Tag: financial stability

Running a small business in South Africa has never been easy. With economic pressures ranging from inflation to rising operational costs, every decision matters. For many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), overlooked details in contracts can mean the difference between financial stability and unexpected setbacks.

Many people dream of financial freedom, but the path to achieving it is often misunderstood. It’s not a destination you can reach overnight but rather a carefully navigated journey. To succeed, you must focus on the long term, make smart adjustments and understand the importance of managing risks and diversification.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa struggle to secure funding. Traditional banks fail to meet their debt capital needs. Fewer than 15% of SMEs access debt funding from banks, excluding overdraft facilities. Alternative lenders also fall short in meeting SME lending demands. The International Finance Corporation estimates a $30 billion (ZAR 550 billion) funding gap for South African SMEs.

As the nation waits for the rescheduled delivery of the Budget Speech on 12 March, many wonder what tax announcements to expect. The delayed budget and VAT hike mean small business owners, in particular, remain on tenterhooks as they anticipate the rate hike. This increase would see the VAT rate rise from 15% to 17%, which could significantly impact businesses.

In many African cultures, the conclusion of lobola negotiations marks a major milestone. It symbolises the formal union of two families. While this deeply rooted tradition is widely embraced, fewer people understand its impact on homeownership.

South Africa stands at a critical juncture, facing a confluence of challenges and opportunities that will shape its future. One of the greatest opportunities lies in retaining its young graduate professionals, who are a vital resource for driving the nation's growth and development.

Whether you’re stepping into the property market for the first time or you're an experienced investor, the real estate market can feel overwhelming with ever-changing trends and a maze of industry jargon. To help you make informed decisions, it's essential to understand these key terms. I break down some of the most important property terminology, helping you navigate your real estate journey with confidence.

The economic landscape continues to present formidable obstacles for South Africans. With the prices of essential goods surging and wage growth stagnating, disposable income has dwindled forcing consumers to cut back on spending to focus on essential items.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), encompassing heart disease and stroke, has been a major cause of death globally for a long time. It has affected individuals and their families and had far-reaching consequences for industries that provide financial security, such as life insurance.

Lately, I have received several questions from investors about how rich people go about their money. What do they do differently, or have they simply inherited wealth? Our clients include a substantial number of families who have accumulated wealth over many generations, but many are first generation.