to …

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Learning from others’ (big) mistakes – notes from Steinhoff

For those who tell you not to worry so much and just invest in anything, no need to do much research, you need only say one word: Steinhoff.

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Saving cash on the big day – what to do before ‘I do’

Love is always in the air… for someone you know, if not yourself. No matter how strong the bond, weddings can quickly become the bane of many flourishing romances.

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Mother knows best… what moms can teach you about money

It seems fitting that May hosts both Workers’ Day and Mother\’s Day… because who works harder than Mom? A mother is always there when needed, always willing to see the best in you and is a constant source of comfort and wisdom.

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Your starter guide to alternative investments

In the wake of very lacklustre JSE performance and plenty of uncertainty, many investors have started considering thinking… alternatively.In a nutshellAlternative investments are different to the standard stock market approach; investing in assets outside the usual asset classes or in companies outside of the JSE-listed crowd.

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Mindfulness matters: how about a quarterly review?

Earlier in the year we spoke on the importance of mindfulness in our busy, digital world. Unfortunately, many of us have grand intentions at the beginning of the year, eating healthily and meditating and generally trying to get the year off to a good start, but after a few weeks that dedication peters out.

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The true cost of load shedding

Load shedding has cost all of us over the past few weeks, but do you know exactly how much?Neither did we, until we did a little digging. Cost to the economy at large

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… Okay, but what are your parents’ retirement plans?

We often think about our own retirement plans, but these are actually not the ones most likely to hit you first. More urgent is the concept of knowing your parents’ retirement plans.

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Can finances be a family affair?

Throughout the year there are clusters of holidays and long weekends when family comes to the fore. These moments are often an opportunity to step out of the frenetic hamster wheel of life, we now have long weekends and, for some, religious holidays to spend with those nearest and dearest to us. Which got us thinking – how much does your inner circle feature in your finances?

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On the road: the best road trips for the long weekend season

It’s that time of year coming up again when the public holidays flow thick and fast for South Africa. With a country as beautiful as …

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Teach your children well

It’s an overwhelming feeling most of us recall vividly – that first job, the first month of rent to pay and the exhilarating yet terrifying …

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What Comrades runners can teach you about how to lead at work

In our modern world of convenience, there is something about marathons. People choosing the hard road, putting their physical and mental endurance to the test, …

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Keeping the lights on: how to keep overheads down in an unfair environment

There’s no doubt about it, businesses are getting squeezed from every side like never before. With load shedding back, the rand weakening, land expropriation casting …

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Tracking wheels and meals: have a less stressful tax season next year

Personal Income Tax (PIT) season is often a nightmare rush of catch-up, trying to capture and find invoices, mileage and other expenses! Now that we’re …

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What you need to know to set yourself up for offshore

All offshore who are going offshore… Beginning to invest offshore is increasingly looking good for worried South Africans amidst geopolitical turmoil. Depending on your risk …

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How retirement savings could be saving you tax

For decades retirement savings have formed the foundation of a financial plan, and for good reason – but did you know that retirement savings can …

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How to have a financially savvy Valentine’s Day

It’s Valentine’s Day this month, a holiday that doesn’t get much love for the way it costs plenty of sensible people a lot of foolish …

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The number one conversation to have around your finances this year

For many of us, the first conversation any one has with us about our financial planning is around retirement. Either retirement is too close and …

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What to eat for your most productive January ever

If ever there was a universal cheat-meal week… it must be the week between Christmas day and New Years day. And that’s for the most …

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Five ways to improve your productivity

If your to-do list is stressing you out now that the holidays are over, worry no more. Sometimes productivity is not about trying to squeeze …

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Five apps to get for your best year yet

We’ve all done it – made New Year’s resolutions and never fulfilled them. This January, why not get some little helpers instead? These apps will …

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New Year’s resolutions for more wealth and financial health in 2019

When 1 January rolls around, most of us are a little worse for wear: we’ve overindulged, under-exercised and are more than a little tired. It’s …

