Articles by Harper Banks

Fight less by dividing your finances fairly
Money is a personal matter, and it can cause a lot of conflict in your relationship. We have a look at how splitting your expenses proportionately can prevent disagreements.

How has estate planning gone digital?
While traditional estate planning still has a place, technology has brought significant changes. We find out what these are, and we discuss four considerations that are part of modern estate planning.

9 Money habits of happy couples – and extra tips
Some couples seem to make an art of co-managing money matters. We have a look at the nine financial habits of happy couples, and we consider some key tips you should keep in mind.

How a credit card can raise your credit score
Credit cards allow you to buy now and pay later. But did you know that they can also be used to improve your credit score? We find out under which circumstances this is true.

How much money do you need to survive?
With the rising cost of living, it may be unclear how much money South Africans need to survive, both while earning a living, and once retired.

Is it worth refinancing your car?
Vehicle finance is a long-term commitment. Once you sign on the dotted line, you’ll be locked into a contract for several years. However, it is possible to renegotiate your terms via vehicle refinancing.

Is short-term car insurance “temporary”?
If you decide to take out car insurance for two weeks while you search for a long-term policy, does this mean that you have temporary car insurance in place?

How to set up a debt-exit plan
If you know that you’re struggling to keep up with your debt repayments, it would be beneficial to set up a plan specifically to be done with your debt. This can help you gain control of your finances again.

What do activist investors aim to achieve?
If you had the financial means to invest in a company so that you can enact the change you want to see in the world, would you do it? There is a growing group of individuals who would, and these are known as activist investors.

Investing for your retirement – which product to use?
Retirement annuities (RAs) and tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) - which is better when planning for your retirement?

When should you invest rather than save?
Extra cash left at the end of the month? We have a look at the differences between saving and investing, and we find out how you should decide which one to pursue.

Alternatives to traditional car ownership
In the face of rising inflation, consumers are considering alternatives to traditional car ownership. We consider three of these.

