Insights categories - Personal investing

Personal investing

The secret to successful investing lies in your ability to make well-informed decisions and to stay committed long enough to reap the rewards. Here we provide valuable insights into the role you play in your long-term investment success.

Articles in "Personal investing"

Insights categories - Personal investing

Annual tax limits for investors who cease to be South African tax residents during the tax year

By Carrie Norden on 25 Oct 2024

Reading time: 8 mins

Annual contribution limits for tax-free investments and retirements funds have always been clear for individuals who have a full 12-month assessment period t...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The three essentials of estate planning

By Felicia Hlophe on 13 Sep 2024

Reading time: 5 mins

Dying without having a valid will in place is a sure recipe for family conflict. Yet, according to statistics from the High Court, 85% of South Africans don'...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The Olympics of investing: Striving for gold

By Belinda Carbutt on 25 Jul 2024

Reading time: 4 mins

With the highly anticipated 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on the horizon, all eyes are on the dedicated athletes who have spent their lives chasing gold. Their...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Tips to help you get on top of your tax return this year

By Carrie Norden on 11 Jul 2024

Reading time: 9 mins

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is focused on improving its systems and processes to ensure taxpayers comply with their legal obligations and file...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investing amidst election season: The power of preparation, not prediction

By Nomi Bodlani on 22 May 2024

Reading time: 5 mins

If the election bug has bitten you and you are feeling jittery, you are not alone. Globally, investors are feeling fearful.

Insights categories - Personal investing

The power of perspective in an election year

By Marise Bester on 02 May 2024

Reading time: 10 mins

Many local investors are understandably worried about what the future holds and how the election may affect their wealth. Keeping perspective throughout your...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Five lessons for investing in uncertain times

By Tim Acker and Morgan Housel on 04 Apr 2024

Reading time: 7 mins

“As humans we are not good at predicting what is next, regardless of what anyone tells us. In the absence of a crystal ball, we can focus on what we can...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to set SMART money resolutions

By Nomi Bodlani on 13 Feb 2024

Reading time: 7 mins

Many South Africans make money resolutions at the start of the year. But come mid-year, when the optimism of the new year has faded, seeing through these goa...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Timeless lessons on risk, opportunity and living a good life – with Morgan Housel

By Tim Acker on 12 Feb 2024

Listening time: 53 min

With 2024 set to be a news-heavy year, investors are speculating about everything from what interest rates might do next, to the outcome of elections around...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Tap into tax benefits this February

By Carla Rossouw on 01 Feb 2024

Reading time: 15 mins

The end of the tax year in February presents an opportunity to evaluate the tax efficiency of your financial plan. With many competing financial priorities i...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Offshore toolkit part 4: Beneficiary payments to foreign bank accounts after death

By Alix Moreillon on 20 Oct 2023

Reading time: 8 mins

As mentioned in Part 3 of our Offshore toolkit series, the Currency and Exchanges Manual for Authorised Dealers (“the Manual”) governs payments from South...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Offshore toolkit part 3: The lowdown on living annuity income payments to foreign bank accounts

By Alix Moreillon on 20 Oct 2023

Reading time: 7 mins

The rules around the payment of proceeds from South African long-term insurance policies to foreign bank accounts can be confusing. Alix Moreillon, legal...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Offshore toolkit part 1: Understanding your tax obligations on leaving South Africa

By Carla Rossouw on 20 Oct 2023

Reading time: 10 mins

In part 1 of our Offshore toolkit series, Carla Rossouw, head of Tax, untangles the tax complexities you may encounter when you end your tax residency and...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Principles for successful investing from the world of sport

By Tebogo Marite on 05 Sep 2023

Reading time: 5 mins

Nothing quite unites South Africans like a good sporting event. During the months of July and August, South African sports fans were spoiled for choice as tw...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Three golden rules for achieving long-term, real investment returns

By Earl Van Zyl on 07 Aug 2023

Reading time: 7 mins

Whether you are accumulating capital for retirement, school or university expenses for your children or simply trying to ensure that you have money saved for...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Risk: An essential ingredient for real long-term returns

By Nomi Bodlani on 31 Jul 2023

Reading time: 14 mins

When it comes to investing, no investor wants to lose money. In fact, as humans, we have a built-in aversion to loss. Unfortunately, by overly focusing on...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Are you ready for the 2023 tax-filing season?

