Tag: financial planning

When it comes to life insurance, naming your minor child as a beneficiary may seem like the most natural decision. But this well-intentioned move can lead to unintended consequences and even financial risk. Most parents assume that naming their child as a beneficiary guarantees protection of their life assurance benefits. But legally, minors cannot receive policy payouts directly. That’s where things get complicated.

Every year during National Wills Week, thousands of South Africans take advantage of the opportunity to have a basic will drafted for free. Yet many still put it off, assuming they will “get to it one day”. The truth is clear. Dying without a will can leave your loved ones facing unnecessary stress, delays and financial hardship if something happens to you.

A thorough credit policy accelerates the development of your business, no matter the size. In other words, a clear and well-defined credit policy for growth is essential for driving business success. A credit policy empowers business owners to manage risk effectively. It also improves cash flow and helps build stronger, more reliable customer relationships.

The world in which we grew up is changing. The weather is no longer as predictable as we remember. We can no longer set our clocks by an afternoon Highveld storm. We also cannot reliably mark the transition of the seasons. Climate change is real. It brings unpredictable weather patterns and uncertainties that extend beyond the environment and into our financial security.

In today’s unpredictable and fast-paced world, achieving financial success requires more than just saving money or investing in the latest trend. A truly secure financial future is built on a holistic approach that integrates various aspects of financial planning.

What distinguishes leading financial advisers today is their ability to provide practical, ethical and customer-focused guidance that adapts to changing environments. In a climate shaped by economic volatility and regulatory reform, advisers are stepping beyond product sales to become long-term strategic partners to their customers. This shift is already well underway.

Earned wage access (EWA) trends signal explosive industry growth, with EWA projected to reach a $24 billion market value globally by 2025. As the industry matures, we are leading the transformation, developing earned wage access platforms into comprehensive financial wellness solutions. We are also leveraging financial technology and personalisation to meet the needs of an increasingly digital workforce.

As South Africans braced for a heavier tax burden, the 2025 Budget Speech delivered a mix of relief and reality. While tax increases were lower than feared, financial advisers will soon need to navigate a complex landscape of regulatory reforms.

Free food and drinks on a Friday once worked as attractive company perks. However, things have changed dramatically. Today, top talent expects more from employers. They want a competitive salary and stand-out benefits that offer real value.

In an exciting recent development, National Treasury published a set of draft Tax and Revenue Law Amendment Bills, together with accompanying Explanatory Memorandums thereto, for public comment. These draft bills contained a host of robust proposed changes to tighten certain loopholes and inconsistencies in South Africa’s tax laws.