Articles by Isabelle Coetzee

5 Questions to ask about your investments
It takes diligence and patience to build an investment. Any financial adviser would encourage you to leave your growing lumpsum, in spite of small fluctuations in the market. However, at what point should you consider moving your investment elsewhere?

Who is responsible if you’re injured while working from home?
Working from home allows companies to forfeit their office space, which decreases their costs. However, are they opening themselves up to new costs? An employer is responsible for the safety of an employee when they work from the office. But doe...

How to choose a tax practitioner – ask these questions
Your friends and family may have advised you to hire a tax practitioner to make sure you remain tax-compliant. But how do you choose the right one for you?

The way financial control is used to manipulate a partner
There’s nothing wrong with supporting a loved one financially. However, there are abusers who, among other things, use financial control to trap their partner. So what are the signs you should look out for to make sure you’re not b...

Are employers responsible for work-from-home costs?
While working from home, you may quickly realise you’re spending more on data, coffee, and stationery. If your employer covered these costs while you were working from the office, then you may wonder whether they ought to continue coverin...

Do interest rates really matter when settling debt?
As the interest rate fluctuates, you may have wondered how it affects your outstanding debt. We look at how interest rates may affect your finances.]

What are the three phases of money laundering?
Money laundering seems like the kind of thing that’s only a concern in blockbuster films. However, South Africa is, in fact, considered a hotspot for money laundering. So, what does this actually entail, and what are the consequences of t...

How to spend a lump sum for great returns
Imagine you win the lotto. Anyone in this position would be ecstatic! But once your excitement settles down, you’ll have to consider what best to do with this money.

Financial conflict can lead to divorce – here’s how to prevent it
Talking about money is an intimate matter, and it may be uncomfortable for couples who’ve managed to avoid this discussion. However, it will become necessary at some point or other. Do you think you’re ready to talk to your partner...

This is how much you should spend on accommodation
As your salary changes over time, your expenses will change too. But what if you’re spending an exceedingly large percentage of your income on accommodation? Is it feasible or even recommended in our current stressful financial climate?

Be financially prepared to lose your job – here’s how
During uncertain times, it’s natural to be concerned about the security of your job. Regardless of your performance at work, you may be out of work if your company is no longer profitable. But what would that mean for your personal financ...

Should you save for a new car or finance it over time?
Buying a car is a long-term commitment. You either need to save up for it or pay it off over time, and the option you choose will depend on your personal circumstances and preferences. So, what should you consider when deciding which payment met...