By Meagan Fraser on 06 Jul 2023

Reading time: 11 mins

It is important for taxpayers to understand their filing obligations so that they can ensure compliance. Meagan Fraser covers the key dates to be aware of fo...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How Namibian clients are taxed on their South African Allan Gray unit trust investments

By Carla Rossouw on 29 May 2023

Reading time: 7 mins

Investors living and registered for tax in Namibia, who invest in South African unit trusts, are taxed in South Africa on their South African-sourced interes...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How staying the course gives you the long-term edge

By Thandi Skade on 04 May 2023

Reading time: 8 mins

In a world where instant gratification is king, it can be hard not to get distracted by the lure of short-term gains. But taking a long-term view of your...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Unpacking the changes to the retirement fund lump sum tax tables

By Carrie Norden on 11 Apr 2023

Reading time: 12 mins

To account for the impact of inflation, this year’s National Budget introduced changes to the retirement fund lump sum tax tables for retirement fund cash lu...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to plan for an emergency fund in 2023

Reading time: 6 mins

How should investors approach unexpected expenses in 2023? Gladness Rupare, investment specialist, Sandy McGregor, portfolio manager, and Emily Gray, busines...

Insights categories - Personal investing

2023 Budget speech update

By Ebrahim Southgate on 24 Feb 2023

Reading time: 5 mins

Finance Minister Ipumbu Shiimi, MP delivered his Budget speech on Wednesday, 22 February 2023. In acknowledging the continued hardships endured by most...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to overcome the fear of losing money

By Lydia Fourie on 07 Dec 2022

Reading time: 5 mins

Research shows that our brains are hardwired to avoid loss. This behavioural bias can often drive us to make irrational decisions, especially when it comes t...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to pave the way for better decisions

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 18 Nov 2022

Reading time: 7 mins

The decisions we make are a function of the environment that we are in, according to behavioural economists. Put in a different environment, or faced with a...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Who’s right – personal finance experts or economists?

By Earl Van Zyl on 16 Nov 2022

Reading time: 6 mins

When it comes to managing your wealth, there’s a yawning gap between what personal finance pundits advocate and what economists believe. Who should you liste...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investing – risky business?

By Lydia Fourie on 27 Oct 2022

Reading time: 11 mins

Understanding your investments, and the risks you may face when investing, can go a long way towards helping you successfully navigate trying times. Lydia...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Putting the "personal" back into personal finance

By Tamryn Lamb on 20 Oct 2022

Reading time: 5 mins

Tamryn Lamb, head of Retail, examines the value that independent financial advice brings to long-term investing success.

Insights categories - Personal investing

Why financial optimism matters and how to find it when the world is a mess

By Lise-Mari Crafford on 28 Sep 2022

Reading time: 6 mins

Lise-Mari Crafford, head of ManCo Distribution, discusses why being optimistic about our personal finances matters, and how we can look on the bright side wh...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Five financial lessons for women

By Tamryn Lamb on 12 Aug 2022

Reading time: 5 mins

In honour of Women’s Month, Tamryn Lamb, head of Retail Distribution, reflects on the top five financial lessons she has learnt along her investment journey.

Insights categories - Personal investing

How not to be a ‘financial nihilist’

By Nomi Bodlani on 20 Jul 2022

Reading time: 6 mins

According to an article recently published in The New York Times, there is a new phenomenon gaining momentum: Disillusioned by the current state of the...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Lessons for building long-term wealth

By Candace Maung on 13 Jul 2022

Viewing time: 57 min

Cracking the code to building wealth doesn’t happen overnight, but it can be achieved by taking a series of small steps over time. During a recent Youth Mont...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Saving in a rising interest rate environment

By Cedrick Pila on 22 Jun 2022

Reading time: 3 mins

With interest rates and inflation on the rise, Cedrick Pila, regional manager, discusses how investors can achieve real returns and protect their savings and...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Navigating the impact of world events on your investments

By Nomi Bodlani on 18 May 2022

Reading time: 6 mins

In just two years, major world events have run a terrifying course, from a health pandemic and ensuing market and social distress to a geopolitical threat...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Should I invest 45% of my portfolio offshore?

By Earl Van Zyl on 26 Apr 2022

Reading time: 11 mins

In the February 2022 Budget speech, the National Treasury announced significant changes to the framework that governs how much of South African retirement...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How SARS has changed tax for annuitants

By Carrie Norden on 26 Apr 2022

Reading time: 11 mins

The South African Revenue Service recently changed the way tax is calculated for living annuitants. Carrie Norden discusses the rationale behind this change...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Should rules of thumb be used to plan for retirement?

By Thandi Skade on 26 Apr 2022

Reading time: 9 mins

There are several rules of thumb that are referred to in investing. Many of them have become widely accepted standards for determining how much to save for...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to avoid being scammed

By Phiko Peter on 01 Apr 2022

Reading time: 7 mins

Phiko Peter discusses popular investment scams and shares some tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Insights categories - Personal investing

2022 Budget speech update

By Komil Gordhan on 25 Feb 2022

Reading time: 5 mins

Finance Minister Ipumbu Shiimi, MP delivered his Budget speech on Thursday, 24 February 2022. He noted that there is an urgent need to reignite economic...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to do long term

By Morgan Housel on 11 Oct 2021

Reading time: 8 mins

Adopting a long-term mindset sits at the heart of our investment philosophy. But what does it really mean and how can one do this effectively?

