December is that time of the year when we will see at least one suitor sending his uncles to negotiate the price of his future wife. Lobola, as the bride price is known, has always been an important element of the African marriage.

It is coming up to the end of the year and you might be looking to change medical schemes, or options within a scheme in preparation for the new year. While you don’t necessarily have to wait for year-end to do so, providers often recommend it.

There are a few times each year where you need to dig deeper into your pocket and spend more money such as birthdays, anniversaries, and the Christmas period. Whether you celebrate this religious holiday or not, the festive period - depending on how you choose to spend it - means increased travelling, buying of gifts, entertaining, and eating out at restaurants.

What a November we had, with the rand staging one of its best months and closing below the R14.00 level. To be honest, this looked like quite a far-fetched possibility at one stage during the month. It seems that the tide has changed a little, even though it might be short lived since the US dollar bulls are not so sure of their case anymore.