Retirement planning is only one component of a holistic financial plan and although retirement has a higher probability than all the other risk areas, this is the area we find people being the worst prepared for. Retirement doesn’t happen at 65… it happens when you make it happen!Planning for retirement is much like planning a flight in a light aircraft. Before you embark on this journey you have to check if your aircraft is in a […]
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Retail Distribution Review – Prepare for advice fees
For the first time in South Africa, financial advice is set to become a billable service. Known as the Retail Distribution Review (RDR), the first phase will be implemented later this year (2016), introducing some significant changes for both consumers and financial advisors alike.As with all change, some sound preparation and a positive outlook will make for a smoother adjustment. One of the main changes in mindset is to accept that making direct payment for financial […]
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Surviving the weak Rand
South Africa’s weakened Rand is bound to have a negative rippling effect on our economy. The cost of food, electricity, water and imported goods are all set to rise. Now is as best a time as any to take secure control of your finances.Budget According to the National Credit Regulator (NCR), as at June 2015 a shocking 11 million out of more than 23 million credit active consumers had impaired credit records or had failed to […]
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Three Trends set to Shape Professional Industries
I found a great article talking about some of the major themes that are predicted to influence professional industries this year. A big part of running a successful business is staying up-to-date with current trends that are affecting the marketplace.Here are three trends that are set to be prevalent this year:Trust as the key competitive advantageIt is said that no publicity is bad publicity, however that was before the dawn of the internet. The value of […]
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Retirement tax reform
Also known as The Commutation of Benefits, there are some big changes coming for retirement and provident fund holders. Essentially, these all relate to how the money is drawn (commuted) or re-invested.After being delayed by a year, the Taxation Laws Amendment Act is being put into place on 1 March 2016 (‘T-day’). The legislation changes seek to balance out the tax treatment for the different types of retirement funds.First, there are changes on how much of […]
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Are you an employer?
Many of my clients run their own businesses, employing staff and looking for ways to grow their business. In this busy way of life, it’s easy to overlook or lose track of changes in the legislative systems that affect employers.Here are some important legislative changes will be affecting all employers and retirement fund members from 1 March 2016 (‘T-day’). Seeking to create a uniform retirement fund system for all types of retirement saving vehicles the following […]
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Thistle save you a buck
With Valentine’s Day around the corner I thought I would write a piece about the proper procurement of flowers. What to look for and how to get the best bouquet for your buck.Starting with the obvious, if you are buying flowers for someone special then it’s best to know either their favourite kind of flowers are or at least some of the symbolism behind the flowers that you plan on buying. (Red is love, yellow is […]
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Another 5 Financial Reflections for 2016
Looking forward to another year of financial success means embracing monetary mistakes of the past. More importantly, you need to be honest with yourself about where you currently are and where you want to be.Here are another 5 Financial Reflections from 2015, for 2016:Don’t let yourself be pressured into buying designer goods Branding is such a huge part of the modern consumer society, yet there are generic products that deliver exactly the same level of quality. […]
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5 Financial Reflections for 2016
It’s that familiar time of year when you envision a “new you” and foster a compelling motivation for self-improvement. However, the year always seems to form into an uphill race and once you return to the daily grind it becomes easier to allow yourself to slip-up in your devotions.Reflecting on areas where you have encountered difficulties in the past helps to forge a firmer future. Here are five of my 10 financial reflections for 2016:There’s little […]
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Back to school budgeting
During this time of the year most of our budgets are understandably depleted, with schools going back in two weeks, we should be mindful of back-to-school expenses that are around the corner.This also affords a great opportunity to chat with your kids about the costs associated with their schooling needs. Involving your children not only helps them understand how much time and effort you put into shopping for them, but it sets them up with good […]
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