Insights categories - Personal investing

Overcome impostor syndrome this Women’s Month and own your throne

By Candace Maung on 11 Aug 2021

Viewing time: 4 mins

This pandemic has been a blunt reminder that while we can’t control our environment, there is no time like the present to take control of our journeys, or to...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to own your throne

By Tamryn Lamb on 03 Aug 2021

Viewing time: 1 min

In the spirit of paying it forward, six inspiring women from Allan Gray and the financial advice arena, shares insights on how to take ownership of your...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Unpacking saving and investing

By Cedrick Pila on 28 Jul 2021

Viewing time: 1 min

Saving and investing are both important ingredients for building a sound financial foundation, but they are not the same thing. They have different purposes...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investment lessons for sharing

By Daniella Bergman on 26 Jul 2021

Reading time: 16 mins

Money is a polarising topic, yet it is an important subject that greatly influences all of our lives. Opening up the space for money conversations can...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Five ways to build a solid financial foundation

By Phiko Peter on 15 Jun 2021

Reading time: 7 mins

Most of us start our careers in our early twenties and plan to earn an income for about four decades before reaching retirement age. Along the way we will...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The dangers of social media financial advice

By Nomi Bodlani on 29 Apr 2021

Reading time: 4 mins

The recent FinTok craze on social media platform, TikTok, has opened the door for scammers and fraudsters to take advantage of unsuspecting users who source...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to entrench positive COVID-19-enforced changes

By Daniella Bergman on 18 Mar 2021

Reading time: 8 mins

Few have escaped the devastating loss of lives and livelihoods wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, but many have also made positive changes, particularly to...

Insights categories - Personal investing

2021 Budget speech update

By Carrie Norden on 25 Feb 2021

Reading time: 7 mins

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni delivered the Budget speech on Wednesday, 24 February. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Budget was more...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investing with tax benefits in mind during uncertain times

By Carla Rossouw on 15 Feb 2021

Reading time: 4 mins

Amid the extreme uncertainty brought on by COVID-19 and the ongoing lockdown restrictions, investors are tasked with looking beyond the current crisis and...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Habits that set successful investors apart

By Nomi Bodlani on 27 Jan 2021

Reading time: 5 mins

When investing, sometimes the best course of action is to do nothing. Having the ability to block out the noise, and look through the cycle, are some of the...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Your questions answered

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 26 Jan 2021

Viewing time: 58 mins

As you embark on your investing journey, you’re likely to have a number of unanswered questions. In the final instalment of our 6-part Personal investing 101...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Ready, set, invest

By Lise-Mari Crafford on 14 Dec 2020

Viewing time: 59 mins

Starting a new long-term investment is less daunting when you follow a methodical approach. In the fifth instalment of our 6-part Personal investing 101...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Understanding investment accounts

By Tamryn Lamb on 17 Nov 2020

Viewing time: 56 mins

Making sure that you choose appropriate investment accounts for your various financial goals is an essential part of the investing process. In the third of s...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Choosing an investment manager

By Vuyo Nogantshi on 03 Nov 2020

Viewing time: 1 hr 5 seconds

South African investors have access to a wide range of investment managers with different styles and areas of expertise. Narrowing down your options can be a...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Are you sitting on savings you could be investing?

By Nomi Bodlani on 30 Oct 2020

Reading time: 5 mins

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's finances in very different ways. While it has highlighted the need for emergency savings as a buffer against toug...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investing unpacked

By Nomi Bodlani on 20 Oct 2020

Viewing time: 1 hr 1 min 8 seconds

In the first of six webinars in the Personal investing 101 series, Gugulethu Mfuphi chats to Allan Gray’s Faizil Jakoet, Chris Tisdall and Nomi Bodlani about...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Has your risk perception changed as a result of the market crisis?

By Marise Bester on 16 Oct 2020

Reading time: 9 mins

Historically, deep economic shocks have prompted significant changes in investment and saving behaviour. During times of uncertainty, investors scramble to...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Look in, reach out

By Tamryn Lamb on 27 Aug 2020

Viewing time: 1 hr 6 mins 22 seconds

Internationally acclaimed life coach, author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur, Valorie Burton, explores how we can develop strength and resilience...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Looking at the woman in the mirror

By Noluyolo Betela on 19 Aug 2020

Viewing time: 1 hr 3 mins 35 seconds

The current pandemic may have thrown things out of kilter, but it has also provided us with an opportunity to reflect on all the aspects of our lives,...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Should I file a tax return for the 2020 tax year?

By Carrie Norden on 31 Jul 2020

Reading time: 9 mins

In response to COVID-19, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has tried to simplify the tax filing process for individual taxpayers and remove the need t...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Personal finance mistakes to avoid in your 20s

By Nomi Bodlani on 27 Jul 2020

Reading time: 10 mins

Nomi Bodlani reflects on common personal finance and investment mistakes investors tend to make in their 20s. If you can avoid these, you can better position...

