Secure your future

Interesting Articles Archive

Here are a few interesting articles you should take the time to read:

	National Wills Week 2023 From 11 - 15 September, participating attorneys will draft basic wills FREE OF CHARGE. Use this opportunity to ensure that your affairs are in order, and that your assets are protected.
	Steer clear of suspicious schemes and scams There are many criminals out there who want to get their hands on your money. Here's how to spot a scam before it's too late.
	Where are we at with the two-pot system? There has been a lot of discussion in the media about updates to the proposed 'two-pot' retirement system. Here are the facts.
	Investing is NOTHING like gambling Your investment strategy should be carefully planned and considered - exactly the opposite of gambling.
	Ways to cope with rising costs It's getting difficult to keep afloat financially, but there are a few ways to ease the pressure.
	What is longevity risk? Understand it, and know how to prevent it from damaging your future financial security.
	What lies ahead for the retirement fund industry? There has been a lot of discussion in the media about the proposed 'two-pot' retirement system. Here are the facts.
	Make the most of tax rebates There are lots of completely legal ways to cut back on the tax you pay – here’s how.
	The national budget and what it means for you Everything you need to know about changes and updates to the country's budget, explained simply and graphically.
	Dealing with life on a reduced income Many of us are experiencing the fact that our salaries are not keeping up with inflation. Here are some tips to help you cope.
	What lies ahead for the retirement fund industry? There has been a lot of discussion in the media about the proposed 'two-pot' retirement system. Here are the facts.
	Your Last Will & Testament During your lifetime, you will build up assets and liabilities, which will form part of your estate. Your Last Will and Testament will determine how your assets and liabilities are handled when you pass away.
	National Wills Week 2022 From 12 - 16 September, participating attorneys will draft basic wills FREE OF CHARGE. Use this opportunity to ensure that your affairs are in order, and that your assets are protected.
	The cost of early retirement Are you considering taking early retirement? If so, there are some very important factors to consider first, to ensure that you live comfortably through your golden years.
	Saving for your children’s education It’s vital to begin investing in your children’s education as early in their lives as possible. Let’s discuss some practical ways to achieve this.
	Retirement planning and your life expectancy When planning for your retirement, it is essential to think about how long you and your spouse or partner may live, even though this is a difficult concept to grasp.
	Have you updated ALL your Beneficiaries? Do you know that you might have multiple benefits for which you need to nominate Beneficiaries? Let’s discuss Fund Death Benefits, Employer Death Benefits and Funeral Benefits.
	Unclaimed benefits in the retirement industry Every year, pension boards and legislative bodies sit with millions of rands in unclaimed benefits. According to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), 4.5 million South Africans have unclaimed benefits, to the value of R44.9 billion.
	The race to retirement Preparing for retirement is like preparing for one of the longest marathons of our lives. Plan well in order to finish the race in the time you hope, and with the results you envisioned.
	National Wills Week 2021 From 13 - 17 September, participating attorneys will draft basic wills FREE OF CHARGE. Use this opportunity to ensure that your affairs are in order, and that your assets are protected.
	Adjust your attitude, adjust your bank balance Our attitude towards handling money is often subconscious, but it still affects our financial decisions. Being mindful of your Money Attitude can help you save smarter for the future.
	Simple financial tips for kids Some of our most consistent financial habits our shaped by the relationship we have with money as children. Here are simple steps to teach children about money and saving.
	Tips for first-time home owners If you’re considering buying your first home because the property market is booming, consider these important points to note before signing on the dotted line.
	The 2021 National Budget The past year has been a rocky road for all global economies, but there is always hope. Find out what is contained in the 2021 National Budget and how it may affect you.
	Annuitisation of Provident Funds Some very important changes are hitting the retirement fund landscape on 1 March 2021. Let's look at the main changes, their impact on your savings, and some frequently asked questions. Click here for a helpful video explanation. Click here for an infographic summary.
