Here we are again – you and I and your budget. We aim, in this blog, to give you the tools to look at your needs, your wants and your current reality.
Category: Budgeting
ABCs of budgeting # 2 (and no, ‘Budget’ is STILL not a swear word)
You do not have to like or be good at numbers to succeed at budgeting, but you do need to be an adult about it
ABCs of budgeting # 1 (and no, ‘Budget’ is not a swear word)
I believe it was President George Bush who said: ‘It clearly is a budget. It has lots of numbers in it.’ You may not like numbers. You may not be good at math. You may go as far as saying that life cannot be reduced to mere numbers. But here you are – reading a blog about budgets.
How well do you know me, Honey?
Isn’t it interesting how the things that attract us to someone when we are young and in love can so often turn into the things we cannot stand, once the stars of new love fade and the light of the day-to-day make us blink?
Debt – coaxing the monster out from under the bed
Financial monsters: As a Financial Advisor, I can sense the palpable fear and desperation when some people come to see me for the first time. It takes courage to come and, like the dentist, I am avoided until the pain of debt and fear of financial ruin become too much.
Reckless Spending
At certain times of the year, we as consumers are encouraged to spend money. During these times, we are prone to Reckless Spending, often on a credit card.
Giving yourself a gift
Have you ever considered giving yourself an annual gift?
Or maybe a monthly one (on a smaller scale)?
Some ideas for your own reward…
Dealing with the Financial Implications of Divorce
Getting married and starting a life with the person you love is a marvellous new chapter to begin, unfortunately, most marriages do not last. The divorce rate has increased by 5% and statistics from 2012 show that of the 161,112 marriages that took place in South Africa, 22,000 of those marriages resulted in divorce.
In most instances, the wife almost always ends up in a position of disadvantage. After experiencing a divorce, she will be forced to deal with emotional trauma and extra financial implications, and too, face the challenge of dealing with getting herself back to where she used to be and figuring out where she wants to be. Continue reading “Dealing with the Financial Implications of Divorce”
How to Afford your Child’s Education
The cost of education in South Africa is at an alarming all-time high, and these rates are 
not showing any sign of decreasing in the near future. Budgeting for your child or children’s education is imperative, and need not be too much of an overwhelming task.
We suggest seeking the assistance and guidance from a trusted financial planner to set a long-term strategy in place through the use of carefully considered unit trust funds.
The Financial and Personal Implications of Paying Ubuntu Tax
The meaning of the word ‘Ubuntu’ is deeply rooted in African philosophy and ideology. A Nguni term, ‘Ubuntu’ roughly translates to ‘human kindness’ and often encompasses greater aspects of humanity and human essence, largely in relation to other people.
At Northwood Financial Services cc, we use the word ‘ubuntu’ with our clients to describe a situation that develops when our extended family expects us to be kind, even if their demands are unaffordable.
Continue reading “The Financial and Personal Implications of Paying Ubuntu Tax”