Articles by Isabelle Coetzee

Medical aid plans and health insurance - what’s the real difference?
It’s difficult to choose between a medical aid plan and a hospital plan because both offer medical cover and the differences can sometimes be hard to identify. What’s even more complex is how each is structured and the impact this ...

Can’t pay rent? This is what you should do
We all face challenging circumstances. For some of us, this may mean we’re unable to afford the basket of goods we usually purchase each month, and for others it may be as drastic as being unable to pay rent

What are the tax implications of withdrawing RA early?
After saving towards your retirement for a couple months, you may feel an itch to withdraw the funds to cover some unexpected expenses. However, what are the consequences of doing this?

How does debt relief work?
Taking care of your monthly debt payments can cripple your financial power and, during tough economic times, make you struggle to make ends meet. If you find yourself in this position, how can you lift this burden?

Why you should consider gap cover
Your medical aid should protect you from incurring large medical bills when you’re sick. But what if your plan doesn’t cover the full cost of your medical expenses? We got in touch with insurance experts to find out whether gap cov...

Are you indebted to SARS? Do this to avoid penalties
Whether you’re an employee or a contractor, it’s easy to fall behind on your taxes. With all the paperwork and distant deadlines, tax season may be over before you’ve even realised it arrived. Luckily, there are ways to...

What you need to know about emigrating with your retirement annuity
So, you’ve decided to move abroad. You’ve secured yourself a new job, arranged accommodation for yourself and your family, and you’re slowly moving your assets to your new home. But what will happen to your retirement annuity?

How much money do you need to move abroad?
Moving abroad means uprooting your life and transferring everything you have to a foreign country – including your finances – which can be both risky and expensive. So, what are the costs of doing this, and how much should you...

Should you save for a new car or finance it over time?
Buying a car is a long-term commitment. You either need to save up for it or pay it off over time, and the option you choose will depend on your personal circumstances and preferences. So, what should you consider when deciding which payment met...

Be financially prepared to lose your job – here’s how
During uncertain times, it’s natural to be concerned about the security of your job. Regardless of your performance at work, you may be out of work if your company is no longer profitable. But what would that mean for your personal financ...

This is how much you should spend on accommodation
As your salary changes over time, your expenses will change too. But what if you’re spending an exceedingly large percentage of your income on accommodation? Is it feasible or even recommended in our current stressful financial climate?

Financial conflict can lead to divorce – here’s how to prevent it
Talking about money is an intimate matter, and it may be uncomfortable for couples who’ve managed to avoid this discussion. However, it will become necessary at some point or other. Do you think you’re ready to talk to your partner...