	5 ways to make the most out of Compound Interest Understand why compound interest is one of the often-neglected gold mines of the financial world.
	The Psychology Behind Risk and Investing Pt 2 In this article, we help you with recognise some more of the psychological biases that could be influencing your financial and investment decisions.
	5 Ways to save Tax in Retirement Tax plays an important role in planning towards retirement and in retirement. We look at practical ways to ensure that you have enough provisions for retirement, in spite of tax.
	The Psychology Behind Risk and Investing In this article, we take a look at the psychology behind risk and investing, in order to help you understand the ways in which emotions can affect good decision-making.
	Hands off my pension In recent commentary the ANC has said the party is moving away from the term “prescribed assets” as economic policy and to rather finding ways to unlock South Africa’s pensions to assist with the country’s infrastructure goals.
	National Wills Week 2020 During this week, participating attorneys will draft basic wills free of charge. Find out how to take part.
	Money tips for single parents Let's take a look at some simple ways for single parents to regain control of their finances, involve their children in money management and keep up with the changing digital landscape.
	Rethinking Retirement People are starting to live well into their 90s and 100s, requiring us to reconsider our traditional views around retirement.
	Top Financial Management Apps Managing your finances for the long-term can be an intimidating task. These four financial management apps were designed to make money matters a breeze for you.
	Investments: Is it worth it to follow the herd? Group mentality can be very tempting for you as an investor. Protect yourself from making big investment mistakes by remembering these important tips.
	Practical financial literacy tips for kids You can equip your children with the knowledge and skills they to be money-wise. Consider these important points when preparing your children for a healthy financial future.
	Should you take financial advice from loved ones? Taking financial advice from family and friends can be risky business. Find out how to filter through information in order to make the best possible choices.
	COVID-19 - Staying safe and informed Find reliable resources and important information to help you stay safe and informed. It's vital to plan wisely and remain focused on your long-term goals.
	Remove threats to your investment strategy Having and sticking to a budget is a vital step in saving and growing your money. Its simplicity often hides its importance and impact.
	Wealth isn’t just about income Building wealth is more about the choices you make with the money you have. Find out how to cultivate healthy financial habits with long-term benefits.
	Question your financial advisor Many planners are tied to companies that sell financial products, so you cannot assume you will get unconflicted investment advice.
	Five tips for staying on top of credit January is a great time to start working on managing and clearing your credit. Find out how to reduce your debts and avoid unnecessary penalties.

	UPDATE: Prescribed assets and the retirement fund industry Before you panic, read this article to stay informed and prevent yourself from falling prey to false information and unnecessary alarm.
	The four elements of personal finances Fire, Water, Air and Earth. Find out what the 4 financial equivalents to these elements are and how they can possibly cause havoc if you are not prepared.
	Your last will and testament Your Will is one of the most important legal contracts you can create to ensure your loved ones are cared for and your money is distributed fairly.
	Buy your car the wise way Buying a car is a big decision, which should only be made after proper research. Find out how you can make the best decision for your personal needs.
	2019 National Budget – How does it affect you? How are you affected by the national budget? What’s going up and what’s coming down?
	How divorce can affect your Retirement Benefits. Divorce is never easy, but there are ways to make the process as smooth as possible.
	Spice up your budget planning Discover tips on how to manage your budget better.
	Be smart about tax Pay less tax and allow the power of compound interest to grow your money.
	How does South Africa's budget affect yours? Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba delivered a message of restoration in his 2018 budget speech. Here’s a brief summary of how ordinary South Africans will be affected.
	Have you set your financial goals for 2018? Whether you’ve set your financial goals or not, here are three easy but meaningful ways for you to enhance your financial future.
	12-Month Money Challenge By changing just one aspect of your lifestyle each month, how much can YOU save for the best December ever?
	Retiring soon? It pays to think ahead Thinking about retirement can be overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to picking an annuity (pension) that is right for you. We take a look at the things you need to consider.
