Fathers can be difficult to shop for, if they were easy to shop for then maybe they wouldn’t have so many ties. Now you might be thinking that this is another article telling you how to skimp on a present – it isn’t. Instead, I want you to think about how you can add value instead of reducing costs. The kind of gifts that keeps on giving. Here are some ideas to demonstrate: A skill-improving class […]
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Cancer claims reveal risk trends
Recent statistics made available by Liberty Life reveal that cancer is the leading cause of claims paid by the assurer in 2015. One in four claims paid by Liberty were for cancer, and the proportion of claims for cancer is increasing, even at younger ages. Motor vehicle accidents are typically cited as the reason that young people need disability or income protection cover, but cancer was a greater cause accounting for 12.3% of claims (motor vehicles […]
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What happens after a market downgrade?
There has been much murmuring in the financial field as of late regarding queries with respect to investing locally, or shifting all portfolios offshore, specifically in the light of the widespread media coverage and speculation regarding South Africa’s credit rating and the likelihood of a downgrade to “junk status” – which could happen as soon as the third quarter. While there is some speculation about when it might happen the general consensus seems to be that […]
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A car or a home?
At some point in your life you are likely to be faced with a choice, should I buy a car or a place of my own? The answer is not always as straightforward as you first think it to be. There are a lot of factors to weigh against one another before you can say that you’ve made a considered decision. This blog isn’t going to give you an answer, but it will help you ask […]
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Tech – Rent or Buy?
Technology is expensive. With newer, shinier gadgets being released every couple of months it’s difficult to keep up with the blistering pace of advancements, especially when every upgrade is taking a chunk out of your wallet. There is much to be said for renting when it comes to electronics and appliances. In days gone by it was unheard of to own a television or a fridge, big appliances were rented as they were largely unaffordable and […]
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Investing in your fifties
Many young people neglect to plan for their retirement during their early working lives, arguing that they will take care of it later in life when they are earning a bigger salary. However, on the flip side of the coin, as people get older they assume that they must rebalance their portfolios into more conservative investments. Luckily, most people are choosing to retire later in life. If you have left investing in your retirement until later […]
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Spoil mom – prepare early!
Get ready to blow her hair back – don’t just wait for it to happen! The trick to spoiling mom is not in buying the perfect present, but making sure you’ve thought of all the little details – and this takes preparation. This is a woman who devotes every detail to you, so showing her that in return – is a perfect way to spoil her! The best place to start is to keep it simple! […]
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Financial Fortifications for Forty Somethings
It’s often said that the best years are the forties – and for so many reasons! Whilst everyone is different, it’s good to state at the start of this article that this perspective is becoming even more prevalent. Some forty year-olds are in their first marriage with kids, others are in their second or third… with kids. Some have never been married and have no inclination of doing so. These situations place people in very different […]
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Drawing up a Budget – Useful Tips
Nowadays, making a transaction can feel somewhat unreal. Just a swipe and a glance at the number displayed on a digital screen. Whilst this seems easy and practical, it poses a big problem that is too-often overlooked. When we stop dealing with physical coins and notes – a mental disconnect occurs between the digital numbers and what they actually mean to you in terms of how much money you have just spent, and how much you […]
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Common financial mistakes in your thirties
Saving in your thirties becomes increasingly difficult as your financial responsibilities increase. However, sound financial decisions during this phase of life can have profound benefits at a later stage. Here are some common financial mistakes to avoid: The first is failing to draw up a budget. A proper budget is the starting point of all financial discipline and should be physically written down for later reference. Include your partner in this process as it is important […]
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