Articles by Isabelle Coetzee
This is what you need to know about home loans
In order to afford a home in South Africa, many people take out home loans. But what exactly is a home loan, and how should you go about getting one?
How is debt consolidation different from debt counselling?
If you’re struggling to manage your debt and you decide to seek help, you will likely come across the terms “debt counselling” and “debt consolidation”. Although they sound like synonyms, these are two separate...
What factors colour your credit application?
When you apply for a loan, your prospective creditor will assess whether you can afford the monthly repayments. But what do creditors actually consider on your credit report, and what most interests them?
Is good debt a good reason to take out a personal loan?
When you’re in a pinch and you need to borrow money, you may reach out to a creditor for a personal loan. The upside of this kind of loan is that you can spend the money on anything you choose. However, just because you can use it for any...
What is a mortgage, and should you get one?
It’s a fairly common occurrence, especially in slow economies, for a family overwhelmed with bills to take out a second mortgage on their home. But how good an idea is this?
The costs you may encounter when renting
When you rent an apartment or house, you agree to pay the rental amount, and you may have to cover the cost of some amenities such as water and electricity. So then, which costs can you anticipate during the rental process?
For how many years can you “rule from the grave”?
When you pass away, you may have certain conditions set for your loved ones who will inherit your estate. But for how long can your wishes have an influence on your estate after you’ve passed away?
Do you know what a hedge fund is? Find out how to invest in one
When you think of a hedge fund, you may picture cold-faced businessmen staring intently at large computer screens dotted with numbers and graphs. Hedge funds have an air of being out of reach and only being applicable to the uber rich. But this ...
What happens to your debt when you move abroad?
Imagine being offered your dream job in Europe and you need to report to your new office in a month. But before heading off, you need to get your affairs in order in South Africa. What happens if you have outstanding debt?
Car maintenance plan, service plan, and warranty: What are the differences?
When you buy a car, it may come with a maintenance plan, service place, and a warranty. But do you know the difference between these? We define these concepts and outline how they will benefit you.
Does your business have cyber insurance? Here’s why it should
Imagine your business falls victim to a data breach today. All your clients, who trusted you with their personal information, are now at risk. This is a horrible reality that many businesses have to face nowadays. But did you know that you can g...
What are the benefits of living in a “Zoom Town”?
With many careers moving online, work-from-home employees have realised they can live in smaller suburbs or towns at a lower cost and enjoy the benefits of a slower lifestyle, while keeping their jobs.