Category Archives: MARKET

You know, it’s funny how we often think about our finances. We look at our bank accounts or our debts and think, “Wow, I need to make some big changes here.” And then we get overwhelmed and end up doing… well, nothing. Sound familiar? But here’s the thing: what if we didn’t need to makeContinue reading “The Baby-Steps Rule for Financial Growth”

Traditionally, personal finance conversations have focused heavily on numbers, metrics, and strategies. However, Morgan Housel, in his insightful book “The Psychology of Money,” proposes a compelling argument: while acquiring wealth involves shrewd financial strategies, maintaining and growing that wealth is more about mastering your behaviours and emotions. Housel shares that acquiring and preserving wealth areContinue reading “The behavioural blueprint for financial success”

BALANCING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PERSONAL BOUNDARIES For all of us, we’re often interconnected with others in ways we don’t fully realise. Family members, friends, colleagues and even acquaintances can lean on us for support, both emotionally and financially. While this support can be a beautiful expression of love and community, it can also become anContinue reading “Who’s leaning on you?”

In the grand machinery of personal finance, we all play a role. But have you ever stopped to consider what kind of role you’re playing? Are you the one tirelessly turning the cogs, or have you become the overseer of a well-oiled financial plan? Let’s picture two scenarios: Imagine Sarah, who wakes up every morning,Continue reading “Are you a cog in the machine?”

Either you put your money to work for you, or you will always have to work for your money. Understanding and acting on this concept can be the difference between perpetual financial strain and achieving lasting financial freedom. At its core, putting your money to work means investing in avenues that generate passive income—earnings youContinue reading “Is your money working for you?”

Parents have the profound responsibility and privilege of shaping their children’s relationship with money. In a world where financial literacy is often lacking, equipping our kids with the knowledge and skills to navigate their financial lives with confidence and wisdom is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. By starting early and makingContinue reading “Equipping kids with financial literacy skills”

Debt, in its many forms, can often feel like a heavy chain that restricts financial freedom. Whether it’s the revolving cycles of credit card balances, the long-term commitment of a mortgage, or the daunting totals of student loans, each type of debt comes with its unique challenges and strategies for management. Debt is often aContinue reading “Is all debt bad?”

It’s clear that we need to rethink, revisit, and recalibrate the way in which we prepare for retirement—not only financially, but socially and emotionally as well. One of the best ways to effectively plan for the future is to start as early as possible. For some, this means laying the groundwork early in life, takingContinue reading “Crafting a life rich with purpose”

Estate planning is a vital process that involves preparing for the transfer of a person’s assets and responsibilities after their death. While the fundamental principles of estate planning are widely recognised, the specific laws and practices can vary significantly between different countries and cultures.  This makes it crucial for us to not only understand theContinue reading “How will your assets be distributed?”

Financial planning is a lot like setting out on a journey—it requires foresight, preparation, and smart decision-making. However, amidst the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to veer off track. Here are some common financial pitfalls and how to steer clear of them: Firstly, not having clear financial goals is like driving without a destination.Continue reading “Financial planning mistakes to avoid”

When most people think about retirement planning, they focus on saving enough money to maintain their lifestyle and pursue their dreams. However, there’s one critical expense that often gets overlooked: healthcare costs. As the writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The first wealth is health.” With proper planning for medical expenses, your laterContinue reading “Retirement and your healthcare needs”

Paying taxes is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be smart about it. By understanding our country’s tax system and employing savvy optimisation strategies, we can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. As the famous quote goes, “The only difference between death and taxes is that deathContinue reading “Maximising your money with tax optimisation”

When it comes to financial planning, setting clear and well-defined goals is a crucial first step. Without a destination in mind, it’s easy to get lost or sidetracked on the path to financial success. That’s where the power of goal-setting comes in. One popular framework for setting effective goals is the SMART criteria. SMART isContinue reading “The power of goal-setting”

