It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Start Investing
Ask most South Africans why they haven’t started investing yet, and you’ll probably hear the same answers: “I’m too young to worry about that, I’ve got time later.” “It’s too late for me now.” “I don’t have enough to invest to make it worthwhile.” These are all understandable feelings, but they’re not facts. The most […]
Understanding the Two-Pot Retirement System: Questions and Answers
As of 1 September 2024, significant changes have been introduced to the retirement landscape in South Africa with the implementation of the two-pot retirement system. This system allows members of pension funds, provident funds, and related schemes to access a portion of their savings while still working. With this shift, it is essential to understand […]
Benefits of Life Insurance as You Get Older
Are you covered for a rising age and declining health? In March 2024, the world was shocked to learn that two British Royal family members were suddenly diagnosed with cancer. This highlighted a universal fact—disease does not discriminate and remains a threat to us all … even royalty. As we all work towards a long […]
Maximising Wealth, Minimising Tax
A comparative look at retirement annuities versus tax-free savings accounts. When it comes to personal finance, every individual has different needs, dreams and financial goals, as well as different pathways to achieving those objectives. One of the most common long-term ambitions shared by many South Africans is to retire comfortably—to live confidently, knowing that there […]
Three Innovative Approaches to Boost Your Retirement Savings
Retirement planning is absolutely key to your financial well-being, but let’s face it, as those golden years inch closer, a lot of us start to worry if what we’ve saved up is really going to cut it. Sure, sticking to the tried-and-true savings plans is essential, but why not think outside the box a little? […]
How to sidestep common retirement savings mistakes
Saving for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial planning, yet it is fraught with challenges and pitfalls, especially in a dynamic economic landscape like South Africa’s. With the right strategies, however, individuals can overcome these challenges effectively and secure their financial future. This article explores key strategies to avoid common pitfalls when saving for […]
2019 Tax legislative amendment: Retirement funds
The 2019 tax legislation amendment cycle commenced on 25 June, when National Treasury issued the initial batch of the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill which covers specific provisions that require further consultation. National Treasury will be publishing the full text of the 2019 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill for public comment in mid-July 2019. One […]
Reform on the taxation of pension funds
One of the most significant amendments effected by the Taxation Laws Amendment Act, 25 of 2015, and the Tax Administration Laws Amendment Act, 23 of 2015, was how retirement type funds will be taxed in future. This includes both the taxation of proceeds from funds, as well as the extent to which the amounts contributed […]