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Easy ways to eliminate waste this festive season

It’s a terrible misnomer, but the festive season – which is all about cheer and goodwill to all in various religions – is one of …

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Four things to do if the markets crash this December

December should be a time of rest and relaxation – but for South African investors, the month comes with ominous memories. ‘Nenegate’ and Zuma’s infamous …

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Your Christmas wish list for increasing productivity in 2019

It’s that time of year again, when loved ones begin asking: ‘what do you want for Christmas?’ Your PA is also going to look at …

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Books to read on the beach that’ll inspire you for 2019

A change is as good as a holiday, and a holiday is a good place to start a positive change. For those lucky enough to …

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Is now the time to buy or rent?

Various factors, such as employment prospects, family situations, lifestyle choices and investment goals, come in to making the decision about whether to buy or rent …

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The right REIT

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that finances, operates or owns real estate that produces an income, and is a way for …

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Why is travel insurance so important

According to recent statistics, 5.5 million South Africans travelled abroad in 2016, showing that travel has become a part of many people’s lives — be …

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Rent out your home this holiday season

Many South Africans choose to take advantage of the public holidays and the warm weather by visiting loved ones or going on an adventure over …

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How to Reduce Estate Costs

Death can be an expensive affair and it is easy to underestimate the costs involved, especially as some unconsidered fees can quickly add up. As …

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Truths About Trusts

Did you know that a trust is not simply: a trust? There are many different classifications of trusts in South Africa, such as ownership trusts, …

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Don’t Underestimate your Will Power

Avoid the heartache and headache! This year, National Wills Week is from 17th to 21st September, and is a time when participating attorneys in South …

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6 Estate Planning Tips

In the wake of the 2018 budget, there are recent changes that could affect your estate, especially with regards to paying VAT, Master’s fees and …

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Severe illness cover

Each year, about a million people need to stop working due to an illness or a debilitating injury. Yet, according to an article published in …

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Avoid crippling your finances

It is highly likely that one of your biggest assets is your earning power. It is vital to protect this asset and ensure you maintain …

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Your health is your wealth

“It is health that is your real wealth” — Mahatma Gandhi Many entrepreneurs and ambitious people are concerned with climbing the career ladder and building …

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Females and Finance

This Thursday, 9th August is National Women’s Day, which marks the historic moment on 9th August 1956 when 20,000 South African women of all races …

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Retirement 101

Creating your long-term saving goals (this is retirement for many people) is not something that you can simply decide on the spot – and often, …

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Financial lessons from Rich Dad, Poor Dad

In his bestselling book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, the author, Robert Kiyosaki, explains the fundamental differences in the way his two fathers thought about money …

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The urgency of an emergency fund

An emergency fund is a lump sum of money that is important to set aside to cover any financial surprises, such as car breakdowns, medical …

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Recent change to TFSAs

A National Treasury regulation that came into play on 1st March 2018 now provides South Africans with more flexibility when it comes to investing their …

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Investing Offshore

July is National Savings Month in South Africa, which is an awareness campaign spearheaded by the South African Savings Institute (SASI). The objectives of the …

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Why you need life cover if you have a bond

When applying for a home loan, one vital aspect to carefully consider is life cover or mortgage protection cover. This will ensure that you can …

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Business assurance matters

It is highly advisable that anyone who runs their own business takes out business assurance, which is a broad term for a range of life …

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International Day of Families

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed that 15th May should be observed each year as the International Day of Families. The aim of …

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Life has three constants

Navigating today\’s complex world can be challenging, and acting in an effective manner can help you to thrive in our current reality. However, research has …

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Working towards a better future

The public holidays just keep on coming this month! From Freedom Day, we have quickly made our way to Labour Day tomorrow, Tuesday, 1st May …

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8 Behaviours for Financial Freedom

“Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains.” — Jean-Jacques Rousseau The opening sentence of The Social Contract, by revolutionary thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau, …