Insights categories - Personal investing

What advice would I give to the 30-year-old me?

By Tamryn Lamb on 27 Jul 2020

Reading time: 7 mins

Your 40s are known to be a challenging decade financially, typically balancing the demands of lifestyle costs, children and their education, ageing parents a...

Insights categories - Personal investing

When the reality of saving for retirement sets in

By Sikho Tatana on 27 Jul 2020

Reading time: 6 mins

As you approach your peak earning years and start to reap the rewards of the time and effort you have invested in your career, saving for retirement takes on...

Insights categories - Personal investing

What I wish I knew about personal finance and investing when I started working

By Phiko Peter on 27 Jul 2020

Reading time: 6 mins

A first pay cheque tends to mark the start of adulthood and, with a bit of discipline, can mark your first tentative step towards financial independence. Phi...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investment challenges older investors face

By Sandy McGregor on 27 Jul 2020

Reading time: 4 mins

Older investors face a host of challenges entirely different to those faced by their young selves. Sandy McGregor offers a wise perspective for those of this...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Do you have an emergency fund?

By Noluyolo Betela on 01 Jul 2020

Reading time: 10 mins

By proactively building emergency reserves, you will be able to respond to life’s crises without compromising your financial standing, or taking on expensive...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Take charge of your finances during COVID-19

By Leaveil Des Fountain on 17 Jun 2020

Reading time: 1 min

As we think about the day-to-day impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our families, friends, colleagues and communities, it’s easy to lose sight of our long-te...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Part 1: Staying future focused amid a global pandemic

By Nomi Bodlani on 09 Jun 2020

Reading time: 7 mins

As world leaders grapple with the broader challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become apparent that the socioeconomic consequences will...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Part 2: How to recalibrate your budget in the wake of COVID-19

By Tamryn Lamb on 09 Jun 2020

Reading time: 9 mins

As we all long for the life we had before COVID-19, are there any adjustments from the life that’s been thrust upon us that should be incorporated? Tamryn La...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Part 3: How to be a resilient investor

By Lise-Mari Crafford on 09 Jun 2020

Reading time: 8 mins

To be a successful investor, you need to understand what you are getting yourself into upfront, make sure you are comfortable, and then buckle in for the rid...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Part 5: Why every investor needs an independent adviser right now

By Cedrick Pila on 09 Jun 2020

Reading time: 6 mins

Investors are panicked and who can blame them? The market volatility has persuaded some to run for the hills and never look back, while others may be tempted...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Look after your financial health during COVID-19

By Lettie Mzwinila on 02 Jun 2020

Reading time: 4 mins

With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading across the globe, remaining healthy is naturally top of mind. While we are all prioritising the health and wellbeing of...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Optimism in a time of distress

By Lise-Mari Crafford on 23 Apr 2020

Reading time: 9 mins

As we pull together as a nation struggling to come to terms with the health and financial crises we face, is there any room at all for optimism? Lise-Mari...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Avoid "hot thinking" when it comes to your investments

By Nomi Bodlani on 23 Apr 2020

Reading time: 5 mins

The markets have plunged in the face of COVID-19. The temptation to disinvest and wait on the sidelines for things to improve is real. But is this a form of...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Managing your portfolio through COVID-19

By Marise Bester on 13 Apr 2020

Reading time: 9 mins

In just a matter of weeks our world has changed dramatically. In an attempt to make sense of it all, we look for information that will provide us with a sens...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to cope with the trauma of the COVID-19 crisis

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 06 Apr 2020

Reading time: 9 mins

And so the three-week lockdown is underway. While it feels like surely this must be a bad dream from which we will soon awake, it is our new reality.

Insights categories - Personal investing

Beware of recency bias when making investment decisions

By Beatri Faul on 29 Jan 2020

Reading time: 9 mins

Over the past year, we have seen local investments streaming towards bonds and cash – the top-performing asset classes for most of 2019. Are investors chasin...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Make the most of your tax benefits

By Carla Rossouw on 29 Jan 2020

Reading time: 2 mins

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has put several tax incentives in place to encourage us to save more for our retirement and other long-term goals. Y...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The top four mistakes to avoid when saving for education

By Saleem Sonday on 17 Jan 2020

Reading time: 4 mins

As parents, we all want the best for our children, and this often includes being able to give them the best education that we can afford. In the journey to...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Avoid being scammed this festive season

By Phiko Peter on 06 Dec 2019

Reading time: 5 mins

Aware that most of us are less vigilant as we ease into the festive season, scammers will be pulling out all the stops to line their pockets with our...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to implement your New Year’s resolutions

By Braam Visser on 28 Nov 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

As the end of the year approaches, it is a good time to reflect on resolutions committed to in earnest back in January and take stock before the resolution...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How not to break the bank this festive season

By Lettie Mzwinila on 22 Nov 2019

Reading time: 5 mins

The end of 2019 is fast approaching and with many looking forward to downtime during the festive season, this shouldn’t mean breaking the bank, according to...