Many investors are drawn to the fast-paced world of buying low and selling high, chasing the thrill of timing the market for quick profits. Yet, there exists a timeless strategy far removed from the frenetic quest for immediate gains: embracing the power of staying invested over the long term. This approach, preferring ‘time in theContinue reading “Sometimes, the best action is inaction”

Imagine possessing wisdom so profound that it becomes legendary, guiding nations and solving the most intricate disputes, yet finding oneself ensnared in personal quandaries with no clear path forward. This is the story of Biblical King Solomon, a figure whose life embodied what we know today as the Solomon Paradox—the intriguing disparity between offering wisdomContinue reading “The Solomon Paradox”

In the journey of personal finance, where the currents of market trends and economic forecasts constantly shift beneath our feet, two principles stand as beacons to guide us through. These aren’t just strategies but rather philosophies that are time-tested and time-honoured. Principle #1: Steering Beyond Economic Forecasts Trying to forecast what’s going to happen inContinue reading “Two lessons for investors”

In the intricate realm of financial planning, trusts emerge as a beacon of strategic estate management, offering a tailored approach to safeguarding family wealth and assets. Far from being a mere financial instrument, trusts embody the art of foreseeing and shaping one’s financial legacy, transcending mere wealth accumulation to ensure the preservation and seamless transferContinue reading “Safeguarding your family wealth with a trust”

At the heart of financial planning lies a universal truth: we plan to gain control over the unforeseen and to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence. As Lyall Watson, the renowned biologist and writer, insightfully observed, “We survive by controlling our environment. And control is made possible by information.” This principle, deeply rooted in our survivalContinue reading “Balancing our need for control”

In every life, there will inevitably come times when we find ourselves at a standstill, facing challenges that seem insurmountable. It’s during these moments, when we’re stuck and the path forward is unclear, that our true strength is forged. The adage “Sometimes we need to get stuck, in order to get strong” speaks volumes aboutContinue reading “Get stuck, get strong!”

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to fall into the routine of counting days, waiting for the weekend, holidays or the next big event. But there’s a much more fulfilling approach to life, one that doesn’t just passively count the days but actively makes each day count. This perspective is notContinue reading “Don’t count the days; make them count!”

In the insightful words of Nick Murray, “All financial success comes from acting on a plan. A lot of financial failure comes from reacting to the market.” This statement is a powerful reminder of a fundamental truth in financial management: the undeniable value of proactive planning over the pitfalls of reactive responses. Financial success doesn’tContinue reading “It’s the steady hand on the tiller”

When it comes to shaping a robust financial plan, understanding and preparing for the complexities of tax planning is crucial. Tax considerations play a pivotal role in financial decision-making, influencing everything from investment choices to retirement planning. While tax laws and regulations vary across countries, the core principles of tax planning hold universal relevance andContinue reading “The integral role of tax planning in financial strategy”

In the vast ocean of financial management, money anxiety often feels like an unending series of waves. Sometimes, these waves are gentle, nudging us towards better financial habits. Other times, they are overwhelming, born from the tempests of unexpected life events and shifting economic landscapes. It’s easy to become fixated on wealth creation, focusing solelyContinue reading “Riding the waves of financial uncertainty”

In the realm of financial planning, we often focus on numbers, strategies, and future projections. Yet, a recent conversation shared on twitter underscores a different, but equally vital aspect of our work: the importance of simply being there and listening. A financial planner recounted an experience with a retired client. It had been months sinceContinue reading “It’s important to check in”

Screens dominate much of our waking hours. There’s a growing need to disconnect from the virtual and reconnect with the tangible world around us. The mantra “less scrolling, more strolling” captures this sentiment perfectly, encouraging a shift from passive, screen-based activities to active, physical engagement with our surroundings, particularly through walking. The act of walking,Continue reading “Less scrolling, more strolling”

