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 […]
FUEL PRICE ADVICE
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 […]
NEEDING SOME MORE VITALITY POINTS?
We’re already finishing the first quarter of 2014 and we don’t want you to miss out on your opportunity to unlock the best rewards from Discovery’s Vitality Programme. As a client of Lifeforce, you have the added value of being invited to join our bi-monthly Vitality Wellness days. You only need to complete this assessment […]
#BUDGET2014 – THE SKINNY
Last week Pravin Gordhan, Finance Minister to President Jacob Zuma, delivered his final budget speech for the current administration. Financial gurus, economists, financial planners and all those money-astute, sat rapt and listened with educated ears to the updated blueprints for South Africa’s future. This blog is not written with them in mind, but rather for […]
PAY SARS LESS. PAY YOURSELF MORE.
With only a few days left in the tax year, you have just enough time to make a prudent financial decision that may save you a few thousand rand on your next tax return, and earn you considerably more than that at retirement. It’s common practice amongst those astute in minimising their tax deficits and […]
KIDNEYS AND RISK COVER
If you were to take a quick poll from your peers of what they fear the most, you’re most likely to receive answers like snakes, flying, thunderstorms (non-Highveld-people…), needles, the dark and, if they’re really honest, the dentist! For the most part these fears originate around our mortality and anything that threatens our health. Which […]
WHY DO YOU NEED A FINANCIAL ADVISOR?
This question crosses the minds of most people, just moments before they meet up for coffee with their financial advisor – and it’s a good question! This question can be answered in so many ways… so let’s answer it with a few questions: Would you service your own car? Would you diagnose yourself if you […]
ARE YOU COVERED FOR THE COST OF INFLATION?
Every year, the cost of living increases. Food is more expensive, rent goes up, services cost more and our luxury items become even more of a luxury. From the image above, we can see how much a few food items increased in four years. After cooking for the holidays, we’re sure you can see how […]
WHAT’S ON THE TABLE WITH ALLAN GRAY-ORBIS?
Many of our clients invest with the Allan Gray-Orbis rand denominated offshore funds. As you may or may not know, these funds are now temporarily closed for discretionary investments. WHY ARE THE FUNDS CLOSING? The exchange control regulations of the South African Reserve Bank allow unit trust companies to invest up to 35% of their […]
FRESH SAVING TIPS!
MONEY DOESN’T GROW ON TREES When last did you hear this saying? Probably when you were a child, a few decades ago… This expression has slowly been silenced by the loud announcements in our consumer driven society. All the messages that are pumped through the media and social networks tell us to consume; not to […]