Practical money guides for South Africans
Practical guides to budgeting, debt management, credit scores, loans, insurance, and everyday money decisions for South Africans.
An alarming situation has unfolded for some individuals who believe they have cleared their medical debt only to receive communication from debt collectors asserting the existence of outstanding payments owed to a hospital. This unexpected turn of events has left many pondering their next course of action and how to navigate these unsettling waters. The … Read more
Understanding Provident Funds in South Africa Complete guide for South African workers Last updated: December 2024 Quick Facts Provident funds are employer-sponsored retirement savings accounts The two-pot system started on 1 September 2024 You can withdraw from your savings pot once per tax year Contributions are typically 5% to 15% of your salary All withdrawals … Read more
Discovery Bank Upgrades: Customer’s Experience Raises Questions Discovery Bank recently faced questions from a customer about its practices during a credit card upgrade. The customer, holding a Discovery Gold Card, was approached to upgrade to a Platinum Card. The bank highlighted the benefits of this upgrade and provided relevant brochures to the client. As the … Read more
Tackling the Complexities of Farmland Inheritance: A Real-Life Case in South Africa Inheritance can be a complex matter, especially when it involves multiple heirs and properties. This story of a 25-hectare farm in the Eastern Cape’s Amatola District is a vivid case in point. Let’s break down the inheritance issues involved and provide some insights … Read more
The 183-Day Rule and Passive Income Tax in South Africa Complete guide to tax residency, exemptions, and how your passive income is taxed Last updated: December 2025 ⚡ Quick Facts The 183-day rule only applies to foreign employment income exemption – NOT to tax residency Passive income (dividends, interest, rental) does NOT qualify for the … Read more
Overdraft vs Personal Loan: Which is Right for You? Complete comparison guide for South African residents Last updated: December 2024 Quick Facts Current prime lending rate: 10.50% as of December 2024 Overdraft interest rates: typically 18% or higher per year Personal loan rates: from 10.73% to 27.5% depending on credit score Both options are regulated … Read more
Navigating Tax Number Discrepancies: What to Do When Your Tax Ref Number Disappears Imagine paying your taxes diligently for four years and then discovering your tax reference number has vanished. This perplexing situation recently arose for a 24-year-old permanent resident of South Africa. Here’s the story and what you can do if you find yourself … Read more
How to Exchange PayPal Dollars for ZAR Efficiently If you’re looking to convert your PayPal dollars to South African Rand (ZAR) without spending too much on fees, you’re not alone. Many people are searching for the best methods to do this. Let’s explore some options available to South Africans. Why Avoid Traditional Banks Like FNB? … Read more
How to Improve Your Finances in South Africa Simple steps to take control of your money and build a better future Last updated: December 2024 Quick Facts South Africa has one of the world’s lowest savings rates at 0.13% Over R2.7 billion lost to financial fraud in 2024 You can get free debt counselling through … Read more
Should You Transfer Your TFSA from a Bank to Easy Equities? A friend recently asked for advice on transferring R400,000 from a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) at a bank to an Easy Equities (EE) TFSA. The bank currently offers an 8.7% annual return. Is this a good move? Let’s dive in. Internal Transfers Are Key … Read more