Smart About Money - empowering you to make good money decisions

12/09/2026

🚨 Most employers help employees to save for retirement. But South Africa has about 6 000 rogue employers who have failed to pay over money deducted from salaries and money they contracted to contribute to a fund. Regulators and the retirement industry plan to tackle this R8.3 billion “crisis” by turning up the heat on these employers and their representatives. More directors and responsible people at these employers may find their personal assets attached. R8.3 billion. Find out who plans to do what, what trustees must do, and where members can turn for help. 💰🛡️

Smart About Money

10/09/2026

Around 65% of South Africans do not have a will despite the fact that most have family commitments and own at least one asset. 📝

Next week, from 14 to 18 September, is National Wills Week. Participating legal firms are offering a free will drafting service. Leave a legacy rather than more heartache for your loved ones. 🪦

Find out more about wills, how to draft one and why you need one on Smart About Money and then find a law firm willing to help you get yours.

08/09/2026

✈️ Airlink pilots have been accused of flying dangerously low over Cape Town Stadium during the second test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks. But the pilots behind the controversial flyover were trained experts with detailed planning and contingency measures.

Many of us fly just as low with our money, without the same preparation. When there is barely any cash left before payday, one pothole, medical shortfall or higher bond repayment can derail your entire budget. 💸

Build some financial altitude with an emergency fund and give yourself room to manoeuvre when life gets turbulent.

Smart About Money

04/09/2026

💡 Is your biggest client also your biggest borrower?

When your customers are slow to pay, your small business may be funding their operations − interest-free − while you borrow to cover salaries, stock and other expenses. 💸 A growing debtors book can look healthy on paper but it can quietly undermine your cash flow and limit business growth.

📌 Read our latest article for small business owners to learn how to price longer payment terms, invoice promptly, follow up consistently, use deposits or staged billing, assess customer risk and enforce your terms. 👩🏽‍💻

Smart About Money

02/09/2026

If you allow your insurer to monitor how you drive you could qualify for a cheaper insurance premium.🚗🛡️

Telematics uses vehicle and driving data − such as mileage, speed, braking and driving times − to help insurers assess risk more accurately. Responsible and low-mileage drivers may qualify for lower premiums or other rewards.

Before you sign up, check what data will be collected and how it can be used. 🛑 Read our latest explainer on telematics insurance before choosing a policy.

Smart About Money

31/08/2026

When she earns more and he takes on more caregiving, old assumptions about money and family life can be put to the test. 💰🏡

Our latest article explores why couples need to look beyond traditional gender roles and build a partnership around their real income, work and caregiving responsibilities. Open conversations, shared financial decisions and a fair division of domestic work can help reduce resentment and protect both partners’ wellbeing. 🤝

Smart About Money

28/08/2026

Married, in a civil union or sharing your life with a long-term partner? 💍

♥️ The legal status of your relationship can affect your tax, inheritance, retirement benefits and estate plan.

Many South Africans still believe that living together for long enough creates a “common law marriage” − but that is not the case. Our latest article explains how different relationships require different financial planning approaches despite the growing recognition of permanent life partners and why couples should take steps to create greater financial certainty. 🧾🏡

Smart About Money

27/08/2026

If you are an investor filling in your tax return, you should have tax certificates from your investment institution to guide you on what to declare. 🧾But it isn’t always as simple as that. And you may be wondering why some dividends need to be declared and not others.

Our latest explainer should help you understand a little more on how dividends are taxed. 😏

Smart About Money

26/08/2026

Couples often split assets on divorce but financial life after divorce is very different. Women often end up as the primary caregivers. 💔

A realistic maintenance budget should account for more than school fees and groceries: think about ad hoc expenses for school trips, transport, sports activities. 🥋Maintenance should also cater for costs that rise more than inflation such as education.

This article explores budgeting, savings, insurance, retirement planning and how a carefully drafted will can help protect divorced or separated women and their children’s future. Read more on Smart About Money. 🔎💰

Smart About Money

21/08/2026

🛒 Shopping online is convenient − but one unsafe click could put your personal and payment information at risk. Before you buy, check that the site you are using offers secure shopping and uses secure payment tools such as 3-D Secure or your banking app, avoid public Wi-Fi, and never share your card details or one-time password with anyone. 🔒💳

Read our latest article for some practical tips from the banks on safer online shopping.

Smart About Money