Written or reviewed by Jessica Anne Wood
How to make the most of the budget speech
First National Bank (FNB) stated that for the 2017 Budget Speech, National Treasury had very little room to manoeuvre. However, it believes that Treasury did its best to deliver a progressive budget that “stays the course of fiscal consol...
Investment guide: MTN
Despite the fine imposed on MTN in Nigeria for failure to disconnect unregistered numbers and the impact this had on its share price, reports indicate that the mobile network provider may still be a good investment. This guide looks at...
Reassessing your insurance in 2017
Each year it is advised that you reassess your insurance policies. Throughout the course of a year there are a number of things that may arise and change the required cover or value of your insurance. According to Wynand van Vuuren, head of lega...
Drought: City of Cape Town won’t switch off water
Claims circulated earlier this week purported that the City of Cape Town would be switching off water on 29 and 30 March for four hour intervals in order to conserve water. According to the message in circulation, this was the implementation of ...
The 2017 tax changes that will affect you
Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan announced a number of changes to tax for the 2017/2018 tax year. These proposals aim to raise an additional R28 billion in revenue.
Drought damage is not covered by insurance
The ongoing drought has seen tougher water restrictions implemented by the City of Cape Town. Among the many restrictions is a limitation on filling swimming pools, and the requirement for pools to be covered to reduce evaporation and ...
What insurance does my doctor accept?
Some medical schemes have network doctors and hospitals or designated service providers (DSP), where members won’t have to pay a contribution to the medical expense, within reason. However, if you choose to visit a non-network hospital or...
Can your car dealership hold you to ransom with vehicle repairs?
The Competition Commission is investigating whether car dealerships have the right to cancel a vehicle’s warranty if repairs are carried out by an unauthorised or non-partner mechanic, or if your insurance company has the right to refuse a claim.
Credit life insurance will soon be cheaper
A cap on the maximum amount that can be charged for credit life insurance will soon be implemented. The National Credit Regulator (NCR) explained: “The changes aim to cap the costs charged to consumers in relation to credit life insurance.”
Making the most of your Stokvel’s money
Stokvels are a common informal savings tool used across South Africa. Communities pool their money together, and when a member needs funds, they are paid out a lump sum from the savings pool. However, this money is not always kept in a bank acco...
Investment guide: Woolworths
Recent reports highlighted the financial issues that appear to be plaguing Woolworths. This is compounded by a growing number of retailers vying for the declining spending power of consumers. However, it can be difficult to judge the ...
Can banks change your credit agreement?
If you innocently dip into your access bond to use the capital to fund a building project, your child’s tertiary education or anything else for that matter you could be opening yourself up to paying more in interest. This is according to ...