Since the official announcement of South-Africa's ratings downgrade to junk status, many theories; concerns and questions have been raised with regards to what this means for the average citizen and our local economy as a whole. In answer to this, Old Mutual Wealth has released the first of many articles that addresses this topic directly, [...]
S If you’re joining a medical scheme for the first time and you’re trying to understand the terminology, you will be forgiven for thinking that you’ve landed on another planet. Some of the terms below are relatively self-explanatory, but others are not. Here’s a quick definition of each of them. For more information, [...]
When you read through the following points think about them in the scenario where you have just had a major stroke or from your loved-one’s perspective one week after you have died. If you feel the least bit uncomfortable about even one of these questions you need to consult your estate planner urgently Communicate your [...]
The 2017/8 budget speech and the concomitant amendments to the Income Tax Act contained a series of unpleasant changes for the law abiding South African taxpayer. It ranged from fiscal drag to the introduction of the new Section 7 C and the draconian 45% tax rate now imposed on the super earners – and all [...]
Institutional investors to remain focused on the long term The decision of the British public to support an exit from the European Union has come as a surprise to the markets. Right up until the voting opened, the opinion polls and even the betting odds favored the UK to remain in the EU. Markets do [...]
Cash shortfalls in deceased estates Cash shortfalls are to blame for most of the delays in the administration of deceased estates. Understanding how cash shortfalls arise will help you understand the issues at play and allow you to take corrective action in preventing similar delays arising on your death. Some causes leading to cash [...]
South Africans are collectively holding their breaths for further tax hikes when finance minister Pravin Gordhan delivers his 2016 Budget Speech. In the 2015 Budget Speech, former finance minister, Nhlanhla Nene, increased personal income tax for all taxpayers earning more than R181900 a year. He also announced an increase in the general fuel levy of [...]
A financial plan will help you see the bigger picture, a crucial step in mapping out your financial future, an investment expert said. A financial plan provides financial security, in particular in the event of the unforeseen events like disability or death and addresses the big concern of having enough money to retire independently, said [...]
