Saving your money is easier with some banks than with others, with interest rates and bank fees affecting how fast your savings grow. Here’s what to look for when comparing savings accounts to ensure you get what best suits your needs.

A bank is just like any business: it’ll charge a fee for its services. These fees – called ‘bank charges’ or ‘service fees’ – differ from bank to bank, though, so it pays to check them whenever you’re comparing your options.

People tend to resist change, but if you’ve endured a slow or unreliable internet line during lockdown, you’ll be looking at making a shift. Read on as we dispel the most common myths around getting a fibre connection.

The opportunity to make annual changes to medical aid plans is almost upon us, so it’s the perfect time to reassess your needs.

Hot dogs or boerewors rolls? Wine or beer? TV or books? Should be easy to answer, right? Here’s what happened when we actually asked…

What are the most popular savings vehicles for South Africans, and what are their pros and cons? We asked two financial planning professionals.

Bad news: you’ve been involved in a car crash. Worse news: you’re not sure how to handle the insurance part. Good news: we’re here to walk you through it.

Between the global pandemic and the knock-on economic effects, South Africans have had to find ways to make ends meet under trying conditions this year. Most people couldn't rely on loans, so here's what they've done to cope instead.

Considering changing your medical aid for 2021? Here’s what you need to know before you do.

Brain fog, analysis paralysis... The effects of information overload are real. But there are ways you can avoid having your brain curl up into a noodle because it has too much to deal with.

Travelling at the speed of light isn't something that only happens in sci-fi movies. These days, that's exactly what a lot of your data does. No idea what we're talking about? Read on.

Looking to pay less than a grand but still have your shiny new ride? For less than R1,000 per month, you could get a new car comprehensively covered. Here are the best new cars to buy in SA right now.

You might already be a black belt when it comes to finding deals on things like smart phones and sneakers, but the amount of money you save by shopping smart shouldn’t stop there. Comparisons can help you find savings on bigger (unavoidable) expenses like car insurance, medical aid and even your home loan. Here’s how.

Does quitting smoking make a difference to your life insurance premiums? We investigated.

Banging your head against your (home) desk because of insurance-claim issues? Here are ideas to resolve things with your insurer without involving the ombudsman. Hint - start by doing your homework...

Interest rates have dropped to record lows, meaning that if you're looking to get into the housing market, now is the best time to do so. And if you already have a bond, here's how you can pay off some of it quicker.

If ADSL is about to be discontinued in your area, don't be worried. Here's how a quick comparison will have you hooked up with a sweet new internet connection deal in no time at all.

Debt counselling was introduced as part of the National Credit Act back in 2007. The reason it exists is simple: to help people who are either in too much debt or soon-to-be over-indebted to repay their outstanding debt through one affordable repayment amount that is agreed with all creditors.

You may have heard the term debt management. Although it sounds like quite a mouthful, quite simply, debt management is a financial solution that can help manage your debt and ease financial strain. When it comes to debt management, there are two possible solutions to consider: debt counselling or a debt management or consolidation loan. But what is the difference between the two?

Do you need to get your finances back on track? A personal loan can help, but not all loans are the same. You'll need to know how the bank will determine whether it will grant you a loan, how much you can borrow and what interest rate they'll charge.

In this age of constant streaming for work, school and everything else, the days of being stuck with an unreliable internet connection should be behind us. Is your ISP doing right by you? Here's how comparing your current connection against what is available in the market, to see if you are actually getting what you signed up for, is a crucial part of ensuring you're getting the best service.

The time has come for you to renew your driver’s licence and you’re probably already dreading dealing with all the administration. Don’t be! Our quick guide to renewing your driver’s licence will help you get it done in no time.

If you own a car, you may have noted that you didn’t get a reminder notice this year about renewing your licence. Have you checked on your windscreen for when your licence expires? Unfortunately, AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) is currently not sending these notices out, which may mean that many people have either forgotten to renew them or may not know how to do it…

A car tracker is a small device that when installed in your vehicle, makes a big difference – to your safety, your budget, your insurance premiums and your chances of recovering your vehicle if it's stolen.

How a car accident can ruin your finances, and why third-party liability insurance is absolutely essential.

Finding a life insurance policy that works for you doesn't have to be complicated. The key is to understand what you need it for, and to ensure you pick one that works best for your needs. And that's not necessarily the one with the cheapest life insurance premiums.

Lockdown has been hard on you as an adult, but it's been hard on kids too, who may struggle to fully understand why their lives have changed. Here are a few tips to help you help them navigate this new world and social distancing. It's not just for their sanity, it's for yours too!

When considering the risks associated with owning and driving a car, most people think about traffic accidents. So, surely, lockdown and less driving mean you're less at risk and should cancel? Hit the brakes! That isn't the only consideration of risk. Here is why you still need that car insurance.

At a time of increased stress, anxiety and loneliness, your immune system is going to take a beating. Keep yourself safe by knowing the risks, and getting the medical aid coverage you need. If you haven't looked into joining a medical aid scheme, let's show you how.

The pandemic has negatively impacted many people's incomes, and the financial stress can be causing many sleepless nights. The best decisions are made when the brain is well rested, so make sure you get some shuteye before you start planning your future.

Now that you've settled into the new world of working from home, here are a couple of tips to take things to the next level.

