Author: Kim Potgieter

To cover those costs from investments, you’d need to save approximately R56,500 a year, escalating annually, starting when your child is born. This estimate assumes a 10% annual return on investment. For most families, that’s a tall order – especially when you’re also trying to save for retirement, pay off a bond, and manage rising living costs. No wonder so many parents feel overwhelmed. And when pressure rises, the temptation to make short-term decisions with long-term consequences increases, too. With a clear plan, it’s possible to give your children an excellent...

You can love your children equally – without spending the same Spending the same on each child is nearly impossible – and most don’t expect it. My mother, for example, still gives me an extra Christmas gift to “even things out” because my sister has children and receives gifts for them too. It’s a lovely gesture, but I don’t need my mom to keep score – I love my niece and nephew, and they matter to me, too. Most children need to feel equally seen, supported, and valued, and that cannot be measured in rands and cents. Giving without boundaries can lead to...

It’s a common question, especially in midlife or as you approach retirement. The rising premiums can feel harder to justify, and letting go of the cover may feel like a waste – especially after investing in it for so long. Before you cancel, it’s worth pausing to reflect: Why did you take it out – and do you still need it in retirement? Think back to why you took the policy in the first place. Was it to: Protect dependants? Cover a home loan or debt? Provide liquidity in your estate? If those needs no longer apply, and your retirement feels secure, the cover might no...