Long-Term Goals, or Short-Term Gains?
More than a million applications have already been lodged with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to pull funds out of their savings. Given that this amounts to R21.4 billion, that’s a frightening amount of money for a country that doesn’t have a savings culture. What with more people withdrawing cash under the Two Pot […]
20% of Nothing Is Still Nothing
Despite repeated warnings, Ponzi schemes continue to trap the unwary. Just pause to consider the following headline run in the venerable Financial Times in November 2020: “Investors lose £657 million to fraud.” That’s just in the 12 months to September 2020, up 28% from the year before. Even before the full impact of COVID-19 was […]
Build Your Emergency Safety Net Fund Today
Ask any trapeze artist, and they’ll tell you that a safety net is a non-negotiable part of flying high. While few of us are circus performers, an emergency savings fund is still one of the most important requirements for our peace of mind and financial stability. Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Whether it’s […]
Cryptocurrency Trading in South Africa: Exchange Controls and Emerging Challenges
The untold story of Exchange Control Regulations. Cryptocurrency traders in South Africa have focused on understanding the tax implications of their transactions relative to the Income Tax Act. This has proved challenging, as SARS has merely stated that “the normal rules apply” without providing authoritative guidance concerning the various cryptocurrency-related transactions, and when profits are […]
Gold Is at Record Levels—What Now?
Although gold is known as a ‘safe-haven’ investment, normal fundamentals still apply. The gold price recently reached another all-time high, prompting investors to reassess their current exposure. Is it time to take profit for those who have held positions in gold, or is it better to just hold on? And if an investor does not […]
Ways to navigate an interest rate hike in South Africa: The power of expert advice
When the sun is shining, it is the opportune time to fix the roof. This adage is especially true in the context of economic situations, where preparation is key to weathering financial storms. In South Africa, as in many parts of the world, interest rates have seen an upward trend, posing significant implications for personal […]
Should you pay tax on refundable deposits?
The South African Revenue Service recently published a new Interpretation Note relating to the taxation of deposits. In the ordinary course of business, taxpayers may receive money in advance in the form of deposits related to goods or services to be delivered or rendered at a future date. Having regard to the definition of “gross income”, […]