“Today’s budget is constrained by the need to consolidate our public finances, in the context of slower growth and rising debt.” said Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene. Giving the budget speech was a far from enviable job in light of the huge government spending deficit that needs to be recovered. The speech was a short 26 pages long, but what every person on the street wants to know is: How will this affect me? Remember, the […]
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HOW CAN I LOWER MY CAR INSURANCE?
Insurance is one of those purchases that requires a mature and foresightful mindset. The reality is that it’s not really about if you will have a bump or a scrape, but when… Once you come to terms with this, it then becomes a question of spending as little as needed on your premiums whilst getting comprehensive cover for you personal needs. There can be a number of different factors affecting your cars insurance rates, typically younger […]
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PETROL PRICE HIKE
Whatever goes up, must come down. And when the petrol price comes down, we can expect it to go up… South African motorists will have to brace themselves for the increase in fuel price this coming Wednesday (4 March), following the much enjoyed reprieve. Petrol will be rising by 96 cents a litre whilst the numbers on the diesel pumps be pushed up by 74 cents. The Energy Department has stated that the main reason for […]
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END OF THE MONTH SAVING TIPS!
It’s that time of the month again when you either feel as though you have wisely managed your monthly budget or you are counting the cents as you barely scrape through into March. To avoid this worry in the future, here are some saving tips to help you keep your cash in hand! Read more, literally… Reading is one of the cheapest, yet most rewarding, hobbies around. Spending some of your free time wrapped in a […]
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PAYING OFF CREDIT CARD DEBT
With festive season celebrations now a distant memory and all of the leftovers hopefully eaten, something still remains for the majority of South Africans – a looming credit card debt! It doesn’t have to linger for long but getting out of credit card debt requires a realistic goal and a firm resolve. You will have to monitor your progress regularly to minimize your pitfalls and motivate yourself to keep on track. Fight the temptation The first […]
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TAX YEAR END – RA BOOST
With the tax year drawing to a close at the end of February, it is worth looking into the advantages of making a supplementary contribution into your retirement annuity (RA). The National Treasury estimates that only 10% of South Africans are able to maintain the same standard of living after retirement. Here are some good reasons to give your RA a boost before the tax year end. Boost your tax return When submitting your income tax […]
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VALENTINES DAY IDEAS
It is almost that time of the year again – when hearts are worn on the sleeve and chocolate is eaten in excess. While lavish consumerism is often an indulgence, there are a number of thoughtful ways to make this day romantic without burning a hole in your pocket. ORGANICALLY ROMANTIC Go back to basics, break away from all the pomp and procedure of a fancy restaurant and organise an organically romantic sunset picnic. You will […]
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5 TIPS FOR INVESTING
It is never too early or late to start an investment portfolio. If you already have a portfolio it doesn’t hurt to gain some extra insight, whether you choose to acknowledge the advice or not… at least arm yourself with it! Here are five investment tips to help you stay on top of your expenditures. Follow investors on social media There is a huge accumulation of knowledge being distributed via social media platforms. Assess the people […]
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INVESTING IN ETF’S FOR KIDS
If you are interested in investing for your children’s future education, a good way to achieve this is with exchange-traded funds (ETF). It is best advised to have a balanced portfolio spread over multiple asset classes so as to reduce volatility and enhance performance potential. You should consider the following points when setting up education accounts for your children: THIRD-PARTY ACCOUNTS Set up separate third-party accounts for each child. You will have control over the investment […]
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10 TIPS FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING
Do you want to begin your 2015 financial year on a good note? Then what better time to review your financial plan! A financial plan provides you with the financial security to overcome unforeseen events and map out a financial future for yourself. When creating a financial plan you need to identify key achievable goals that can advance your financial situation. Here are 10 tips for improving a financial plan: You need to have a clear […]
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