	How am I affected by the new rules? The new regulations are designed to protect you, as a member of your Employer’s retirement fund, and help you secure your retirement savings.
	How to gain financial independence as a young adult One’s first payday marks the first day towards becoming a financially independent adult. Here are four ‘getting real’ tips new employees need to consider while holding that payslip.
	Living to be 100 - How to keep your finances on track People are living longer. And while this can be a gift, it does pose some risks when it comes to saving enough for retirement.
	It's time for a mid-year money check-up It is time to give yourself a money check-up, create a mid-year budget, and make some necessary financial adjustments.
	A tale of temptation There is a valuable lesson to be learned about planning for the future in our latest article.
	South Africa has been downgraded. How should you react? Find out what to do, and what NOT to do, in our latest helpful article.
	How are you affected by SA's budget? Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan delivered a hard-hitting message to all South Africans in his 2017 budget speech, warning of tough financial times ahead. We have a look at some of the announcements.
	How to manage your parental pocket The world is an expensive place to live in, and raising a child makes managing your money even harder. We’ve listed some advice for keeping your budget in line while still enjoying life with your kids.
	Make the most of the ways to make money The 21st century is all about flexibility and thinking out of the box. How can you make it work for you? Find out more about alternative sources of income in our latest article.

	2019 National Budget – How does it affect you? How are you affected by the national budget? What’s going up and what’s coming down?
	The 5-15-75 rule for your retirement fund According to retirement specialists, this rule provides the starting point for calculating how much you really need in your retirement.
	Have you considered tax-free savings? A tax-free savings account can supplement your existing retirement plan. Learn how you can save more!
	Understanding Compound Interest Compounding can be a very powerful tool to create wealth over time. All you need is some patience and discipline and compound interest will do the rest.
	A 5-step Moneyfesto If your new year’s savings resolutions did not go as planned, fear not. You can try again with the following 5 simple and attainable goals. It’s all about having a positive frame of mind!
	It's Spring! Time to adjust your lifestyle habits and save more! This is the season to review and refresh your monthly spending habits that may be hurting your pocket and health. See how much more you can save with these small adjustments.
	How divorce can affect your Retirement Benefits. Divorce is never easy, but there are ways to make the process as smooth as possible.
	Spice up your budget planning Discover tips on how to manage your budget better.
	Be smart about tax Pay less tax and allow the power of compound interest to grow your money.
	How does South Africa's budget affect yours? Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba delivered a message of restoration in his 2018 budget speech. Here’s a brief summary of how ordinary South Africans will be affected.
	Have you set your financial goals for 2018? Whether you’ve set your financial goals or not, here are three easy but meaningful ways for you to enhance your financial future.
	12-Month Money Challenge By changing just one aspect of your lifestyle each month, how much can YOU save for the best December ever?
	Retiring soon? It pays to think ahead Thinking about retirement can be overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to picking an annuity (pension) that is right for you. We take a look at the things you need to consider.
	How am I affected by the new rules? The new regulations are designed to protect you, as a member of your Employer’s retirement fund, and help you secure your retirement savings.
	How to gain financial independence as a young adult One’s first payday marks the first day towards becoming a financially independent adult. Here are four ‘getting real’ tips new employees need to consider while holding that payslip.
	Living to be 100 - How to keep your finances on track People are living longer. And while this can be a gift, it does pose some risks when it comes to saving enough for retirement.
	It's time for a mid-year money check-up It is time to give yourself a money check-up, create a mid-year budget, and make some necessary financial adjustments.
	A tale of temptation There is a valuable lesson to be learned about planning for the future in our latest article.
	South Africa has been downgraded. How should you react? Find out what to do, and what NOT to do, in our latest helpful article.
	How are you affected by SA's budget? Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan delivered a hard-hitting message to all South Africans in his 2017 budget speech, warning of tough financial times ahead. We have a look at some of the announcements.
	How to manage your parental pocket The world is an expensive place to live in, and raising a child makes managing your money even harder. We’ve listed some advice for keeping your budget in line while still enjoying life with your kids.
