Skip to main content








Financial boxes to tick while interest rates are on hold

The presently flat interest rates give consumers an opportunity to get into better financial shape by structuring personal finances ahead of the festive season and the New Year.
Ester Ochse, Channel Head at FNB Financial Advisory says how people manage finances over this period could impact their financial wellbeing over the next few months, going into the New Year.
“Some people might use this period to tighten financial control, others will pursue investment opportunities but you also have people who will feel that it’s the best time for them to spend,” she says.
“The reality is that there is no wrong or right decision because everyone is influenced by their financial position. Regardless of what anyone does, there are important financial boxes to tick to ensure a better financial future.”

Save for education

Whether you have kids in pre-primary, primary or high school – your education costs are likely to go up over the next 12 months. By how much is the main question, but it is safe to factor some kind of increase in your financial plans.
“Parents could easily get overwhelmed if there are no proper plans to keep up or stay ahead of education costs. Hence the need to plan in advance, starting with upfront costs like registration, stationery, uniform and other essential items,” says Ochse.

Plan your festive season expenses

“Festive season expenses can get out of hand if not kept in check - where possible, start buying some of your family gifts now and stock up at a pace suitable to you. This will help you avoid the impulsive spending habits that are associated with the festive period.
“If plan A doesn’t suit you, work out roughly how much you’ll need over the festive period and separate that budget from the rest of your money - this requires a lot of discipline,” she adds. 

Boost your cash reserves now

Every New Year brings its own challenges and opportunities. From a financial point of view, it’s much easier to capitalise on opportunities if you have cash reserves, such as an investment account or a savings account. Cash reserves will be very handy should you need to cover emergencies or unforeseen expenses.
Ochse concludes by saying, “Even though interest rates have been flat over the last few months, consumers are not yet out of the woods because the overall state of the South African economy remains fairly delicate. The cost of living is still relatively high, with more food prices predicted for the remainder of the year.
“This is why it is critical to keep a tight budget in order to be prepared for whatever eventuality. While no single individual can control economic activity, how one reacts to such activity is 100% within their control.”

https://www.fnb.co.za/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Grand Designs Live 2016 inspires Responsible Living In its seventh year, Grand Designs Live now brought to you by Black+Decker, has proven to be the leading contemporary home, design and garden show in South Africa. Every year legions of fans return to the event, inspired by its informative, innovative and interactive nature, and keen to learn about the latest trends, both locally and abroad.   And this year is going to be better than ever before because Media 10 is now running the show, and DIY king Black+Decker has come on board as title sponsor. Think of it as a fresh lick of paint, a move that will inject new, exciting energy into this incredible institution, keeping all the things you’ve fallen in love with over the years, but expanding the scope and experience. And what better way to kick off this new direction than by aligning this year’s theme with a cause that should be dear to all of us: Responsible Living. As conscious consumers it is now impe...
Post a Comment
Read more
#UnfollowTheNorm this summer with smart and Zando Zando – South Africa’s leading ‘one-stop online shopping fashion store’ takes the latest high fashion runway trends and sources the best ready-to-wear collections, ensuring fashionistas have the latest fashion at their fingertips. Today on Zando users will find something a little out of ordinary, something much smarter and more useful than a new pair of high heels but still for much the same price.  Mercedes-Benz now introduces the new and funky smart forfour car directly onto the pages of Africa’s largest online retailer – a first for South Africa. Selvin Govender, Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz cars says, “Our smart range of vehicles appeals to a trendier and more connected online audience, and introducing the new smart forfour to these digital natives in an online shopping environment, where they would least expect to be exposed to it, would be a unique experience.”  “More important...
Post a Comment
Read more
Top 5 Pottery studios in Johannesburg    You don't have to be an expert when it comes to pottery ,   part of the creative process is the deeply creative and personal aspect of being able to tap into what we have in our "unconscious creative-selves".  Pottery helps you forget the outside world for a while, as you concentrate on the clay and let  intuitive responses manage your artistic expression. #1. Pottery Junxion Whether you are an artist, hobbyist, or simply wish to give someone special that very personal gift, you will find it all at Pottery Junxion. Ceramics, Mosaic, Mosaic Inserts,  Paints and Tools to inspire one and all. Pottery Junxion can confidently claim that we offer the widest range of decorative and functional ceramics in South Africa. View our catalogue online or please ask us for a pricelist. At our shop in Edenvale you will find all the products to decorate your ceramic piece and if you need directions on how to do i...
Post a Comment
Read more