Common Wealth-Planning Mistakes
In his poem The Mistake, James Fenton talks about the sad truth in making mistakes. He beautifully describes that even with blatant warnings that are ignored or subtle hints that have gone unnoticed, we sometimes go about our lives not knowing about the mistakes we are making—and how they will impact our loved ones when […]
When to re-evaluate your investment
Market turmoil is not the signal to adjust your investment strategy. When markets are volatile, investors would be forgiven for wanting to make portfolio changes as a way of trying to stay in control. However, we would caution against altering your investment strategy or its execution unless it was incorrect at the outset, or your […]
Can a creditor sell the home of a debtor to recover outstanding debt?
Most South Africans today, are overburdened and overwhelmed with debt and are struggling to repay creditors. According to recent statistics, a third of people in South Africa with credit are struggling to repay their debts. This means, there are approximately 10 million people who are three months or more behind on debt repayments. This article […]
Build your emergency safety net fund today
Ask any trapeze artist, and they’ll tell you that a safety net is a non-negotiable part of flying high. While few of us are circus performers, an emergency savings fund is still one of the most important requirements for our peace of mind and financial stability. Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Whether it’s […]
Avoid the long-term implications of skipping a bond repayment
Are you feeling the financial pinch? You’re not alone. Many South Africans are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their credit obligations. The cost of living is on the rise, disposable incomes are shrinking, and servicing debt has become a significant challenge. Homeowners are feeling the strain too, with financial institutions noting a surge in […]
Retirement planning – Distributing retirement fund death benefits
Allocating death benefits, and determining appropriate methods of payment Once the board of trustees has determined the beneficiaries and is satisfied that its proposed allocation is fair and equitable, the beneficiaries must elect how they would like to receive the death benefit. The final duty of the trustees is to determine the most appropriate manner […]
Rate hikes: Are buyers over-reacting?
Historically, interest rate hikes have had a dampening effect on the South African residential property market, with homeowners reassessing their affordability in anticipation of higher monthly loan repayments. The resultant reduction in home loan applications immediately following an interest rate hike is a reaction from buyers who are hesitant to make a long-term commitment until […]
Ways to navigate an interest rate hike in South Africa: The power of expert advice
When the sun is shining, it is the opportune time to fix the roof. This adage is especially true in the context of economic situations, where preparation is key to weathering financial storms. In South Africa, as in many parts of the world, interest rates have seen an upward trend, posing significant implications for personal […]
Limited access, compulsory preservation
Is the proposed two-pot retirement system ‘stirring the pot’ in the retirement fund industry? THE DRAFT tax legislation released by National Treasury on 29 July 2022 contains details of the much anticipated two-pot retirement system. The proposed changes are quite far-reaching although there will also be criticism that the changes do not go far enough. […]
What happens to your deposit if the home sale falls through?
It depends on which party is responsible. It’s every home buyer’s worst nightmare. You find your dream home; your offer is accepted; and you pay a deposit only for the sale to fall through before the property is transferred into your name. The question now is, where does this leave your hard-earned deposit? The answer […]