The personal finance lessons we can all learn from 2023

CatalystInvestment, Lifestyle, Planning, Retirement

As the year hurtles towards its close, signs of the festive season are emerging – Christmas decorations adorning storefronts, and the cheerful melodies of holiday tunes resonating through retail spaces. Despite the hustle and bustle of the approaching “silly season”, the end of the year is a good time to reflect on the financial journey of the past year and …

Rental property vs investing

CatalystInvesting, Lifestyle, Planning, Property, Retirement

Stacking one investment type up against the other In this precarious investment climate it is always important to do the necessary research to determine the best strategy for you. Each person’s investment plan should be tailored to their circumstances and all aspects should be considered before investing. This is according to Lana Visser, financial planner at Fiscal Private Client Services. …

Governments have to weigh feedback loop of health and business crises

CatalystIllness, Lifestyle, Retirement

Though the Covid-19 pandemic is unquestionably a health crisis, focusing only on the health aspects of the virus is too narrow a perspective. Much more is occurring than a health-care challenge. The global financial crisis of 2008 originated from poor financial practices. The lasting consequences of the financial crisis led to a business crisis, which led to a health-care crisis. …

Tough times call for tough financial decisions

CatalystPlanning, Retirement, Savings

For most people, times could not be tougher, and implementing a budget will go a long way in taking ownership of your finances. Knowing where you spend – and where you want to spend your hard-earned money, will have a substantial impact on your long-term financial well-being. This is according to Duann Cronje, a Certified Financial Planner at Fiscal Private …

Retirement savings quandrum when considering emigration

CatalystPlanning, Retirement, Savings

With all the political and socio-economic challenges in South Africa emigration numbers continue to rise. Those remaining in the country are questioning if a retirement savings investment is worthwhile when emigration remains a future option. Elena Bevilacqua, Certified Financial Planner ® professional at Fiscal Private Client Services looks at the concept of saving for retirement, “As soon as one starts …

Seven cures for a lean purse

CatalystEducation, Illness, Investment, Lifestyle, Planning, Retirement, Savings

– Age-old money lessons from 1926 that apply in 2020 There is much uncertainty in the world today and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the financial and emotional well-being of many South Africans. COVID-19 and the consequent lockdowns have plunged many countries into recession in 2020 with the steepest per capita income contraction …

Planning for Living Longer and Living Well

CatalystLifestyle, Retirement

At a recent lecture which Fiscal director and CFP Kate Brown presented at UCT on health, wealth and attitude related to ageing in the context of integrated financial planning, she highlighted: “Courage and Kindness are two of the most important ingredients in the recipe for living longer and living well.” “Most people avoid thinking about ageing and the financial, health, …