Latest news with #Devar
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Homeownership warnings for mothers: understanding long-term financial impacts
'Homeownership represents stability and legacy. But it comes with responsibilities far beyond the initial purchase price. You're dealing with debt, credit, interest rates, and an unpredictable world. It's enough to make anyone's head spin, especially when there are often more immediate responsibilities to take care of,' Devar says. Motherhood significantly impacts the financial aspects of property ownership, according to Momentum Financial Planning's Esther Devar. She advises prospective homeowner mothers to seek professional financial advice and to account for all expenses beyond just the mortgage before making a purchase. Mothers need to be especially vigilant about the long-term financial implications of owning a home. According to a 2024 report from Lightstone, women are driving the local property market. Women-only buyers own 38% of residential properties, compared to just 29% owned by men. A report by Stats SA revealed that 45.4% of children live with only their mothers, while just 4.2% live with only their fathers. According to the latest 2024 Q4 DebtBusters Debt Index, reflecting trends up to early 2025, a significant number of South Africans continue to rely on unsecured credit and personal loans to cover essential expenses. This ongoing dependence highlights the persistent financial strain experienced by many households, particularly those already burdened by home loans. Devar said preparedness is key. 'People underestimate the importance of building a buffer into their budget. It's not just about affording the monthly bond; it's about affording the life that comes with the house.' The financial adviser said the first step, particularly for mothers navigating homeownership independently, is to get financially prepared. This means improving your credit record, settling outstanding debts, and saving for a substantial deposit. 'You don't want to be a slave to your bond. A larger deposit reduces your monthly repayments and can help you secure better interest rates, which is especially important when lenders are cautious due to high interest rates,' Devar warns. Getting pre-approved for a loan can also give buyers a competitive edge. Devar believes it sends a strong signal to sellers that one is serious and financially prepared, an especially important factor for women still facing gender-specific hurdles like income disparities or simply being overlooked in negotiations. She said buying a home is not the time to wing it. 'Ask as many questions as you need. Whether it's about neighbourhood safety, the condition of the property, or the total cost of ownership, make sure you're working with professionals who give you straight answers.' The finance expert said women, in particular, often carry additional safety concerns when choosing a neighbourhood. That may mean prioritising secure complexes or proximity to schools and family networks - choices that also affect the long-term affordability of the home. Devar added that once a woman owns the house, their next financial priority should be protection. That means not only obtaining home insurance but also understanding how to safeguard your investment against unexpected job loss or even a natural disaster. 'A financial adviser can help you choose the right insurance cover and build an emergency fund. This usually entails saving six months' worth of living expenses in an access bond to serve as a financial lifeline during tough times, hopefully avoiding the drama behind high-interest personal loans or missed bond payments.'
Buzz Feed
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
"He Started Sending Pictures Of My House": Ashanti Recalls Being Harassed By Convicted Stalker For Years
Ashanti opened up about the "unsettling" experience she had with a now-convicted stalker who'd been harassing her for years. In "Stalking the Stars," the latest and final episode of Investigation Discovery's docuseries Hollywood Demons, the singer recounted the "unsettling" encounters that ultimately changed her life. "I have some of the most amazing fans in the world, so I always try to be gracious, I always try to be courteous," Ashanti said per Entertainment Weekly. "But it does get a bit invasive." She remembered receiving messages from an unknown man who craved to "be together." She stated, "In 2009, I was actually playing Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway, and my mom was getting these pictures, texts." According to EW, the docuseries also mentioned that the man, whose identity was unknown at the time, commented on her romantic relationship with Nelly and her various live performances, and even asked to be invited to her home. "It makes you feel a little scared. This is a red line being crossed. Obviously, my family along with me, it's kind of affecting everyone. They didn't ask to be a part of this." "[The messages got] progressively turned into something deadly. He started sending pictures of my car, parked in the front of the theater. He started sending pictures of my house, aerial shots, shots of the front door. This is serious serious now. We made the decision, me, my parents, my family, to kind of get the law involved." "I was doing a show in Chicago, and he felt like I locked eyes with him, and that was his open door," she added. Police later arrested an Indiana man named Devar Hurd, and he was sentenced to two years in prison in 2009 at Rikers. Devar reported sent countless sexually explicit messages, including photos of his genitals, to the singer's mom and manager, Tina Douglass, with hopes that the messages would get back to Ashanti. "In my situation, he was convicted, and we were hoping and praying that it was done. We felt that that was going to be it," Ashanti continued. "But unfortunately, it kind of kept going on and on." Despite Ashanti and her family being issued a no-contact order from the courts, Devar continued to break it after he was released. He sent more messages, photos, and even harassed Ashanti and her family via social media. Because that directly violated the no-contact order, Devar was arrested for stalking and aggravated harassment, and went back to trial in 2014. This time, he opted to represent himself. "It's really weird. It's kinda like, to get what you want done, he gets what he wants, which is to be in your presence," she added. Due to a juror getting sick, it was eventually labeled a mistrial. But in 2016, Devar was convicted of a felony second-degree stalking charge, but was released just one year later. The John Tucker Must Die star said the ordeal "changed my unsettling, it's disheartening, and it makes you question who's the victim. The feeling is hope that the rehabilitation happens, hope that he gets the message, and hoping that everything is done."
