Articles by Harper Banks
At what age should you become a home owner?
As you move from one life phase to another, you may have wondered when is the right time to invest in a home, rather than continuing to rent. We have a look at the average age of first-time home buyers in South Africa.
Do credit cards encourage excessive spending?
A recent study by MIT Sloan investigated whether credit cards motivate consumers to “step on the gas” when it comes to spending. We consider the impact credit cards have on spending.
How to have a judgment removed from your credit report
If a judgment is issued against your name, you will soon notice its impact on your credit score. We have a look at what a judgment is, and we consider the steps you should take to have this officially removed from your credit report.
Does your business need a business bank account?
If you’re just kicking off your new business, the line between your personal funds and business finances may be a little blurred. At what point should you get a business bank account?
Do you need an ombudsman or an industry regulator?
If you feel as though your creditor or insurance company is taking advantage of you, you may be wondering where you can get help and whether there are organisations to protect you.
How to get the cheapest car insurance deal
Car insurance can add up to a hefty sum which eats into your income. It’s always best, however, to have insurance in place, and there are ways to minimise this cost.
When will a judgment reflect on your credit report?
You may know that failing to settle your debt on time can result in a judgement, creating havoc with your credit score. But how long will it take to reflect?
Is it worth increasing debit order payments?
If you pay your creditors by debit order, the default will be set to the minimum amount that you have due each month. However, what if you wanted to pay more?
How to reduce the cost of receiving international payments
When you receive money from abroad, you may be aware of the hefty fee attached to this kind of transaction. You may also wonder why you should be liable for this fee.
How financial coaches are different from financial advisers
The majority of people can benefit from financial advice. But, if you decide to get help, should you reach out to a financial adviser or a financial coach?
How much should you spend on a tax practitioner?
You could do your taxes yourself, or you could hire someone to do it for you. If you decide to go with the latter, you may wonder how much this would cost you.
Should credit bureaus notify you when your credit score changes?
Perhaps you checked your credit score today. To your dismay, you find out it’s gone down significantly. If you had realised it was going down sooner, you may have taken action to reverse the damage.