Tag: FinancialPlanning

The amount South African residents can send offshore without South African Revenue Service (SARS) clearance has remained unchanged since 2011. However, that is about to change. On 25 February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA) will increase from R1 million to R2 million per person each calendar year.

From ceasefires to blockades, the world continues to feel increasingly unpredictable. Headlines remain dominated by conflict in the Middle East, rising geopolitical tension and markets reacting in real time. When the world feels uncertain, people naturally ask one question: Should I stay, or should I go?

While global geopolitical tensions may feel distant, their financial impact is hitting South Africans closer to home than many realise. From rising fuel prices to mounting inflationary pressure, experts warn consumers about what many now describe as the “unseen tax” on everyday living. In fact, geopolitics drives “unseen tax” in ways that quietly shape household expenses.

Retirement planning is often framed as a question of how much you save. Most people contribute to a Maximising. However, very few understand how to use it strategically. For many investors, retirement annuities function as a routine savings vehicle. People contribute consistently without considering the structural role these products play in a broader wealth strategy.

There is a common misconception that having insurance guarantees a successful claim. However, this belief often leads to rejected insurance claims. After all, policyholders pay premiums every month. They expect the policy to respond when something goes wrong.

On 6 January 2026, the Pretoria High Court delivered judgment in a case concerning an insurance living annuity. The matter involved competing beneficiary nominations made shortly before the deceased’s death. Importantly, it highlights the risks associated with beneficiary disputes in living annuities.

With a catastrophic, record-setting fuel increase on 1 April 2026, South Africans face significant pressure. In fact, many households are already bracing for the record fuel hike. This increase will extend far beyond the forecourt.

Our analysis of cancer-related gap claims we paid between 2020 and 2024 shows a staggering increase. The increase relates to gap claim volumes for initial cancer diagnosis, treatment co-payments and shortfalls. This cancer gap claims surge reflects growing pressure on healthcare funding. We operate as a gap cover provider, and GENRIC Insurance Company Limited underwrites the business.

Geopolitics often feels distant. Many people see it as something that happens far away, involving borders or disputes over natural resources. These events usually take place on the other side of the world. However, the reality is far more personal for the average South African household. This is precisely why geopolitics matters to your pocket.

The war in Iran, particularly supply blockages through the Strait of Hormuz, has pushed global oil prices sharply higher. Before the conflict began, oil traded at around $68 per barrel. It now sits near $105 per barrel. This shift represents an increase of about 54%. At the same time, the South African currency has weakened.