Navigating the intricate dance of financial planning is not just a cerebral affair; it’s a delicate blend of the analytical mind and the intuitive heart. Money, often viewed through the lens of cold numbers and stark figures, is deeply intertwined with the warm weavings of our emotions and dreams. It demands a symphony of technicalContinue reading “The balance of heart and mind in financial contentment”

How to Recognize and Respond to Email Fraud In a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, email fraud has become a pervasive threat, with scammers employing sophisticated tactics to compromise personal and professional email accounts. They often cloak their schemes behind the names of established brands, sowing confusion and exploiting trust. Cybercriminals frequently target theContinue reading “Don’t bank on it being the bank…”

When we think of financial planning, things can get serious way too fast — a far cry from the carefree essence of playtime. However, the principle of play, fundamental to the way children learn and explore, retains its instructive power well into adulthood. Play isn’t just a frivolous pastime; it’s a sophisticated exercise in simulationContinue reading “Finding playtime in your planning”

Financial planning, for most people, brings to mind a labyrinth of paperwork and the perpetual agony of tracking every dime and dollar. It’s no surprise, then, that this often leads to analysis paralysis.  Author Carl Richards (mentioned in a recent blog) cuts through this complexity, suggesting that the core of effective financial planning can, inContinue reading “Your assets should fulfil your ‘why’”

The secret of wealth-building that often goes unnoticed is not just how we manage our money, but how we manage our time.  Time is a finite resource. Once we spend it, we can’t get it back.  Learning how to leverage time effectively can distinguish you as a top performer, and as someone who truly understandsContinue reading “Time, the ultimate wealth-building asset”

How often have you found yourself making impulsive decisions about your investments based on headlines or peer pressure? Maybe you’ve even shifted your entire asset allocation because of these emotions.  If this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone.  Carl Richards, in his groundbreaking book “The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things withContinue reading “Closing the Behavior Gap: Navigating emotional money mistakes and asset allocation”

Socratic Questioning and Guided Imagery In our previous blog, we discussed how cognitive distortions can influence your decision-making, emotions, and, ultimately, your financial well-being. In this one, we’re diving deeper into specific techniques that can help you combat these distortions: Socratic Questioning and Guided Imagery. These tools not only help in mental health but canContinue reading “Rewiring your financial mindset (II)”

The emotional toll of losing a loved one leaves us unprepared for the logistical labyrinth that follows: the administration of their estate. Navigating this complex process can feel like a second loss, rife with hidden costs, legal hurdles, and unexpected delays. With the insights from this blog, you’ll be better equipped to navigate these challenges.Continue reading “Costs, Delays, and Challenges of Estate Administration”

Debt can be overwhelming, often feeling like a never-ending battle against numbers that just won’t budge. It’s not just your bank balance that takes a hit; it’s your mental well-being, too. If you’ve been struggling with the emotional and psychological toll of financial instability, you’re not alone—and there’s hope. In the upcoming blogs, we’re goingContinue reading “Down with debt!”

Investing can be likened to the ancient Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, where opposing forces are interdependent and complementary. In the realm of investments, this duality might be expressed through the delicate balance between emotions and risk in asset allocation. Just as Yin and Yang represent harmony, understanding how these elements interact can leadContinue reading “Balancing emotions and risk in asset allocation”

As the earth’s axis tilts, heralding the onset of new seasons across the globe, there’s a palpable shift in our surroundings. When the Northern Hemisphere prepares to embrace the comforting embrace of autumn—donning sweaters and sipping warm beverages, the Southern Hemisphere is on the cusp of spring, promising rejuvenation and vibrant blooms.  These seasonal shiftsContinue reading “Debt Detox: Preparing for spring in any hemisphere”

The Power of Conversation When we think about building wealth, our minds often dart to the tangible components: investments, savings accounts, real estate, and other assets. Rarely do we consider the intangible elements, especially the conversations we have about money. Yet, it’s these very discussions that have a profound impact on our financial trajectory. FromContinue reading “How talking about finances shapes our wealth”