Insights categories - Personal investing

What can we learn from the Springboks when it comes to setting financial goals?

By Belinda Carbutt on 08 Nov 2019

Reading time: 5 mins

Rassie Erasmus took over as Springbok coach with 618 days to the Rugby World Cup. At the time the state of Springbok rugby was dire, with the team having los...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Are you financially resilient?

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 23 Oct 2019

Reading time: 9 mins

Most of us know what it means to build resilience in the context of health and wellness: eat healthily, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and manage stres...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Seek financial advice to help you meet your financial goals

By Tamryn Lamb on 04 Oct 2019

Reading time: 6 mins

The spotlight falls on the importance of having a financial plan during Financial Planning Week, taking place from 7 to 11 October 2019. With this in mind,...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How bias can sink your investment success

By Tamryn Lamb on 25 Sep 2019

Reading time: 5 mins

Everybody has biases. We make judgements about people, places, and of course, the markets. It is almost impossible not to allow the filters which are created...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Spring is here, it’s time to spring clean your finances

By Lettie Mzwinila on 25 Sep 2019

Reading time: 4 mins

The year is flying by, but don’t let it pass without taking stock of your financial decisions, writes Lettie Mzwinila.

Insights categories - Personal investing

The benefits of independent financial advice

By Tamryn Lamb on 20 Sep 2019

Viewing time: 5 mins 19 seconds

Many investors underplay the importance of financial advice to the detriment of the performance of their portfolios over time. A good financial adviser can...

Insights categories - Personal investing

National Wills Week: Time to review your will

By Mlulami Nxele on 16 Sep 2019

Reading time: 4 mins

National Wills Week, which takes place between 16 and 20 September, is the perfect opportunity to review your will, or get a will drafted for free.

Insights categories - Personal investing

Avoid common behavioural biases when investing

By Maria Konnikova on 23 Aug 2019

Viewing time: 1 min

Poker is known as a wicked environment: a setting that is dynamic and uncertain; where things are hidden, and you don’t always have all the information on...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How poker taught me to make better decisions

By Maria Konnikova on 30 Jul 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

Psychologist, bestselling author and professional poker player, Maria Konnikova, recently inspired delegates at the Allan Gray Investment Summit 2019 to make...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Don't let your hard-earned savings go unclaimed

By Tim Molloy on 29 Jul 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

According to reports, more than R17bn lies potentially unclaimed in unit trusts and policies. Tim Molloy explains how you can ensure this doesn’t happen to...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Should you take investment advice from family and friends?

By Lettie Mzwinila on 29 Jul 2019

Reading time: 9 mins

Your friends and family may offer you financial advice with good intentions, but you should be wary of basing your investment decisions purely on stories...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Can you save more?

By Lettie Mzwinila on 26 Jul 2019

Reading time: 4 mins

Whether you are just doing a regular check up on your long-term investments or evaluating your monthly savings plan, it is a good idea to review your financi...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to get into the habit of saving this Savings Month

By Lettie Mzwinila on 18 Jul 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

If you have tried to kick the sugar habit and eat only healthy food, or give up cigarettes and replace the habit with going to the gym, you can probably atte...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Steps to improve your investment decision making

By Didintle Mokonoto on 17 Jul 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

Deterred by the large number of investment options available, many would-be investors fail to make the most important decision: the decision to start. Becomi...

Insights categories - Personal investing

CASE STUDY 2: Long-term investing for your child’s education

Reading time: 2 mins

Meet parents Wayne and Makgabo van Niekerk from Johannesburg. They are paying for Ceana (six) and three-year-old Amber’s early education (crèche and primary...

Insights categories - Personal investing

CASE STUDY 1: Investing to pay school fees upfront for the year

Reading time: 3 mins

A Johannesburg mother saves on fees by taking advantage of the discount offered by some schools to settle the year’s fees in full at the beginning of the yea...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 5: The role of financial advice in your investment success

By Saleem Sonday on 16 Jul 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

You wouldn’t gamble with your health by not seeing a professional, why do it with your financial future? Consult an independent financial adviser to help you...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 4: Investing offshore to finance international education

By Saleem Sonday on 16 Jul 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

It’s hard to make space for saving in our already-stretched budgets, but what about those of us who have children aspiring to spread their wings by studying...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 3: What are the best investment options for education savings?

