Planning for the inevitable
Estate planning in South Africa has followed a well-trodden path: we draft a will, appoint an executor, and ensure our physical assets – the house, the car, the Krugerrands – are accounted for.
However, in an era where our lives are increasingly hosted in the cloud, a significant portion of our estates is becoming invisible. Without a “digital will” or a comprehensive folder, your heirs may find themselves locked out of your financial, sentimental, and professional life.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is not a flashy, Ferrari-driving, Gucci-wearing kind of tax. Instead, it quietly goes about its business in the background, day in and day out. This doesn’t make it any less consequential.
Many estates that appear financially secure can come under unexpected pressure from Capital Gains Tax at death. The good news is that there are several relief mechanisms within the tax system that, with careful planning, can meaningfully reduce this impact.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” (Winston Churchill) Writing a will isn’t only about dividing assets – it’s about expressing your values, protecting your family, and reducing the risk of conflict after you’re gone. Yet many South Africans put it off. According to the…
“A rich person should leave his kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing.” (Warren Buffett) In the next couple of decades, families with intergenerational wealth will be transferring far more than assets (including homes, holiday homes, and successful businesses and investments). They will also be transferring value systems and philanthropic support,…
“The only person who sticks closer to you in adversity than a friend is a creditor.” (Unknown) You’ve done everything you can to leave your loved ones financially secure after you die. You’ve left enough assets to set them up in their own lives, made a valid will (“Last Will and Testament”), and chosen a…
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” (Winnie the Pooh, by A.A. Milne) The tax-free launchpad for young futures With a bit of planning, retirement fund members can ensure that, in the case of their own death, their minor children benefit from…
When the final note is played, debts become a part of the legacy shared. (Anonymous) Debt’s journey Unfortunately, your debts don’t evaporate when you pass away. But there is a silver lining as they don’t typically hitch a ride to your family either – unless they’re tied by joint financial obligations or a community of…
“A life of luxury sounds nice, but generational wealth sounds better.” (Unknown) As the old adage goes: “The first generation creates wealth, the second generation preserves wealth, and the third generation squanders it!” Our goal is to prevent this. If you’re fortunate enough to have created generational wealth, it’s extremely important that your heirs know…
“Divorce is the one human tragedy that reduces everything to cash.” (Rita Mae Brown) Your will is a legal document that spells out how your assets should be distributed when you pass away. This is all well and good when you’re married and you want to leave everything to each other. But what happens when…
As your wheel of life turns, your financial needs, goals and focuses change. When you start working, you’re absorbed by accumulating assets. Later, as you near retirement, your focus shifts to wealth preservation. And eventually, when you’re settled and comfortable in your golden years, the transfer of wealth becomes your number one priority. It goes…
