After the financial crisis of 2008, it is crucial lessons are learnt. Not just in the global finance world, but closer to home. Understanding finance basics can only stand you in good stead for the future. Financial literacy can make a huge impact on someone's life so they make the best financial decisions. Read on to uncover the greatest financial gift you can give to your children…
Everyone ... ››› more
The JSE ended firmly in the red today. Global jitters about the US hitting its debt ceiling are spreading. The local bourse suffered the consequences of a stock sell off. Let's take a closer look at what happened on the JSE today…
Shares on the JSE “fell hard” today, reports MoneyWeb. After the JSE hit new highs over the last few weeks, it suffered as “investors’ dumped shares”. Worr... ››› more
If you're looking for investment opportunities that have great upside potential, don't let some debt put you off. Debt isn't always a deal-breaker. If a company generates enough cash to cover its debts easily, it can still be a great investment. Let's delve a bit deeper to see what you should look for in a company's balance sheet…
If you want to look at the cash and debt a company has, you nee... ››› more
When you're researching shares to invest in, you may be unsure of where to start. But one of your first port of calls should be a company's balance sheet. By delving into the figures you can tell a lot about a business. Let's take a closer look at what you should look for in a company's balance sheet…
A very good signal of a great investment is a great balance sheet, Dan Ferris in Daily Wealth... ››› more
“Household confidence plunges to 10-year low”
This was the front page headline in yesterday's Business Day.
And I believe this is the first warning shot for investors in South Africa.
You see, the article revealed that consumer confidence in South Africa's economic future has taken a beating.
Why?
Well, turn on just about any news channel and the answer will be staring you in t... ››› more
Earlier today, African Bank Investments, or the bank better known as Abil, released a profit warning. It said that profits were likely to be down as much as 63%. The market didn't take well to the news, punishing the share down 4.51%. Let's take a closer look at the trading statement…
Abil revealed earlier that its profit for the year to the end of August is “likely to fall by as much as 63%... ››› more
When you buy shares, you take on risks. But there are a few things that you can do to minimise these risks. By watching out for some tell-tales signs, you can improve your chances of good investment returns. Read on to find out how you can avoid investing in companies with balance sheet risk…
Balance sheet risk is the risk that a business will fail or get into trouble because it can't pay ... ››› more
At lunchtime, Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd released a trading statement about its first half results. And the contents were very positive. This sent the share swiftly higher, closing over 4% higher for the day. Let's take a closer look at what the trading statement revealed…
Capitec “surprised investors” earlier today with a trading statement that said its first half earnings are as much as 2... ››› more
A high or low price earnings ratio (PE) can tell you whether a stock looks cheap or expensive compared to its sector or to another stock. But, you can't rely on the PE ratio alone. There are some weaknesses with the PE ratio. Let's take a closer look…
The PE ratio is a great tool to have at your disposal, but it does have its limitations, Tim Bennett explains in MoneyWeek.
One of the weakne... ››› more
Depending at what stage you are in your life will determine how you should be preparing for retirement. If you're aged between thirty and fifty, it's time to take that retirement nest egg by the horns. Read on to find out what you can do to save for your retirement…
When you’re aged between 30 and 40, no doubt you’re facing the demands of children and paying off a mortgage.
Put 10% extr... ››› more
Taking control of your finances is one of the most important steps you can take towards securing the sort of future you want for you and your family. But if you want to get your investing off to a successful start, there are two things to do first…
Before you jump in make sure you have crossed these two things off your investment ‘to do’ list, as John Stepek explains in MoneyWeek…
Num... ››› more
When you're looking for a new investment opportunity, you'll be digging into company accounts. You'll come across the ‘gearing ratio' in the balance sheet. Read on to find out exactly what gearing is and why a firm with high gearing can be a risky investment…
You’ll find the gearing ratio on the balance sheet of a company’s accounts. The gearing ratio is a company’s total debt divided ... ››› more
Moody's Investor Services upholds its credit rating of South Africa at BAA1, the lowest level of investor grade. The agency cites concerns about the level of government debt and mining sector unrest, but there is room for an upgrade should the government pay down debt. Let's have a look at what's going on…
Yesterday, Moody’s confirmed the South African government’s “investment grade cred... ››› more
I grew up with a very negative perspective of debt and credit. I often saw it as this big bad monster that would ruin my life and prevent me from financial freedom. Well it turns out all the old adages about not having debt and credit are lies! And here's why…
No credit record can be worse than a bad credit record
A few years back I decided to take out a cell phone contract.
... ››› more
It's been pretty quiet on the Eurozone front lately. The drama of various EU countries verging on the brink of bankruptcy appeared to have been contained. But with two highly regarded MPs resigning on Monday and threats of more to follow, Portugal's debt crisis has reared its ugly head again. This led to its stock market plunging more than 6% today. Let's see what's been going on…
Since Europe... ››› more
Times are tough. We're all feeling the pinch as inflation ticks higher. And now the National Credit Regulator (NCR) has stepped in, warning consumers about letting their debt get out of control. Here's what's happening…
Today saw the NCR release a statement warning consumers about staying on top of their debt as statistics show that an increasing number of people are finding it harder to servi... ››› more
We all know how fears of an unsecured lending bubble have pummelled the shares of the largest lender in the sector, African Bank, in recent weeks.
We all know how fears of an unsecured lending bubble have pummelled the shares of the largest lender in the sector, African Bank, in recent weeks.
African Bank has had to write off a countless number of loans as bad debt as debtors just haven't... ››› more
"I'll never drink again!" is a common slogan when someone wakes up after a night of wild drinking with a hammering headache and their stomach rolling around like a timberland shoe in a washing machine. Well, you did have that final drink, after you said it was your last one five drinks ago.The one that put you over the top and now you're suffering for it.The same happens when you've got too much ... ››› more
Let's face it…We've all got debt. But the problem is, we don't know how much is enough! And nowadays the banks are offering juicy loans to pretty much anyone without even doing a proper background check. It's no wonder we're facing an unsecured lending crisis in South Africa! You see, most people don't realise, just because you qualify for a loan doesn't mean you should take one.
After a... ››› more
“Over-indebtedness of ordinary South Africans seems to be spiralling out of control,” reports Fin24. This comes after a recent debt survey done by the media group showed that just 2.06% of the more than 32,000 respondents have no debt. If you're one of them - you need to take action before it's too late.
“While the National Credit Act managed to buffer the effect of the last recession on ... ››› more