	Make the most of the ways to make money The 21st century is all about flexibility and thinking out of the box. How can you make it work for you? Find out more about alternative sources of income in our latest article.

	Perfect planning for the holidays on a budget There’s nothing that ruins the mood of a good holiday like having to count every cent you spend. Planning can go a long way. Here's how to plan a perfect holiday budget.
	The upside of downsizing – embrace freedom and flexibility How to live a simpler life within simpler means. The less your monthly expenses become, the more you are saving for your future after retirement.
	National Wills Week: 12-16 September A participating attorney will draft a basic will for you free of charge during this week.
	Have you maintained your financial resolve? We're halfway through the year... are you halfway towards meeting your savings resolutions? If not, don't despair. It's never too late to start afresh.
	Managing your money for the sake of tomorrow Get into the habit of planning ahead to make sure that your financial future is sweet.
	South Africa's credit rating Our country has narrowly avoided being reduced to junk status. But do you understand what this means, and the implications?
	How are you really affected by SA's budget? Find out what went up, what came down, and what stayed the same in our helpful infographic.
	How should you react to volatile markets? By staying calm - find out why in our latest article.
	More reasons than ever to leave your savings intact Taxation, compound interest, returns... find out why it's so important to save as much as possible for as long as possible.
	Decisions, Decisions If you're close to retirement, it's high time to start considering the options available to you.
	TAX UPDATE Tax directives can no longer be cancelled or reversed! Find out what this means and what you need to do about it.
	Bad advice could be worse than none at all. Don't take chances with your hard-earned savings. Get the best financial advisor available, and one that's right for you, with our helpful checklist.
	Money and relationships If you and your partner have differing relationships with money, it is important to discuss your expectations, as not doing so might lead to unhappiness.
	Saving has never been easier! Find out more about the benefits of tax-free savings accounts. They're here and they're great!
	Which parts of the national budget affect you directly? Find out in our easy-to-follow, graphic breakdown of the highlights.
	Don't deflate your bank account It's always a good time to save, and to create better spending habits. Find out how and why in our great new article.
	Making the right choices from the start If you're just beginning your career, being financially responsible may not be on your list of priorities. Read our article to find out why you should be considering your future right now.
	Brilliant Budgeting "A simple fact that is hard to learn is that the time to save money is when you have some."–Joe Moore Now more than ever, you need to take a more active role in understanding and managing your finances. Budgeting is the easiest way to reduce your expenses and increase your savings. We've even got a helpful budget template ready for you to use: just click here.
	Interest rate up? Don't let it get you down! On the 29^th of January 2014, South African Reserve Bank governor, Gill Marcus, announced that the interest rate would be increasing by 0.5%. What should you be doing to counteract the effects?
	South Africans Retirement Crisis! Retirement Planning by South African employees is starting to paint a grim picture as a survey shows that South African's are saving less and less for their retirement. Take a look at the Sanlam Benchmark survey to see what the realities and mistakes of the general South African employee are. *Specific numbers apply to Retirement Funds in general all over South Africa and not specifically to UCTRF.
	The truth about Investment Risk Everyone enjoys taking a chance now and then. Doing something daring or dangerous can be fun and exciting. But when it comes to money, risk can be terrifying, yet sometimes necessary. In investment terms, risk is the uncertainty concerning how an investment will perform in the future.
	What to do if you don't have a time machine We have all, at some time or another, imagined owning a time machine to travel into the future. We have grand visions of lottery winnings and becoming the next Warren Buffet. Imagine the riches! But life is not that simple. Find out more about how to progress in the real world.
	The ABC of Investing. Investing for your retirement requires careful thought, but just like your other important life decisions, it is easier than you think. Take out a few minutes to read this article.
	The Magic of Compound Interest - How it works for you! The earlier you begin saving the better. Compound Interest can increase your savings by up to 90 percent. Read this article to find out more!