It’s fascinating to see how the world of financial planning is evolving. Today, more than ever, there’s a growing acknowledgement of the role psychology plays in our financial lives. A prominent voice in this field is Dr. Brad Klontz, a clinical psychologist who’s been shining a light on what he calls our “money scripts”. ImagineContinue reading “The significance of money scripts”

Navigating the world of personal finance is often as much about effective communication as it is about understanding the technicalities. Whether you’re conversing with a financial advisor, a spouse, or even yourself, how you communicate about money matters a great deal.  How we discuss and perceive our financial circumstances can significantly affect our decision-making, emotionalContinue reading “How your communication style can empower your financial future”

The financial world can be complex, teeming with jargon, concepts, and strategies that can bewilder even the most diligent among us. One aspect of navigating this labyrinth that often gets overlooked is the importance of having an accountability partner who can offer support, challenge you, and help you stay on course with your financial goals.Continue reading “Accountability: Your secret weapon for financial success”

The spectre of financial uncertainty can have substantial impact on one’s psychological well-being and future planning capabilities. However, it is not a burden that has to be perpetually borne. Transitioning from financial uncertainty to stability is achievable by reducing chaos in your cash flow and introducing a greater degree of predictability into your financial planning.Continue reading “The spectre of financial uncertainty”

In the sphere of financial planning, the way we speak about money and articulate our plans can have a profound impact on our financial well-being. The power of articulating a financial plan lies not only in the creation of a roadmap towards your financial goals, but also in how it helps shape your mindset towardsContinue reading “Unleash the power of articulating your financial plan”

Just like our language influences our perceptions of the world, the language we use around money – especially the complex jargon and market commentary that often surrounds it – can significantly impact our financial behaviours, perspectives, and, ultimately, our financial planning. You’ve likely heard phrases like “money doesn’t grow on trees”, “time is money”, orContinue reading “Decoding the Language of Money”

This is the ancient tale of how interest rates change and the forces that shape their destiny. Once upon a time, in the land of economic stability, the ever-changing interest rates kept weaving tales of prosperity and struggle. Central banks, the guardians of monetary stability, navigated the twists and turns of economic indicators, seeking theContinue reading “A short (not too boring) story about interest rates”

The rise of over-indebtedness is a growing concern not only locally but also for individuals across the globe. Legal action and bad credit records due to non-payment can have serious consequences on people’s financial well-being. In 2022, consumers in South Africa failed to honour a collective debt of R2.8 billion. Similarly, other countries have beenContinue reading “Rising Above the Red”

In the current economic climate, a growing number of individuals are experiencing financial strain due to the escalating cost of living and rising interest rates. As a result, many are looking for ways to reduce their expenses in order to maintain a balanced budget. Insurance premiums, often perceived as an expendable cost, are among theContinue reading “Don’t ditch your insurance”

Financial planning can be a daunting task, and it’s common for people to make mistakes as they navigate the complex world of personal finance. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some common financial planning mistakes that many individuals make, as identified by FinTwit contributor Jason Friedman. By learning about these pitfalls and how to avoidContinue reading “Common financial planning mistakes”

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought both excitement and trepidation in equal measures. Many see it as a threat to job security, while others believe it has the potential to revolutionise the way we live and work. AI can help you upskill, become more valuable to your business, and create more valueContinue reading “Use AI to learn more”

Saving money doesn’t have to send us on a price-smashing frenzy that leaves broken trolleys and disgruntled shoppers in our wake. In fact, panic buying is probably worse for our budget than doing a daily grocery run. With the right approach, buying in bulk can be a smart way to save money on everyday items.Continue reading “The Incredible Bulk”

Money can be both a master and a servant in our lives, depending on how we choose to approach it. As P.T. Barnum once said, “Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.” Let’s explore what this means and how we can ensure that money serves us rather than the other way around. MoneyContinue reading “From master to servant: how to take control of your money”