Financial Advice for Women: It’s Personal
“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” (Coco Chanel) According to the International Labour Organization, women in South Africa earn, on average, between 23% and 35% less than men. Women are also more likely to take time out of the workforce or work...
New Investor or Retiree – Earn Steady Income
Invest in a notice deposit account with terms as short as 3 months and fixed annual returns of up to 9%. Market mood swings shouldn’t decide your future. Denhagan Investment Services lets you grow wealth in notice deposit accounts that pay up to 9% annualized—no...
Mid-Year Market Check-in: From Tariffs to the Brink of War and Back
2025’s perfect storm began with President Trump exhibiting his trademark unpredictability, announcing sweeping tariffs that sent markets into a tailspin in April. When tariff fears peaked in April, the S&P 500 sold off as much as 17.8%, while the Nasdaq suffered...
A Bond Clause Deadline Whooshes by and a Sale Dies – Can You Revive it?
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” (Douglas Adams in The Salmon of Doubt) Contracts often contain suspensive conditions, a common example being the bond clause in a property sale agreement. The standard bond clause provides that...
The US and You: Why What Happens in America Impacts Your Portfolio
“The markets are like weather; you may not like it, but you have to bear it.” (Rakesh Jhunjhunwala) South African investors don’t need to follow every twist in American politics or economics, but you can’t ignore them either. The world’s biggest economy casts a long...
What is a Power of Attorney and is it Forever?
“The number of cases of dementia is estimated to almost triple by 2050.” (World Health Organisation) Although the actual prevalence per capita of dementia is reportedly on the decline, aging populations ensure that it is becoming more and more of a problem in society...
How to Avoid Fighting Over the House – A Guide for Life Partners
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of bandages and adhesive tape.” (Groucho Marx) It’s a perennial topic of dispute in our courts. A couple lives together, sharing the same roof and everything else in perfect happiness and harmony. Until it all goes south. Then...
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...
When Does a Property Defect Justify Cancellation? A Costly Case of Buyer’s Remorse
“Look before you leap.” (Wise old proverb) Imagine sealing the deal on your dream property, only to wake up at 3 a.m. beset by sudden doubts. Thoughts like “Can we really afford it?” or “How on earth could we have fallen in love with that old dump?” haunt you. You may...
How Fit Are You Financially?
“He who has health has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” (Thomas Carlyle) Doing a financial health check can sound like a daunting idea. But it needn’t be. Just checking a few simple things can give you a good idea of whether you’re financially healthy and...
Why You Should Check That Your Estate Agent is Registered With the PPRA
“All that glisters is not gold” (William Shakespeare in Merchant of Venice) Buying or selling a home could be one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s an exciting time – but don’t lose sight of the need to tread with care. A key player in...
Verify Banking Details Before Paying Any Invoice – You’re at Risk, Not the Creditor
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” (Benjamin Franklin’s warning to fire-threatened Philadelphians in 1736) Cases of Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud continue to surge, and recent High Court decisions have confirmed that it’s up to you to verify...