Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. Jim Rohn When it comes to planning, it’s easy to put all of our focus on the future and lose our presence to the present! In times of rapidly changing economies, environments and political landscapes, it’s a sobering reminder that we need to be aware of the life that we’re living today, and not lose sight of it when […]
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You are more than your day job…
“You thrive in your career when you thrive with yourself.” – Caroline Ghosn Of all the activities that occupy our time, our job is most likely at the top of that list – that’s why many forms ask for ‘Occupation’ in the work or job section. It’s so easy for us to start building our lives around what we do, rather than who we are. It’s a small change that happens early on in our life […]
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December-proof your investing
December should be a time of peace, cheer and goodwill to all men. But, if you’re a South African investor, it’s the month that likely brings up residual trauma of some decidedly un-jolly happenings from recent years’ Decembers. Cabinet reshuffle. Nenegate. Steinhoff. What is it about the twelfth month of the year that turns the festive season into the silly season? If you’re understandably nervous this time of year as an investor, fear not. While no […]
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Playing for success
“This is the real secret of life – to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” Alan Watts Paying attention to the present is something many of us struggle with. This is often because we’re either anxious about our past or our future. Although we disengage with the present moment, our brain is still functioning and coming up with ideas. […]
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Don’t spend it all
There is ample research to show that December is by far the most financially stressful time of the year for most people. Spending pressure is more emotionally charged than almost any other time of the year. Luckily, December need not be all doom and gloom for your wallet. Like many situations that seem at first glance insane, it just requires a plan. Here are our top tips to get you through the festive season without major […]
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Watching what you spend… and what you eat!
With all the treats at the social gatherings, watching both your budget and your diet during the festive season can be a challenge. Whether we’re talking about savings goals, or weight goals, it’s easy to get a little carried away. It’s wonderful to treat your loved ones and enjoy yourself, and during a holiday it’s important to be kind to yourself and let loose a little. However, if you want to enjoy the season to its […]
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Relax and take aim
“There is no excellence in archery without great labour.” Maurice Thompson Life is hectic. We know this. Most of the time we can feel like a highly strung bow, close to snapping. But in the right context, this is when a bow is most effective and most powerful. Between work, family, and all your other obligations, you may feel like you’re being pulled all over the show. When it comes to archery, the bow is an […]
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The benefit of having a financial plan
However over-used Benjamin Franklin’s* quote may be, it rings loud and true; if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. When it comes to financial planning, many misunderstand the process to be about managing how much you’re spending and saving. For us, it’s about a little more than that… Whilst budgeting is a key building block in the foundations of a prudent financial plan, how much money you have is far less important than understanding […]
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Reasons to be happy about inflation in SA
People are often quick to comment on doom and gloom posts and add their voice, and with the current subdued economic outlook, there seems to be plenty to be grim about. But what if we looked at something, like inflation, and highlight a positive South African success story? “… Inflation??” you cry. Hear this out. When people speak of inflation, it’s often the villain of the financial story. It’s blamed every time we swipe our cards […]
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Silver lining investments to get you through slump time
They say to make hay while the sun is shining, but what about during overcast conditions? The current outlook for SA investors is not as stormy as it was two years ago, but it certainly isn’t clear skies. While we started the year filled with new optimism in a new president and the looming threat of state capture vanishing, other problems have remained. Thanks to Eskom, plummeting business confidence scores, policy uncertainty and a host of […]
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