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Benefits of behavioural coaching and your finances

A Barclays Wealth study found that people improved substantially in investment decisions as they got older. When people are young — and perhaps less secure …

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5 tips to avoid making bad investment moves

While no one has a ball of fortune with which to predict the future, there are some common mistakes that many investors make, which can …

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In sickness and in health | Disability Cover

A study conducted a few years ago on behalf of the Association for Savings and Investments in South Africa indicated that over 12 million of …

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Health For All

The World Health Organisation (WHO) was founded on 7th April 1948, and this date is celebrated every year as World Health Day, with the goal …

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Know your rights

Human Rights Day is celebrated annually in South Africa on 21st March, and is arguably one of the country’s most important public holidays. The commemoration …

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How does income protection work?

Being unable to temporarily – or permanently – work as a result of a serious illness or injury can put a serious strain on your …

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Make the most of public holidays

Arguably, one of the best things about spring in South Africa — apart from the pleasant weather and the abundance of Easter eggs — is …

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How your age affects your savings

Most people have a firm understanding that if you save while you’re young, this will set you on your way to achieving your long-term goals. …

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Reading ratios

Financial risk ratios, also known as solvency ratios, are used to determine the long-term financial health of a business by analysing whether a company carries …

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Budgeting tips and tricks for the upcoming tax year

South Africans can expect more changes on the horizon in this upcoming tax year, as the Ministry of Finance attempts to mitigate the financial failings …

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Show the love this Valentine’s Day

In recent years, Valentine’s Day has gained the reputation of being a Hallmark holiday that promotes Lindt rather than love. So, before you rush off …

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How to avoid the retirement crisis

South Africa is currently in the midst of what is widely referred to as a ‘retirement crisis’, which could intensify if the issue isn’t addressed …

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Hooray for RAs

Retirement Annuities (RAs) have been around for a long time, and are basically private pension plans that help you to save for retirement. As we …

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Prepare for additional tax increases next year

Towards the end of 2017, President Zuma instructed South Africa’s minister of finance, Malusi Gigaba, to resolve economic challenges after Standard & Poor’s lowered both …

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Is a tax-free savings account the best option for you?

Many South Africans have started taking advantage of Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), which were established by the government as an easy and safe way …

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Attainable financial resolutions for 2018

Can you remember what resolutions you made last January? Or for how long you kept them? The trouble with resolutions is that they’re often made …

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Tread Lightly this Christmas

It’s easy for Christmas to turn into a frenzied flurry of wasteful consumerism, and to find ourselves knee-deep in ripped-up wrapping paper that we discard …

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Wealth tax for national healing?

Saturday, 16th December is an important day in the South African calendar as it marks the Day of Reconciliation. The significance dates back to two …

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Enjoy a water-wise holiday period

The Cape water crisis is now a reality of which most people living in South Africa are very aware. Cape Town is preparing for a …

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A bit about Bitcoin

According to an article published on USA Today, the biggest investing story of 2017 has been the incredible take-off of cryptocurrencies. Although several have risen …

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Medical aid considerations

As we begin the run-up to the festive season, sounds of yuletide carols and outdoor concerts will soon fill the air, and you’ll find yourself …

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The cappuccino effect

Wednesday, 8th November is National Cappuccino Day in the United States of America. Although this is commonly a time to celebrate the frothy goodness of …

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5 tips to preparing your business for December leave

December is often the busiest time of year for businesses, and the season comes with increasing demands for both employers and employees. It is also …

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Saving money for Christmas

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. From now on, all our troubles will be out of sight.” — Frank Sinatra …

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5 ways to manage stress

1st November 2017 marks National Stress Awareness Day in the UK, and the South African government even declared the whole month of October to be …

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Use your smartphone to save money

A smartphone may be considered to be a pricey accessory, but it could actually save you money in the long run. According to this article …

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To Airbnb or not to Airbnb?

