As I mentioned last time, the field of investment options – or vehicles – is vast and may prove to be a bumpy ride for the uninformed.

All potential investors want the best return on their money, of course, but each person comes with a set of circumstances that have to be considered when giving advice.

An important choice that has to be made by the investor is in what investment vehicle he wishes to invest his funds. Read more…

When consulting with a client who wishes to invest, it often happens that our mandate is to achieve the maximum return on their funds, but with the minimum risk to their capital.

This may sound like a simple instruction, but first the client has to understand what it is that they are saying. Read more…

When doing estate planning for clients, one of the first questions I have to ask them is how they are married.

While most people at least know whether they are married in or out of community of property, very few can remember whether or not the accrual system is applicable or not. This also means that they do not understand the implications this factor could have on their estate planning. Read more…

A reader has asked me to comment on his retirement provision.

He is due to retire in about three years’ time and will then have contributed for about 10 years to a provident fund. His accumulated capital will amount to approximately R110 000 and he wants to know what his options are. Read more…

He is just starting out on his working career and wants to make sure that he has all his bases covered.

It’s almost impossible to give an in-depth overview of short term insurance in one column, but I’ll nevertheless dwell on some of the most important aspects. These facts apply to everyone. Read more…