10. Get a second opinion (but be prepared to pay for it – just like you would if you visited more than 1 doctor). If the planning recommendations are good they should stand up to scrutiny so there is no reason that you should not discuss a planning recommendation with someone else – but be prepared to pay if you are going to do this. Consider it in the same manner as you would if you were getting a second...

Here follow steps 7, 8 & 9… 7. Don’t be greedy! Emotions drive irrational behavior – 2 of them are fear and greed. Don’t give in to either. If it sounds too good to be true it (probably) is! When considering the returns offered, measure them against inflation (aim for real returns – those which are in excess of inflation). Inflation is currntly (oficially) low and in a low inflationary environment, ...

Here follow the next 3 points in the series “fools and their money” – just good common sense advice! 4. Get an education about financial matters – no one will look after your money like you will so make it your business to find out about your business. There is no need to be ignorant – read the financial papers and financial magazines – you can even consider doing a course that will teach you...

“They prowl the empty streets (at night), waiting in fast cars and on foot”* looking for unsuspecting consumers. Yes, it’s that time of year again when Retirement Annuity salesmen are on out in full force. February is “traditionally” RA month as it signifies the end of the tax year and anyone needing to put money into an RA has until the end of the month to do it. RA’s have received a lot of press (not all of it good) and...

I attended the launch presentation of ETFSA towards the end of November. Exchange traded funds are increasing in popularity both globally as well as locally so I thought I had better find out more. ETFSA is an investment platform which provides access to all the ETF’s in SA and also plans to make a an ETF retirement annuity an option. While I can see the role that ETF’s can play in an investor’s portfolio there are a few misquoted...

Got an invite to an investment presentation by Old Mutual in Feb 2011. The topic? Investment strategies for a low-growth world. The venue? Market Hall at Grand West Casino! I dont know, is it only me or is there something fundamentally inappropriate about hosting investment presentations at a casino?