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.
Continue readingThe four numbers of retirement – and why they aren’t enough
‘It’s my life, it’s now or never. I ain’t gonna live forever…’ The famous Bon Jovi words could well be used to describe retirement – and saving for it.
Most people don’t know where to start when contemplating something as big and hectic as retiring in decades’ time, but there are ample titbits of conventional wisdom from the financial planning industry. Let’s take a look at some, and their pitfalls.
Continue readingDelicious 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 eat and feed our families. Yet who has the time to play chef and work a fulltime job? And who wants to eat mediocre meals just because the economy is in a slump?
Continue readingLearning 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.
Continue readingA tale of two outlooks: Where to find value in the Market
It’s the best of times, it’s the worst of times, as Dickens might have said. At every conference and around every braai, South Africans are being told that everything’s going to the dogs.
Continue readingSaving 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.
Continue readingTrust issues – four things to check in your trust deed
Trusts as vehicles of wealth preservation have had some important regulatory changes over the past few years as authorities have attempted to shift them away from tax evasion and more towards a true, family-minded way to pass on assets.
Continue readingMother 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.
Continue readingYour 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.
Continue readingCan 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?
Continue reading