Smart About Money

Fraudsters are everywhere and on the lookout for easy money. Some are hackers using increasingly sophisticated techniques to steal passwords and raid your bank or savings accounts. It is more important than ever to have strong passwords, but with so many things needing a password, how do you set ones you can remember? We asked some experts to give tips on how to set up passwords that will ensure your money is safe. https://lnkd.in/dZd9XHYn ? Nicola Mawson #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #fraudprevention

Are your employees, retirement fund members, or clients planning on making another withdrawal from their retirement fund savings pot in this new tax year? Are they struggling to understand why and how their withdrawals will be taxed? Share our latest explainer video that unpacks the benefits retirement fund members get when they save, the benefit they lose when they withdraw those savings, and how to win it back by repaying their future selves the savings they withdrew.? https://lnkd.in/defhNEfS #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #twopotsystem #retirementplanning

Our cell phones play a big role in our lives. They are often also a big financial expense. And they are easily lost or stolen. Snatched from your hands and picked from your pocket when you are distracted. You will be eager to replace it quickly, but do you have sufficient emergency funds to pay for a replacement, especially if your device is a pricey one? Our columnist Johann Rossouw relates how cell phone insurance made getting over the loss of his phone a lot easier. Johann Rossouw CIPM, CFP? #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #insurance

Bracket creep happens when tax brackets aren’t adjusted for inflation. This is what the latest Budget proposed, so those who got January increases won’t see any change in tax applied this month end. Bracket creep or fiscal drag is often misunderstood: It doesn’t mean the tax rates have gone up. It doesn’t mean you will take home less pay. It does mean that your average tax rate will increase, as more of your earnings will be taxed at your highest income bracket. Read and share our latest explainer so everyone knows what it means. #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #budget2025

Managing your money well can earn you the life you want to lead. But before you can figure out the best way you can manage your money, you need clarity about the kind of life you want it to enable. Financial planners who practice lifestyle financial planning can advise you not only on how to get the most from your money but also how to define what it is you want from life. #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #financialplanning #lifegoals Rob Macdonald

Poorly timed switches between funds costs investors dearly in lost returns, research from the latest report into investor behaviour by Momentum Investments shows. Keeping investors in an appropriate strategy requires not only behavioural coaching from financial advisers but investment funds that are managed to limit investment risk. If you have investors, clients or colleagues who need to understand the importance of investment risk management, please share out latest article with them.? #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #investments #investmentrisk

Many asset managers are of the view that it is time to be cautious about the high concentration of expensive shares in the US market. They argue that history shows the risks of losing money at times like this are heightened and its time to ensure your investments are well diversified. But not everyone agrees that you should avoid the big tech companies. Our latest article considers the views of leading fund managers aired at this year’s Investment Forum. #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #IF2025 #InvestmentForum2025

A much-debated revised 2025 Budget delivered today sees few cuts to the government’s spending plans intended to stimulate much-needed faster economic growth.?But it comes at a cost – a half-a-percentage point increase in VAT this year and another next year. In addition, there is no relief from bracket creep which will cost income taxpayers R19.5 billion. Share our 2025 Budget summary with those who need to know how the tax proposals will affect them and why. #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #Budget2025

The new tax year started on March 1. It’s a good time to set up some good tax admin habits. Encourage your clients to record the mileage done for work purposes they can claim against a travel allowance paid by an employer or income made from self-employment or running a business. Share our latest article that showcases some easy ways to do this with digital logbooks.? #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #taxplanning

The new tax year started on March 1. It’s a good time to set up some good tax admin habits. Encourage your clients to record the mileage done for work purposes they can claim against a travel allowance paid by an employer or income made from self-employment or running a business. Share our latest article that showcases some easy ways to do this with digital logbooks.? #smartaboutmoney #financialeducation #taxplanning