Gold is the universal language understood by all nations.” (George Herbert)
Just a few weeks ago, the gold price climbed above $2,500 per ounce for the first time in history. This has once again got South Africans talking about the attractiveness (or otherwise) of gold as an investment.
Gold is probably one of the easiest assets to understand. You can see it […]
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 trustworthy and efficient executor […]
In today’s financial world, staying still is the fastest way to fall behind. While many financial planning firms focus on growth, investments, and regulations, the heartbeat of long-term success often lies in a less obvious factor: branding. But how do you know when it’s time for a refresh? Here are the top signals that a rebrand could open new doors […]
It’s too close to call, so sit tight
The race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is running neck and neck, with Harris seen as slightly ahead after being widely considered the winner of their September debate. A recent CNN poll found Harris leading by a percentage point, coming in at 48% versus Trump’s 47%. However, some investment managers, including UBS, […]
Surprisingly, many advisors overlook the importance of adequately thanking clients for referrals. While some may respectfully gesture their thanks through a quick email, only a select group truly goes the extra mile to express their appreciation. These excellent advisers understand the value of doing the right thing and show clients how much they genuinely appreciate the introduction.
A Story That Shows […]
“Big Brother is watching you.” (George Orwell)
Your smartphone lets you record just about anything, anywhere, and at any time. Your laptop and other devices can automatically record online meetings. Technology enabling voice and/or video recording is all-pervasive, providing us all with a powerful tool for keeping accurate records, resolving disputes and gathering evidence.
But it’s crucial to understand when it’s legal […]
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 without saying that each of these […]
“There is no pebble so small that it won’t make ripples when tossed into a body of water.” (Charles Peck)
In a recent blog post, financial writer Morgan Housel made an interesting observation. He wondered what would happen if people invited public scrutiny of the way they went about trying to find love:
“Imagine if, after your first date with a partner, […]
“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 by comparing the costs of renting and buying […]
“The two-pot system is meant to support long-term retirement savings while offering flexibility to help fund members in financial distress.” (National Treasury)
With two new pots added to what used to be the one-pot South African retirement system, fund members can now access a portion of their retirement savings before retirement, while still preserving savings for retirement. There are, however, immediate […]
