Tag: retirement fund

While we will all face the inevitability of death one day, many of us find it scary to confront our own mortality. But good estate planning is a critical aspect of broader financial planning; without it, our dependants may be left in a precarious financial position. 

An interview with Jonty Leon, Legal Manager, Financial Emigration, and Dr Ivor Blumenthal, CEO, ArkKonsult, discussing the Draft Tax Law Amendment Bill (TLAB) which contains a hidden announcement, which may prove to be the final straw for many ex-South Africans who still have retirement investments left in South Africa.

What if we said you could easily retire with 25% more in savings? What if we told you the system is designed so you don’t find out how to do this? People asking for advice on the 'the best funds' for retirement but not questioning the fees they’re paying have their heads buried in the sand.

An interview with Dave Crawford, Proprietor, Planning Retirement, and Dr Ivor Blumenthal, CEO, ArkKonsult, discussing how important it is for employers to provide education and training to inform employees about the issues that will face them when they retire.

The Draft Tax Law Amendment Bill (TLAB) contained a hidden announcement, which may prove to be the final straw for many ex-South Africans who still have retirement investments left in South Africa. The TLAB seeks to legislate to prevent a South African who has exited South Africa’s tax base, to withdraw their retirement funds from South Africa, until an unbroken period of 3 years has passed where that person can prove non-tax residency.

Employers spend a lot of money providing retirement and other benefits to employees, and yes, it is a cost of doing business. Medical schemes are well known and well appreciated, yet retirement funds are valued less by employees due to a lack of understanding.

We are living in unprecedented times and the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone differently. The lockdown following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in significant financial strain. Many employers are unable to pay salaries or have been forced into a position where they can only pay reduced salaries.

Offering a retirement fund to your employees may not be mandatory, but it positions you as a people-centric company. The ways in which companies approach top talent can vary from sector to organisation to country, but one thing remains consistent – an attractive value proposition is the best way to attract and retain the best talent.

The investment landscape has changed profoundly over the past decade, making it easier than ever for individuals to take control of their own investment portfolios. It’s a simple matter for nearly anyone to trade shares via their online banking platform, for example, or to access a range of funds and products from an online stockbroker or wealth management firm.

With the effective date of 01 March 2020 for the ‘expat tax’ drawing closer, South African expatriates, their employers and tax advisors have little time to come to grips with the impact that this tax policy and law change will have on them personally.