The majority of people are on medical aid plans that cover in-hospital specialists' charges at 100% of the medical aid rate. In most instances, specialists charge more than 100% of the medical aid rates, potentially leaving you with a shortfall that you have to pay from your pocket. Depending on your medical aid plan, you may be covered for up to 300% of the scheme rate. This means that if the specialist's charges for in-hospital expenses are three times the general medical aid rate, your medical aid is sufficient. Medical gap cover is an insurance that will fill in the difference, should the specialist's charges be higher, rather than leaving you with what could be a large bill.

You've insured your car, your smartphone, your home... But what about you? Compare life insurance policies, and make sure you get the cover that's right for you.

We're in uncharted territory as the nation lives through an unprecedented lockdown. Stay connected – and sane – by following these tips for a happy, healthy COVID-19 isolation.

Just like that, our homes became offices, gyms and classrooms. As COVID-19 changes our home's roles in our lives, the need to keep them protected and insured is more important now than ever before.

We are living in a state of heightened worry as COVID-19 threatens our health and shuts down economies around the world. Here is how stress may be affecting our ability to make sound decisions during this time, and how we can ensure that we're coping well.

COVID-19 is forcing us all to re-evaluate how much money we're spending. This is an opportunity to 'audit' your expenses (car, life insurance) by comparing those recurring expenses to find savings.

During times of chaos, do you know how far your medical aid will go to ensure your health is covered? Here’s a look at some common coverage questions.

In South Africa alone, out of a total of 80 different medical aid schemes, there are 20 open schemes of which anyone is free to join. For a first-timer, the choice can be daunting.

More than the struggle to find well-fitting clothing, the volume and weight of disproportionately large breasts cause a woman numerous physical problems that can have far-reaching psychological repercussions.

If you've found the car you love but it's too expensive, you're not alone. Most people don't have enough cash available to buy a car outright, which is why they turn to car financing.

The new generation of medical aid customers are curious, want to understand the details, and expect great customer service. But the complexities of the medical aid industry makes choosing one – specifically the right one – not a simple matter.

Buying a car is a big financial commitment and figuring out how you're going to pay for it beforehand is the best way to make sure you stay within your budget. If you want to buy a car and are looking for ways to save on the monthly repayments, you might be considering a balloon payment or residual value loan.

Understanding any contract that contains a lot of industry-specific jargon can be tricky for the everyday person. When it comes to a life insurance policy, understanding what you're covered for, what the specific benefits and payments are, and what the insurance company is and isn't committing to is very important.

This is a tough one. No matter how you approach it, collecting debt from a family member could result in some serious tension and a long-term family feud.

You've got plans. Plans to succeed. Plans to increase your influence at the office. Plans to take home more bacon. The question is: How do you align these plans with how the company views your contributions to its success?

Could the unexpected devastate your business? A power outage. A disgruntled or injured employee. A flash flood or hailstorm. Don't allow unexpected business interruptions caused by uncontrolled elements to knock your business into the red zone. Whatever emergencies or disasters could arise, preparing for them will help your company weather any storm.

As a young, married couple, when taking out medical aid you should focus primarily on your health needs. First, bear in mind the major medical concerns as well as chronic medication requirements, then consider your lifestyle and finances and how they fit into the structure of the medical aid plan.

The thirties are that stage of life when you're likely to have established yourself in a steady job or career. You've probably also made some big purchases, such as, a house and car leaving very little in the kitty to save for a rainy day.

Africa holds a fortune of resources, minerals, and wealth. Accessing this well of potential, however, has historically been a struggle for its inhabitants. That’s all changing though. Countries across Africa are working towards developing cities that can compete internationally in business, tourism, and resources.

As consumers we sometimes tend to think that when it comes to certain products, it's better to go for the bigger brand names. In some cases and industries, this may be true – where their continuing research and development initiatives or advanced technologies are advantageous to you as a consumer.

In a survey by Stats SA in February 2019, it was found that on average, medical-aid schemes increased their tariffs by 8,3%, slightly higher than the 8,0% average recorded in 2018. In 2020, the upward trend continues, with South Africans seeing average increases as high as 10%.

One of the most common questions medical aid providers receive is “What’s the difference between medical aid and medical insurance?” As consumers, we may be forgiven for thinking they’re the same, and in some ways they are.

In 2020, savvy consumers are looking to cut costs, scale down, and consume less. From clothes to cars, we're always on the hunt for the best value for money, and it should be no different with our medical aid. But making medical aid decisions is less fun and more cumbersome than choosing a SUV and takes a little discipline.

Everyone has a preference for how they like to spend their holidays; some people like to relax in a lavish resort while others prefer a more modest approach, like camping. When it comes to travelling to your holiday destination, opinions vary there too.

When thinking about popular cars, vehicles like the Volkswagen Polo and the Toyota Etios probably come to mind. While these vehicles do regularly top local sales charts, they’re not among the top five best-selling cars of all time.

There is no doubt that South Africa has some of the most magnificent cities and scenery in the world. From the shimmering city of Cape Town to the contemporary art galleries in Maboneng, let’s explore a few hotspots you might be interested in visiting on your next local holiday.

Planning for a baby can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, from going gaga over tiny, cute clothing, to falling in love with the very first ultrasound photo. The joy of welcoming a new life is limitless, but sometimes it can seem like the costs are too.