🕊️ Financial Planning

Retirement funds and the Older Person's Grant in South Africa

South Africa has no compulsory state pension for workers. How the means-tested Older Person's Grant, workplace retirement funds, retirement annuities and the two-pot system fit together.

Emergency fund: how much do you need?

An emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses protects you from unexpected costs without expensive debt. South Africa has no unemployment benefit, so it matters even more. How to work out your figure and build it.

Financial independence: how to calculate your number

Financial independence means your investment returns cover your spending. How to use the 4% rule, how much your savings rate matters, and how to account for tax, inflation and the means-tested state grant.

How income tax, PAYE and statutory deductions work in South Africa

The rebate and tax threshold, the 18% to 45% brackets, the 1% UIF deduction and the 15% VAT you pay when you spend — an overview of what comes out of your pay.

Buying a home in South Africa: bonds, transfer duty and First Home Finance

There is no payroll housing fund here. How a home loan ('bond') works, what transfer duty and bond costs add, and how the First Home Finance subsidy helps the gap market.

UIF: what happens if you lose your job in South Africa

South Africa has the UIF — a contributory unemployment benefit. How UIF credits and the income replacement rate work, what severance pay you get on retrenchment, and why you still need an emergency fund.