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Dear Investor We’ve attached the latest explanation from Treasury regarding which retirement reforms are going to take place as at 1 March 2016 and those which aren’t. Please read through this important article and let me have your questions. Retirement Reforms Postponement Update … [Read more...] about Retirement Reforms – An update

Hi there We’ve attached a very brief animated clip about saving towards your retirement by investing in a retirement annuity. While this is clearly not the only way to save, it is a smart way to save if you are earning taxable income, because you could be enjoying a valuable tax break by … [Read more...] about Retirement Annuities 101

A Happy New year to you Well, now that the pleasantries are over, lets cut to the chase The year has started with similar nervousness to that experienced back in 2008 and we know what happened later that year! Lets hope this time round things settle rather than worsen Amongst various … [Read more...] about Drought to be our biggest headache this year?

You will no doubt also be feeling rather edgy after recent developments in both local and overseas stock and bond markets. Last week we lost around 9% on the bond market while the currency lost even more and local bank shares specifically lost 20% on average. Overseas there are concerns that … [Read more...] about Markets jittery on several fronts

Dear All The corrupt and devious president of our beautiful country has fired the much respected Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene. The reason for this move was not provided (this in itself worries investors tremendously) and an unknown replacement, David Van Rooyen, has been appointed in … [Read more...] about The final straw to junk status?

Dear All We are a nation of spenders. We are ranked in the top ten countries who buy luxury German vehicles and we are also known for our penchant for expensive branded clothing and personal items such as jewelry, sunglasses and watches. We are also pretty good at showing off the latest … [Read more...] about To save rather than to spend

For those of us who enjoy a freebie, here is one which you should consider despite the maximum investment limits being relatively small The Treasury announced the launch of its Tax Free Savings Plan initiative in March and financial institutions have been working hard on their TFSP … [Read more...] about Tax Free Savings Plan

If you are reaching your retirement age later this year, you will be faced with various decisions which could influence the rest of your life. A few of these decisions are: Do I have the option of converting any group life cover without underwriting If yes, do I need this cover and can I … [Read more...] about Are you retiring this year?

The R4 million which South African taxpayers are allowed to invest offshore in your lifetime will be increased to R10 million per taxpayer or R20 million per family in terms of the Budget proposals. This foreign capital allowance also applies to the amount you can take out on emigration.  In … [Read more...] about Foreign Capital Allowance Increases and Curbs on the use of Retirement Annuities to Reduce Estate Duty later in life

Here are a few tips to help you teach your kids how to manage their money – by setting a good example ourselves Having a household budget and a financial plan, with the family involved, is a great way to teach children how to manage finances. As a family you can set some healthy money rules, such … [Read more...] about Teach your kids about money