According to a 2016 Fin24 interview, Nicola D’Elia, the managing director for Airbnb Africa and Middle East, noted that Airbnb hosts in South Africa earn …

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The Power of Compound Interest

Many South Africans are unfortunately ill-prepared for retirement, and it’s an unsettling prospect that so many citizens of this developing nation may not be able …

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The importance of awareness

It may not be a nice topic that we wish to think about or discuss very often, particularly as it can be a sensitive subject …

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The 10% rule — An all-round financial workout

You may be familiar with the 10% savings rule.The idea is that, as soon as you are financially independent, you should save approximately 10% of …

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Fashion for the sake of your finances

Watches can now double as fitness trackers… and if you ask anyone who has one – they are considerably more aware of their activity. Sure …

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Top tips for buying an investment property

It\’s important when buying an investment property to do your homework so that your property becomes an asset rather than a liability. While astute investors …

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Why make a will this National Wills Week?

National Wills Week is from 11th to 15th September 2017 and is a time when participating attorneys in South Africa will draft new, basic wills …

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5 ways to spring clean your finances

The temperature is starting to climb and it’s almost safe to leave your scarf at home. Spring is in the air and, as flowers bloom …

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How do commodities affect investments?

An article published on Maya on Money about the 10 key themes investors must not ignore in 2017 inspired thought about a word that gets …

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Careers and Industries for the Future

When you were younger, did you have any idea what you wanted to do when you grew up? Perhaps you now have children who at …

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Asset allocations in a post-downgrade world

Before we chat about the current asset allocation environment, let’s quickly roughly describe the term for those of us who may be unsure of what …

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Different money personalities

Dealing with money matters can feel like negotiating a minefield for many couples, which is highlighted in this article by Maya on Money. Money has …

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Should we trust in trusts?

We live in uncertain times, so it is natural for many parents to want their children to have financial security, without money worries on top …

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5 key financial terms explained

Do you nod along blankly when someone talks about unit trusts, or do your eyes glaze when you hear the word ‘annuity’? Do you wish …

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Don’t cancel your life cover

Many South Africans are currently feeling the financial pinch and, as belts tighten, it’s natural for households to review where they can cut back on …

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Inflation Illusion

Old Mutual Balanced Fund manager, Graham Tucker, explains in an article published on Fin24 how many investors suffer from something he calls ‘inflation illusion’. This …

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5 Top Tips to Staying Rich

There is no formula for instant wealth – but for some, it can become a reality overnight and, if not managed correctly, this dream can …

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5 things to do before going away

The school holidays are coming and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with so many things to remember to do before you go away. But here …

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Financial Flu

It’s that time of year again in the southern hemisphere. The days are shorter, the nights are long and cold; dressing gowns and woolly jumpers …

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5 Father\’s Day gifts that are a great investment

Whatever you do, don’t forget Father’s Day, which is coming up in South Africa on Sunday, 18th June. After all that our dads have done …

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How to Create Wealth in an Uncertain World

Creating wealth is a long-term process that requires patience, resilience and a strong strategy that can weather the global investment storm that has been raging …

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Keep Calm and Carry On

When it comes to investments, it\’s important to stay focused on the bigger picture – even though the effect of recent political events in South …

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Keep your Retirement Options Open

It’s never too early to start planning for your retirement, and help is at hand if saving for the future ever feels confusing or overwhelming. …

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Rich for distress

In the aftermath of South Africa’s downgrade to junk status by two major ratings agencies, it is feared that the country will begin a self-reinforcing …

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How to Reduce Estate Costs

A death is often a traumatic enough event, without the added burden of dealing with estate matters. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the costs related to …

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The Value of Good Advice

Positive steps to regulate and improve the conduct and professionalism of the financial planning industry have been made over the past months and are now …

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Living Annuities for Retirement Planning

One sneaky fact about retirement, that many of us often overlook, is that it arrives faster than we expect! Essentially, we are never too young …

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Junk Status – A Fallen Angel

The South African landscape of junk status is looking rocky and, in