By Saleem Sonday on 16 Jul 2019

Reading time: 9 mins

With the cost of education soaring, relying purely on your salary to finance your children’s education is becoming increasingly difficult. Consider saving fo...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 2: Saving for education – later is still better than never

By Saleem Sonday on 16 Jul 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

When it comes to paying for the best education for your child, making small sacrifices early on and taking a long-term approach to investing is the smart thi...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 1: How to overcome the growing cost of education

By Saleem Sonday on 16 Jul 2019

Reading time: 6 mins

Do you feel overwhelmed at the thought of how you will finance your children’s education? You are not alone. We all want to empower our children by giving th...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Ready… set… invest

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 20 Jun 2019

Reading time: 1 min

Investing is not a complicated activity only for rich people. It’s a great way to create financial security and everyone – even you – should get started,...

Insights categories - Personal investing

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

By Phiko Peter on 18 Jun 2019

Reading time: 8 mins

Over the last two decades advances in digital technology have changed the way we shop, bank and manage our investments. In the spirit of empowering millennia...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Can you live your best life and save for the long term?

By Noluyolo Betela on 10 Jun 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

Here’s something you don’t often hear about millennials: We are better money savers than our elders, but does that translate into long-term wealth?

Insights categories - Personal investing

Grow your wealth by attending the Allan Gray Investment Summit

By Tamryn Lamb on 24 May 2019

Reading time: 3 mins

After successfully bringing together renowned investment experts from all over the globe for two consecutive years to sold-out audiences, the Allan Gray...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Unravelling your residencies – exchange control, tax and citizenship

By Sunèl Delport and Mlulami Nxele on 10 May 2019

Reading time: 15 mins

South Africans who live and work abroad are not currently subject to income tax on the income they earn outside of South Africa, provided they spend more tha...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investors need to block out 'noise' ahead of elections

By Rob Formby on 06 May 2019

Reading time: 3 mins

It is understandable for investors to feel jittery in the run-up to the national elections, but giving too much air time to market noise is never a good idea...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Have you chosen the right unit trust?

By Lettie Mzwinila on 29 Apr 2019

Reading time: 8 mins

It’s a good idea to review your investments about once a year to make sure that things are on track. But what if they aren’t? How can you tell if “this, too,...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Diminished mental capacity: What happens to a person's investments?

By Jaya Leibowitz on 29 Apr 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

Investors are generally unaware of the consequences of impaired mental capacity, resulting from neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, when it...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How you can influence your investment outcomes

By Lettie Mzwinila on 16 Apr 2019

Reading time: 6 mins

After an undeniably tough 2018, the local market staged a turnaround during the first quarter. But the atmosphere in the country is blowing hot and cold: As...

Insights categories - Personal investing

2019 Budget speech update

By Carla Rossouw on 20 Feb 2019

Reading time: 8 mins

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni delivered his maiden budget speech on Wednesday 20 February. In this document we highlight some of the 2019 Budget tax proposal...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Budget 2019: Focus shifts to restoring credibility

By Carla Rossouw on 20 Feb 2019

Reading time: 4 mins

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s maiden Budget Speech didn’t deliver any major punches such as 2018’s surprise 1% VAT hike, but instead sought to acknowledge...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Is there any tax benefit in saving over the annual tax deductible amount towards retirement?

By Carrie Norden on 05 Feb 2019

Reading time: 9 mins

One of the key benefits of investing for retirement using a retirement fund is the generous tax deduction for contributions, subject to a maximum of 27.5% of...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The trouble with switching

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 25 Jan 2019

Reading time: 8 mins

During periods of underperformance, even the most experienced investors get tempted to switch funds in search of better returns. However, switching funds in...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Give your finances a fresh start

By Ciani Gower on 24 Jan 2019

Reading time: 7 mins

The first few weeks of a new year can feel like a clean slate: Past imperfections are relegated to history and you can redefine what you want to achieve in t...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The rules for making good investment decisions

By Lettie Mzwinila on 20 Dec 2018

Listening time: 1 min

People are prone to making predictions about everything from the weather to the economy. However, relying on predictions when investing can thwart your...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to approach your finances this festive season

By Lettie Mzwinila on 05 Dec 2018

Reading time: 5 mins

In the hive of festive activity, it’s easy to forget your financial goals and spend more than you planned. Next thing you know, it’s the New Year and the lon...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Give yourself the gift of balance this festive season

By Lettie Mzwinila on 30 Nov 2018

Reading time: 4 mins

The festive season is upon us and as much as we all relish letting go, balancing spending and other indulgences with a bit of discipline can go some way to...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Make sure divorce doesn't cost your savings

By Mlulami Nxele on 16 Nov 2018

Reading time: 4 mins

Going through a divorce can be extremely tough emotionally, but it can take a huge toll on your finances as well.

Insights categories - Personal investing

Why retirement contributions don’t reduce your taxable capital gains

By Carrie Norden on 26 Oct 2018

Reading time: 4 mins

You may be aware that every tax year you can make a pre-tax contribution to your retirement fund of up to 27.5% of the higher  of taxable income or...

