Managing the Psychology of Uncertainty in Investing
“Our greatest motivation in life comes from not knowing the future.” (Thomas Frey) Investing is an exercise in uncertainty. When you make any investment, you are taking a bet on the future. This can be a hard thing to do. Markets move up and down, economies shift, and...
Do You Need a Second Will for Your Overseas Assets?
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” (Pablo Picasso) If you own assets outside South Africa, you may have wondered: Is my local will enough? This is a question many South Africans are asking, and the answer will depend on your...
Market Update: Trump 2.0 – A Bumpy Ride so Far
January has been a volatile month for global and SA equities. Stock markets experienced a "Trump bump" after his inauguration on January 20, driven by expectations of market-friendly policies. However, equities retreated to end the month with modest gains as investors...
How to Keep FOMO Out of Your Investment Strategy
“Focussing is about saying no.” (Steve Jobs) What is the point of investing? In simple terms, there are only two reasons to invest: To save for a specific goal like sending a child to university or taking a holiday. These are finite targets with clear time frames. To...
Market Update: Expect the Unexpected in 2025 – And Plan for it
2024's rally sets a high bar to beat The S&P 500 last year experienced its best two-year stretch since 1998, surging 23% in 2024 alone and breaking above 6,000 points. However, momentum slowed considerably in the final quarter as Trump's election victory and a...
Unlocking the Retirement Future: The Pros and Cons of Life Rights Properties
"Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing." (Warren Buffett) Choosing a retirement property involves considering location, cost, amenities, and healthcare services. Often, retirees prefer not to deal with the hassle of property maintenance and opt to stay in a...
Evolving Wealth Part 3: Gen X, Risk Averse but Quick to Adapt
"If you want something done right, do it yourself" – (Unofficial motto of Gen X) Gen X is the somewhat enigmatic generation group wedged between Baby Boomers and Millennials. Born from 1965 – 1980, they’re currently between 45 and 60 years old. What’s in a name? The...
Who Appoints the Conveyancer? Your House, Your Choice
“A man’s home is his castle.” (Sir Edward Coke, English common law ruling, 1604) Of course, what we all want to hear at the end of our house-selling journey is something like this: “Congratulations! You sold for a good price, the buyer’s taken transfer and you’ve been...
Market Update: The Good, Bad and Ugly of Trump’s Return
While initial enthusiasm surrounding Trump’s likely market-friendly economic policies drove the S&P 500 index above 6,000 points for the first time, investors are now carefully weighing the opportunities and risks ahead. South Africa’s JSE All Share Index fell...
6 Winning Strategies That Top Investors and Elite Endurance Athletes Share
“Excellence is my new habit.” (Dirk Stroda) Athletes know that excelling in endurance sports and building wealth both require more than pure skill. They also demand resilience, patience, and discipline. Here are six habits that top investors and elite athletes share....
Blue Skies Ahead for Property? Be Prepared with this Buyer’s Checklist
“Don’t wait to buy land, buy land and wait.” (Will Rogers) Summer’s a great time to look for property. With the year winding down and the holiday season upon us, many sellers who’ve been holding back are now putting their properties back onto the market, so expect to...
Market Update: Reasons for SA Investors to Be Hopeful?
Stock markets took a breather in the second half of October in anticipation of the US elections. The S&P 500 flattened out in the second half of October, leaving it less than 1% higher for the month, while the SA All Share Index gained 0.5%. Both markets have,...