“The only constant is change.” (Heraclitus) Stock markets everywhere have been on a bit of a rollercoaster in 2025. Uncertainty around interest rates, geopolitical instability, and the unpredictability of US trade policy have made for a bumpy ride. For any investor, these constant dips and gains can feel unsettling, even irrational. But before labelling…
“Marriage is the chief cause of divorce.” (Groucho Marx) Retirement savings typically account for a substantial portion of a person’s wealth. When a marriage ends, these savings can become a serious bone of contention. The good news is that, starting 1 September 2024, the definition of pension interest will be standardised across all retirement funds.…
“The number of cases of dementia is estimated to almost triple by 2050.” (World Health Organisation) Although the actual prevalence per capita of dementia is reportedly on the decline, aging populations ensure that it is becoming more and more of a problem in society – for older people, their families and caregivers. If you or…
“Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.” (Warren Buffett) Choosing a retirement property involves considering location, cost, amenities, and healthcare services. Often, retirees prefer not to deal with the hassle of property maintenance and opt to stay in a property maintained by someone else. This also provides a sense of community. Life Rights…
“Home is not a place; it’s a feeling.” (Cecelia Ahern) Deciding whether to buy or rent your home may be one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Ultimately, the choice comes down to a combination of financial variables and personal factors, which, as we know, fluctuate unpredictably. Rands and cents Let’s start…
“Change is not a gate we pass through; it is the definition of life.” (Millie Florence) The good Supporters of the change believe that introducing an accessible savings pot can provide salvation for those in financial crises, like the one caused by the Covid pandemic. It will help people to avoid debt and prevent people…
New beginnings After working for forty years, the time has come to make really important decisions about how you’ll manage your retirement funds to ensure that your golden years are all you’d hoped for. When you retire, you must transfer two-thirds of your retirement funds to a Life Annuity or Living Annuity. Your retirement funds…
South Africa is set to introduce a significant reform in its retirement funding system with the implementation of the ‘Two-Pot system’1. The Two-Pot system aims to address several key issues within the current retirement savings framework by balancing the need for long-term savings with the need for short-term financial flexibility, addressing both immediate financial pressures…
“One must learn to give up momentary, uncertain, and destructive pleasure for delayed, restrained, dependable pleasure.” (Sigmund Freud) What is the marshmallow test? The test was devised by Walter Mischel, a Stanford University psychology professor, in the 1960s. While the test has undergone many tweaks over the years, at its essence it is exceedingly simple.…
“Often, when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” Fred Rogers Retirement planning 101 If you’re part of a pension or provident fund or have a preservation fund and/or a retirement annuity, you can withdraw up to one-third of your investments to use as you wish. The…
We all dream of a happy retirement, but making it a reality requires early planning. A good rule of thumb is to stash away at least 15% of your pay check before taxes right from the start of your career. Depending on your situation, this might involve diving into some or all of the following:…