Insights categories - Personal investing

What does the price of a unit trust mean?

By Ray Mhere on 17 Oct 2018

Reading time: 7 mins

When you buy a product or a service, the price you pay for that item tells you something about it. An apple that costs R50 (suspiciously expensive) or an App...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Get advice to be more money savvy

By Lettie Mzwinila on 02 Oct 2018

Reading time: 5 mins

Reports show that as a millennial investor you have a savvy attitude towards cash and you want to be in-the-know about how to grow your money. The value of...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to select your asset manager

By Thandi Ngwane on 26 Sep 2018

Viewing time: 1 min

Past performance is often the first, and sometimes only, consideration investors make when selecting an investment manager. However, performance is just one ...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Prioritise your dependants and loved ones during National Wills Week

By Sonja Smit on 17 Sep 2018

Reading time: 10 mins

It’s National Wills week from the 17-21 September 2018 – consider taking advantage of the offer from a participating attorney to get your Last Will and...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to select a unit trust that’s right for you

By Thandi Ngwane on 12 Sep 2018

Viewing time: 1 min

There are over 1 500 unit trusts available in South Africa – what criteria should you apply to select one (or more) that best suits your needs and...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Don't get caught short this tax season

By Carrie Norden on 31 Aug 2018

Reading time: 4 mins

With the tax season deadlines brought forward by a month this year, it’s time to get your supporting documents ready and to do your return. Uncertainty actin...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to thrive in choppy markets

By Andrew Lapping on 23 Aug 2018

Reading time: 4 mins

This year has been characterised by increased volatility and concern about the global risks – from trade disputes to inflation. After a strong start to the...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Ride out volatility and maximise returns

By Andrew Lapping on 22 Aug 2018

Viewing time: 1 min

Market fluctuations are an expected and necessary part of investing. While market volatility often presents good opportunities for value investors like Allan...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Employer-assisted savings can help fix SA's dire savings rate

By Saleem Sonday on 27 Jul 2018

Reading time: 4 mins

July is National Savings Month in South Africa. Is there more you can be doing as an employer to help your employees save towards their future financial...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Go on, take a financial wellness day off

By Lettie Mzwinila on 11 Jul 2018

Reading time: 7 mins

July is National Savings Month, an ideal time to take a ‘personal financial wellness day’ off – a growing corporate trend in the US.

Insights categories - Personal investing

Bump up your savings with a tax-free investment

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 30 Jun 2018

Reading time: 7 mins

Have you taken the plunge and started your own business, but sacrificed some (if not all) of your savings to do it? Mthobisi Mthimkhulu suggests using a...

Insights categories - Personal investing

True rewards take time

By Zwelethu Nkosi on 30 Jun 2018

Reading time: 9 mins

Allan Gray’s advertising strategy has always been built around the characteristics of the firm and continues to tap into human truths that connect with our...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to become the next Sylvia Bloom

By Bekithemba Mafulela on 29 Jun 2018

Reading time: 4 mins

A recent New York Times article took many investors by surprise: A frugal legal secretary, who worked at the same firm for 67 years until she retired at the...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investment Summit brings together 10 of world’s top investment experts

By Tamryn Lamb on 08 Jun 2018

Reading time: 2 mins

The Allan Gray Investment Summit will bring together over 3000 investors who will gather to listen to investment experts from around the world.  From where t...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How are companies governed?

By Nadia van der Merwe on 19 Apr 2018

Reading time: 7 mins

When you invest in equities – either directly or through a unit trust – you become the part-owner of the business. Nadia van der Merwe explains the role of a...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Thinking about your view of risk

By Rob Formby on 19 Apr 2018

Reading time: 7 mins

Our primary concern as an investment manager is creating wealth for clients. To do this, we need to balance investment performance for clients with the risk...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Let SARS help you pay for retirement

By on 11 Apr 2018

Reading time: 6 mins

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wants to help you pay for your retirement. The way in which they do this is by offering generous tax deductions when...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The simple answers to investing

By Wanita Isaacs on 24 Jan 2018

Reading time: 8 mins

Is the very thought of planning a barrier for you when it comes to investing? Or are you guilty of overanalysing and underacting? Wanita Isaacs investigates...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to make better investment decisions in 2018

By Lettie Mzwinila on 08 Jan 2018

Reading time: 3 mins

Investment experts, economists and industries are more prone to making predictions during the New Year, given the renewed sense of focus and excited...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to tame temptations

By Jeanette Marais on 22 Nov 2017

Reading time: 6 mins

A survey conducted by the University of Pennsylvania a few years ago asked respondents to rank their strengths in 24 different skills. Self-control ended up ...

