Articles by Staff Writer

Unclaimed assets: You may be eligible for a payout
South Africans are owed close to R89 billion worth of unclaimed payouts. Is some of this money yours? Read this article to find out.

Investing – what are my options, and how can I begin?
Investing is easier than you might think, but the details can be confusing. We explore two investment options and offer pointers for first-time investors.

How can banks help you with your will?
Banks offer customers various services to help plan, draft and execute their wills. We examine the options banks and others provide for will and estate planning.

How to create a trust for your children
This guide explains what a trust fund is, how it functions, and the benefits of creating one for your children.

Is online shopping cheaper?
With the pace of life ever increasing, convenience has come to dictate the way we shop. Apps and shopping platforms are drawing us away from traditional purchasing methods to buy the products that we need in the comfort – and safety ...

Funeral cover – planning to avoid pain
Funerals play an important role in celebrating the life of the recently deceased. However, they’re often expensive and add extra stress in a time of grief.

Can you afford the loan you qualify for?
You’ve applied for a loan, and you find that you qualify – but can you afford it? The distinction may not have occurred to you, but it’s important to consider it before putting pen to paper.

Budgeting for the return to office-based work
As the pandemic peters out, many companies are calling for remote workers to return to the office. With it will come a host of expenses that we recall too well - fuel, normalised car insurance, maintenance costs, lunch, coffee and, potentially, ...

Switching Lanes – navigating midlife career change
Your workday can profoundly affect your personal life. However, a career change gone awry can worsen the situation, rather than bringing relief.

What does it mean to be blacklisted?
The term “blacklisted” is an outdated concept that was used to refer to borrowers whose access to credit was blocked owing to a poor credit report.

How to minimise the impact of inflation on your finances
As South Africans, we have come to understand that inflation is as much a part of life as death and taxes. Steep price hikes have taken a heavy toll, particularly on those affected by Covid-induced salary cuts or job loss.

Should you consider a mortgage bond switch?
When switching your bond, the transactional costs will depend on the value of your loan. You will also need to consider the cost of an attorney to re-register the bond.

