My Money My Lifestyle

My Money My Lifestyle
My Money My Lifestyle

Talking all things money. Maya Fisher-French discusses the do’s and don’ts when it comes to your finances. To join the conversation send me an email via https://mayaonmoney.co.za/contact/

  1. Budgeting for a nation: Inside the medium-term budget

    1 DE NOV.

    Budgeting for a nation: Inside the medium-term budget

    This week Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the Medium-Term Budget which is tabled every year in October.  Most people only really care about the February budget because that is where the minister announces the changes to taxes. But the medium-term budget is packed with really important information about how government is going to be collecting and spending our money over the next three years. It also gives us some idea about what we can expect in February and whether taxpayers will be on the hook.  In this podcast I am joined by Gcobisa Magazi, Director: Public Finance at National Treasury to discuss the medium-term budget.  We discuss the significance of the medium-term budget, often mislabelled as a "mini budget," and explore its role as a policy statement outlining government priorities and fiscal strategies. Key topics include the challenges of revenue collection, unexpected expenditures, and the government's strategy to manage debt, which currently consumes 21% of the budget. We also delve into the concept of fiscal anchoring, a legislative approach to ensuring sustainable fiscal policy, and the balancing act required to meet the needs of a financially vulnerable population while striving for a primary budget surplus. Join us for an insightful conversation on the intricacies of public finance, the importance of economic growth, and the government's efforts to balance debt management with essential social and infrastructure spending.

    29min
  2. Money Bootcamp: The five years to retirement plan

    31 DE OUT.

    Money Bootcamp: The five years to retirement plan

    Welcome to the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp with Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu. This series is designed to guide you through essential financial topics, helping you make informed decisions for a secure future. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of retirement planning with Johann Steyn, a certified financial planner at Rainmaker Bluestar by Sanlam. As one approaches retirement, the need for strategic financial planning becomes critical – not only to understand your financial position, but also to maximize your tax options. Johann shares insights on how to prepare for retirement, whether you're five years away or just a year before. He emphasises the importance of setting realistic expectations, understanding legislative options, and the purchasing power of your money. One of the critical discussions revolves around having a retirement budget and the importance of eliminating debt before retiring. Johann advises on the significance of understanding your expenses and what you would need to do if you planned on retiring early. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding lump sums vs income and the reality of life expectancy. The episode further explores the different retirement products available, such as living annuities and life annuities, discussing when each is appropriate. Johann highlights the benefits and risks associated with these products, including market volatility and the potential for a hybrid approach. The importance of maintaining a medical scheme in retirement is also discussed, considering the high inflation rate of medical expenses. In the podcast we also discuss the role of tax-free savings accounts as a supplement for retirement, offering insights into how they can be strategically used to provide tax-free income later in life. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on retirement planning, ensuring you have the knowledge to maintain your dignity and independence in your golden years.

    35min
  3. Money Bootcamp: How to achieve your longer-term goals

    3 DE OUT.

    Money Bootcamp: How to achieve your longer-term goals

    Welcome to the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp with Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu. This series is designed to guide you through essential financial topics, helping you make informed decisions for a secure future.  Last episode we focused on saving for shorter-term goals, but what about those medium to longer-term goals like your child’s tertiary education in ten years or time, or leaving your child a legacy? Maybe you want to start your own business one day? How do you start? The episode begins with the importance of setting clear and achievable financial goals, providing a practical example of calculating future education costs, illustrating how inflation can significantly impact the amount you need to save. One of the key takeaways is the distinction between interest and growth. While interest is a guaranteed return from a bank, growth involves investing in assets that increase in value over time. They highlight the benefits of investing in unit trusts and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as effective ways to achieve capital growth. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the advantages of tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs). Introduced in 2015, TFSAs offer a tax-efficient way to save and invest. Maya and Mapalo explain how TFSAs can be used for various financial goals, including saving for your child's education and supplementing your retirement fund. They stress the importance of viewing TFSAs as long-term investment vehicles rather than regular savings accounts. The hosts also explore the opportunities and benefits of investing offshore. They discuss how local funds can invest on your behalf overseas, providing exposure to global markets. For those looking to build assets outside South Africa, they recommend starting with local companies that offer offshore investment products. Maya and Mapalo caution against the use of endowment products for education savings. They argue that these products often come with high fees and tax implications that may not be beneficial for most investors. Instead, they advocate for simple, low-cost investment options like TFSAs and unit trusts. Join Maya and Mapalo for an enlightening discussion that will help you secure your financial future.

    38min
  4. Avoid these mistakes when writing your will

    17 DE SET.

    Avoid these mistakes when writing your will

    As we mark National Wills Week, there's no better time to address the importance of having a properly drafted will.  In the latest episode of our podcast, Maya Fisher-French sits down with Deenisha Nadesan, Executive Director of Estates at Capital Legacy, to discuss the common pitfalls people encounter when drafting their wills and how to avoid them.  This is not just a matter of legal formalities; it's about ensuring that your hard-earned assets are distributed according to your wishes, thus preventing family disputes and financial ruin.  Marriage contracts are a significant area of concern. Many people don't understand how their marriage contract affects their will.  Misunderstandings here can lead to complications and unintended consequences, such as one spouse inadvertently receiving more than intended. Another critical issue is the witnessing of wills.  According to Nadesan, a will must be signed by the testator and witnessed by two competent witnesses who are present simultaneously. These witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or their spouses, a detail that often trips people up and can render a will invalid. Property inheritance is another complex area. Many people wish to leave their property to their children but don't consider the practicalities. For example, minors can technically own property, but they can't manage it. This can be solved by setting up a testamentary trust to manage the property until the child is of age. Additionally, if a property is left to multiple children, it can lead to disputes over maintenance costs, selling decisions, and more.  Then there's the matter of pensions. Many mistakenly believe their pension forms part of their will. However, pensions are governed by the Pension Funds Act, and the trustees of the pension fund make the final decision on who benefits. This underscores the importance of understanding what assets fall under your will and which do not.  The costs of winding up an estate can also be eye-watering. From executor fees to estate duty and even capital gains tax, the financial burden can be significant. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure there’s enough liquidity in your estate to cover these costs, either through life cover or other means.  In conclusion, while free wills or DIY templates might seem like a quick fix, they often lead to more problems than they solve. Consulting with a fiduciary expert can save your family a lot of heartache and financial strain. As Nadesan aptly put it, “What's worse than having no will is having a will that's not properly drafted.” So, take this National Wills Week as an opportunity to get your affairs in order. Your future self—and your family—will thank you. This podcast was sponsored by Capital Legacy.

    29min

Sobre

Talking all things money. Maya Fisher-French discusses the do’s and don’ts when it comes to your finances. To join the conversation send me an email via https://mayaonmoney.co.za/contact/

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