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PART 8: The role of financial advice in your investment success

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 30 Oct 2017

Reading time: 7 mins

You wouldn’t gamble with your health by not seeing a professional, why do it with your financial future? Consult an independent financial adviser to help you...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The four fundamental skills of all investing

By Morgan Housel on 24 Oct 2017

Reading time: 6 mins

We are excited to introduce guest contributor Morgan Housel, a partner at the  Collaborative Fund (US), and an expert in behavioural finance and investing...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 7: How to make money from investing - your role

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 23 Oct 2017

Reading time: 4 mins

Take control of your emotions! Your behaviour is the wildcard when it comes to making money from investing...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 6: Where can I invest my money?

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 23 Oct 2017

Reading time: 5 mins

There are so many investment managers to choose from, how do I figure out where I can invest my money...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 5: What should I invest in?

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 17 Oct 2017

Reading time: 6 mins

Tax and law are wrapped around every investment product. Knowing the rules can help you choose the right product for your needs...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 4: How do I start investing?

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 09 Oct 2017

Reading time: 6 mins

The first step is often the most difficult to make, but it does not have to be so with investing. Follow these tips to start off on the right foot...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 3: When should I start investing?

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 02 Oct 2017

Reading time: 4 mins

Time is of the essence when it comes to investing. Start now and benefit from the magic of compounding...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 2: How do I overcome the barriers to investing?

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 25 Sep 2017

Reading time: 5 mins

Not sure how to save money? Follow these five easy steps...

Insights categories - Personal investing

PART 1: Why you should invest

By Mthobisi Mthimkhulu on 18 Sep 2017

Reading time: 6 mins

There are many reasons to invest. Start now: small sacrifices today can make a big difference over the long term...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investment success: Don’t be your own worst enemy

By Morgan Housel on 06 Sep 2017

Reading time: 4 mins

The biggest risk which investors face is themselves, because the mistakes they commonly make are based on their own behaviour and personal biases, warns Morg...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Investment Summit to give an inside view from fund management houses

By Jeanette Marais on 21 Jul 2017

Reading time: 3 mins

Allan Gray is bringing a group of international and local investment houses together to debate investment insights in a new one-day event, aimed at helping...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How much risk can you take?

By Leonard Krüger on 30 Jun 2017

Viewing time: 1 min

Risks are elevated in the current environment. This means you should think about how much risk you are prepared to take on...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to cope with ongoing uncertainty

By Jeanette Marais on 24 May 2017

Reading time: 5 mins

Over the past year there have been plenty of painful reminders that we have no control over what happens in the world. And there doesn’t seem to be any clari...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to combat the budget pinch

By Carla Rossouw on 31 Mar 2017

Reading time: 7 mins

Some weeks have passed since former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s Budget speech, but we are only just beginning to feel the pinch. Carla Rossouw discusse...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to read a factsheet

By Ray Mhere on 31 Dec 2016

Reading time: 8 mins

The number of options when choosing a unit trust can be overwhelming and is one of the most common barriers to investing. Unit trusts are registered in...

Insights categories - Personal investing

What is a money market fund?

By Bekithemba Mafulela on 30 Sep 2016

Reading time: 6 mins

Money market unit trusts, commonly referred to as ‘money market funds’, have become a synonym for safe, secure and reliable investments. You put your money i...

Insights categories - Personal investing

How to review your investments

By Wanita Isaacs on 31 Dec 2015

Reading time: 6 mins

When last did you perform a financial health check by reviewing your investments? It's important to occasionally take stock to assess whether or not you are ...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Five tough financial decisions you may have to make… And why they are worth it

By Thandi Ngwane on 30 Nov 2015

Reading time: 4 mins

Money decisions are never easy and often come down to personal circumstance and choice. If you are lucky enough to get a bonus or a 13 th cheque, should you...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Are we snookering ourselves with confirmation bias?

By Jeanette Marais on 26 May 2015

Reading time: 5 mins

We have written regularly about investor behaviour, noting how emotions can be our worst enemy. Driven by fear and greed, many investors buy high and sell lo...

Insights categories - Personal investing

Active versus passive

By Thandi Ngwane on 31 Mar 2015

Reading time: 6 mins

As a proud advocate of a committed active manager, Thandi Ngwane does her best to stay objective in discussing the pros and cons of active and passive...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The theory of risk and return

By Wanita Isaacs on 31 Dec 2014

Reading time: 4 mins

Wanita Isaacs offers some insights into how you can think about risk in your investment process. Efficient market theory holds that there is a direct...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The Allan Gray Investment Platform: high quality service with simple, transparent fund choice

By Jeanette Marais on 30 Jun 2012

Reading time: 7 mins

Objectives for investing change throughout our lives, from buying a car or house, to longer-term goals, such as saving for our children's education and our...

Insights categories - Personal investing

The offshore conundrum

By Chris du Toit on 31 Mar 2011

Reading time: 6 mins

A question often asked of us is: 'How much should I invest offshore?' This question has a different answer for each person. Another, perhaps more important,...

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