Savings Archives -

Are Passives really that cheap?

I got really excited recently when I noted the addition of some of the CoreShares funds to the list of funds on one of the LISP platforms that we use… And then I started doing some quotes to see what the effect the addition the CoreSharesTop50 would have on the fees on the client’s portfolio. …

Cash guarantees?

We have come across many clients recently who are wanting to move their funds into the “bank” following the very poor returns of the past 5 years. Their rationale usually revolves around the fact that at least they would be guaranteed a return of ±7% per annum compared to the dismal returns from the market. …

Marcus Jooste’s school-boy error

Much has been written and much will still be written about the Steinhoff saga but after listening to some of the testimony and reading the bit below…there is only one conclusion that can be made and that is this: Ethics aside, Marcus Jooste’s biggest mistake was failure to diversify. It’s a classic school-boy error of …

Dont do this at home!

ENT specialists will tell anyone who listens that the only thing that you should ever stick into your ear is your elbow (it’s impossible, just as it is impossible to lick your elbow). And yet a quick trip down the supermarket aisle or peak into just about any bathroom cabinet will show that there is …

Talk about a wolf in sheep’s clothing

I received another unsolicited email today from an operation called “savemoney.co.za” about a tax-free savings account. It’s just Old Mutual in disguise and despite claiming to offer the “best tax-free savings account in South Africa” a little digging shows that this is VERY far from the truth.They are, in fact, ripping off poor, unsuspecting and …

It’s time to do the Mickey Blue (again)

I recently watched someone using a leaf blower to clear their pavement. As I watched, it struck me what a pointless exercise it was and it crossed my mind that the leaf blower must be one of the most senseless machines yet invented.

It’s time that treasury stopped being short-sighted when it comes to the wealthy!

A few years ago, during the National Budget Speech, government put a cap of R350k pa on retirement contributions. It appears that no one at treasury has given this much thought

The great Tax Free Savings Account con!

Am I the only one who dislikes Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) and all the hype that goes with them? Let’s take a step back before getting all excited about TFSA’s. They were introduced (by Government) to encourage non-savers to save and unfortunately,

I will persist until I succeed!

I remember reading this quote when I started in the financial services industry about 22 years ago and came across it again recently…it’s a timely reminder as we try to make the industry better for our clients. I was not delivered into this world into defeat, nor does failure course in my veins. I am …

Old Mutual Invest Flexible Plan – stay far away!

Dear Old Mutual If you are going to send me spam emails about your products then I have no issue reviewing and rating them! Please stop sending me unsolicited emails about your products! I don’t rate them and will not use or recommend them. The Financial Coach