One of the most difficult elements of any financial portfolio is saving for retirement. For most of us, retirement always feels so far away and we feel like we’ll either have plenty of time to save for it, or we simply have other priorities that are currently higher on our list. Products like short term … Read More
Unless you’ve already had a debilitating illness, the last thing you think about is your health failing you for anything longer than your hospital stay. As a result, we tend to only include a hospital plan, and perhaps some GAP cover in our financial planning. But what happens if the accident means that you can’t … Read More
We’re almost at the middle of the year! Some will look forward and see the potential stashed away in the seven months that lie ahead, but others will look at the five months passed and be overwhelmed by how little they’ve accomplished. Perhaps you had such a motivated two weeks in January where you felt … Read More
Women submit more critical illness claims than men. RISKSA published an online article that shed some light on an area of financial planning that appears to be largely overlooked, or at least, underestimated. A key consideration for every financial portfolio is to insure your most valuable asset – your ability to earn an income. Traditionally … Read More
How can you plan for the unexpected… and, if you’re expecting it, then how can it be unexpected? Well, those are good questions! Planning and arranging your spending plan to include the ‘unexpected’ is a wise approach to take. When we talk about unexpected costs we generally mean services or commodities that are over-and-above what … Read More
The number of people who are currently saving is declining, research shows. Last year MasterCard conducted a survey to discern consumer purchasing priorities and the research revealed that saving is a forgone priority in an increasing amount of household budgets. The biggest barrier-to-entry in any budget for savings is the belief that there is no … Read More
In an article published on Fin24 earlier this year, it was said that homes are expected to become less affordable this year (2014). John Loos, household and property sector strategist at FNB Home Loans, said the following: “After six years of improving residential property affordability, 2014 could be a year in which this improving affordability … Read More
For those of you who have travelled on a tube in London, you’ll know the familiar sound of the lady saying “Mind the gap.” as you step on and off your tube. In fact, even if you haven’t travelled to the Big Smoke, you’ve probably heard about it. However, when people buy health cover they’re … Read More
Fluctuations in the markets are one of their defining characteristics. Various factors contribute to the vicissitudes of investor behaviour, both locally and globally, and many of these are psychological factors that are strongly influenced by perceptions – and an interest rate hike will surely shake the boat. It’s always good to know how your investment … Read More
What goes up must come down… except for the fuel price! A little over a week into the new month and all drivers are already feeling the weight of the escalating petrol and diesel prices. Reaching record heights last week, petrol pumps are now set at over R14 per litre (R13.95 at the coast), and … Read More