FNB sent me a reminder to be careful about scams and what I should do if I encounter them. I am always grateful for their sustained efforts to combat these. It is sad that I have to write so often about them. They have become so common place, that people joke about the Nigerian General that is trying to overthrow the Government and needs your help whilst offering you handsome rewards.
Category: Individual
CVs are the bane of my life
Each year I review hundreds of CVs. Personally, I hate going through them. Your CV has about 20 seconds to plead your case before it finds its place in the not-at-all-ever or maybe-I-can-give-this-a-second-look pile. The latter is usually much smaller than the previous.
Cryptocurrencies and tax – SARS will take its bite from your Bitcoin
In these blogs and in my discussions with clients the topic of cryptocurrencies has been raised on a regular basis. The fact is, whether you think this is a good investment opportunity or not, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is sharpening its focus and intention to ‘mine’ it for tax revenue – as is within its rights. This is also not a new thing – SARS has been warning us for years.
2021 TAX SEASON: When does it start?
The South African Revenue Services (SARS) has announced that taxpayers will be able to file their tax returns from 1 July 2021. Be aware of important dates and what you need to do.
When should I buy life insurance?
The short answer is much sooner than you think you will need it! The challenge is that a 20-year-old appears to be healthy and sees cover as a grudge purchase. Young people often think that they are invincible. In their case, accidents are the biggest cause of death and disability. Adults who are faced with their own mortality often wake up to the fact that they may also leave others behind!
An inheritance well spent
After the heartache of losing her mother to a protracted battle with cancer, Claire had some difficult choices to make. What would be the wisest way to spend her inheritance? She was torn in two – should she pay off all her debts and carry on with life or honour her mother by doing something they had both dreamed of for years?
Where there is a (correctly formulated) Will there is a way for the bereaved
These have been dark days. During the pandemic that shall not be named (but starts with a C and ends in 19) it has been difficult to escape the uncomfortable introspection related to your mortality on this earthly plane. More people are becoming aware of the necessity of dealing with your last wishes before, well, that fateful final day.
SCAM: an illegal plan for making money, especially one that involves tricking people – Cambridge Dictionary
Why do scams survive, without changing much, other than minor details? Here I am again, talking about scams. However, I would like to take a more philosophical view this time. Let us look at how and why people get caught. Again. And (sometimes) again!
I want to state that scams illustrate parts of the Human Condition we may not be too proud of. Added to that the novel situation we find ourselves in with the Coronavirus and the unprecedented acceleration of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has made this worse.
Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage…
According to a recent BBC Worklife article, divorce rates are rapidly increasing around the world – whether you live in China, Sweden, or the United Kingdom. This is true of South Africa as well. Since the already slow cogs of justice ground to a halt for months due to the hard lockdown level 5, South African courts face a backlog in the divorce courts, the likes of which has not been seen before.
Compared to the Joneses, how have you faired with managing your debt this season?
The season is turning. Winter is coming. Soon, your hollow-boned teenager will need a new winter school uniform. The world might have been brought to a standstill for months, but it did not stop your kids from growing taller. You may only need half a smart outfit and bunny slippers to conduct your zoom meetings but not so your kids – at least on alternate days.