Many South Africans are taking to the roads – or even the air – as they make the most of school holidays and vacation time during Easter. These breaks however, often put a strain on the budget, even when families choose to have a “staycation”. Taryn Schmidt, Head of Marketing and Communications at short term […]
Category: Personal Finance
7 Smart Ways to Spend a $1,000 Tax Refund
You could be coming into some money soon. According to the Internal Revenue Service, in 2017, 111 million Americans received tax refunds, with the average amount being $2,895. Of course, you may not be due anything. The IRS anticipates approximately 41 million Americans won’t receive refunds this year. But let’s say you get a refund. […]
3 Top Retiree Tax-Planning Mistakes
You’ve submitted tax forms for many years. How difficult can it be to submit them in retirement? It isn’t difficult – as long as you take into account basic changes that occur in retirement and the corresponding tax challenges. Fortunately, you can learn from those who have retired before you. We are happy to pass […]
Grow Your Freelance Business: Budgeting for Success
Budgeting doesn’t have to be a dirty word Budgeting isn’t the most glamorous topic to talk about, and it isn’t an ideal way to spend a Friday night. It is, however, one of the most helpful things you’ll do with your finances, especially if you’re wanting to become a full-time freelancer. Think about it: the […]
9 Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Budget
The average kitchen remodel costs around $20,000-$50,000. But we have some tips to help you get more bang for your buck and create a beautiful kitchen on a budget! 1. Hire a professional. Sounds like a waste of money, right? Wrong. Hiring a professional designer will save you time and money in the long run. […]
Five risks to check before you travel this Easter
You’re focused on packing suitcases, checking the car and making sure your pets are cared for, so insurance is probably the last thing on your mind. Apart from checking up on your short-term cover, you need to make sure that your long-term insurance is up to date. Financial adviser at Liberty, Phillip Kassel, says: “It’s […]
You can live longer if you retire early, research shows—here’s why
Retiring early can actually lengthen your life, economists from the University of Amsterdam affirmed in a 2017 study published in the journal of Health and Economics. Male Dutch civil servants over the age of 54 who retired early were an astounding 42 percent less likely to die over the subsequent five years compared to those […]
It is possible to have a ‘perfect’ credit score if you prioritize these 4 things
A credit score is an important measure of your financial health. The better your score, the more likely you are to get a good deal on a home or a car, or to be able to rent an apartment — and maybe even get a date. While most Americans have average credit, it is possible […]
How to Set Money Goals With Your Spouse
This is what individual experts have to say generally about an issue that affects each person differently—if you want personalized advice you should see a financial planner. Reframe the Conversation First, it’s so crucial that you recognize that you and your spouse grew up with different money mindsets. It can be easy to fight with […]
Have a Personal Finance Day every month
Just as we all enjoy a day to ourselves; be it for shopping or a day at the spa – everyone should have a Personal Finance Day. What is a personal finance day? “A Personal Finance day is a day set aside each month to sort out your personal finance needs. This will help you […]
It takes GRIT to achieve personal finance goals
Do you have ample financial controls to keep you afloat on your life journey in 2018? Do you have adequate capacity to take on the challenges: anticipate financial issues, understand the consequences for each decision and action taken, identify the interdependence of financial variables, and understand the nexus between your personal finances and other domains […]
3 big reasons you’re underestimating how much retirement income you need
Do you know how much money you’ll need to save for retirement? Chances are good that you don’t. More than 8 in 10 Americans have no idea how much retirement savings they’ll need when leaving the workforce, according to a recent Merrill Lynch survey. And, unfortunately, Americans who think they’ve got it all figured out […]