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IOL News
5 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Your investment, retirement, and insurance questions answered
PSG answers the investment, retirement, and insurance questions. Image: Freepik With industries and trends changing rapidly, I often feel tempted to change my investment strategy (specifically the portion of shares that I've invested in). Can you advise me on how to navigate these "hypes" and remain committed to my financial plan? Alexi Coutsoudis, Wealth Adviser, PSG Wealth, Umhlanga Ridge In today's fast-paced, always-connected world, the sheer volume of investment news and social media commentary can be overwhelming. This constant stream of information and success stories often fuels the urge to adjust investment strategies in response to the latest winners. However, staying focused is essential to preserving your long-term financial plan, as yesterday's winners can become tomorrow's losers. Warren Buffett put it best: 'To invest successfully over a lifetime does not require a stratospheric IQ, unusual business insights, or inside information. What's needed is a sound intellectual framework for making decisions and the ability to keep emotions from corroding that framework.' One of the most effective ways to manage the pressure of 'investment FOMO' is to recognise a key truth: individual stock selection has far less impact on long-term portfolio performance than your overall asset allocation does. In other words, how much you invest in equities matters far more to long-term performance than which specific shares you pick. Even with a few standout stocks, consistently outperforming the market is rare. What's more damaging to long-term returns is being underexposed to equities altogether. That's why your focus should be on aligning your portfolio with your risk tolerance and long-term goals, rather than being tempted to chase the next big thing. Finally, one of the most powerful defences against emotional decision-making is getting caught up in the hype is working with a Certified Financial Planner®. A trusted adviser offers objective guidance, helping you filter out noise and stay committed to your strategy — even when headlines suggest otherwise. Market trends come and go, but a disciplined, well-structured plan is what builds lasting wealth. I am currently working full-time and would like to use a portion of my salary to invest in starting my own business, but I also need to keep paying rent and other living expenses. Do you have advice for how I can achieve this and remain financially stable? Dulcie Weyks, Financial Adviser, PSG Wealth, Waterkloof Starting your own business while working full-time is a smart way to lower financial risk, but it takes planning to stay on track. Begin by understanding your monthly budget. Make sure your essential expenses — rent, groceries, transport, and debt repayments are covered. Then calculate how much of your remaining income you can safely set aside for your business without affecting your day-to-day living. Open a separate account for your business savings and contribute to it regularly. Even a small monthly amount can grow over time and give you a solid starting base. A study by the Kauffman Foundation found that nearly 65% of successful entrepreneurs launched their businesses while still employed, proving that steady progress can pay off. Start small. Choose a business idea with low upfront costs — like a service or online offering — that you can manage in your spare time. This approach keeps your risk low and allows you to test your idea before investing more. It's also wise to build an emergency fund with at least three months' worth of living expenses. This safety net gives you breathing room if the unexpected happens or income is tight for a while. Use your evenings and weekends to build your business gradually. As it grows, you can reinvest profits rather than taking on debt. With a steady income, a clear plan, and the discipline to build step by step, it's entirely possible to start a business without putting your financial stability at risk. I've just started a new job and I'm finally able to start putting additional money away towards my retirement. What do I need to be aware of to maximise my strategy? Kim Wheeler, Wealth Manager, PSG Wealth, Northcliff Only around 6% of South Africans can afford to retire when they hit retirement age. Think of it this way: for every R4,500 to R5,000 per month of income (after tax) you will need for your retirement, you are going to have to have invested R1 million, and then still hope you do not outlive your funds. This is why it is always good to start working on making your retirement secure early in your career. The earlier you start, the better. After all, the 8th wonder of the world is the power of compound interest! But it is never too late. In South Africa, there are several advantages to contributing to a retirement fund: A deduction of up to 27.5% of your taxable income (capped to a maximum of R350,000 per annum) in respect of your contributions is allowed, which reduces your taxable income – so this earns you tax relief. The growth in the investment is not taxed. On retirement, the first R550,000 of all cash lump sums you take is tax-free. Retirement funds fall outside of your estate, so when you die, your heirs can benefit without the burdens of estate duty and executors' fees. Remember that if your retirement fund is your only source of retirement income, you will need to take into consideration that you will pay tax on your income at your marginal tax rate. So, it is always advisable to have some 'discretionary' money set aside to top up your income or to meet unforeseen expenses. A qualified financial adviser can help you draw up a retirement plan tailored to your needs. I haven't started saving for my long-term goals. What's the best strategy for a 10-year investment? Kobie Kritzinger, Wealth Adviser, PSG Wealth, Menlyn Congratulations on taking the first step to start saving towards your long-term goals. Given that you have not started saving yet, you might have to play catch-up and allocate a bigger portion of your budget towards your investment. This means you may have to make some lifestyle sacrifices. The other commitment you have to make is an emotional commitment. Investors underestimate the risk posed by inflation on investments over the long term. There is a perceived sense of safety in having your money in a bank account earning interest. Interest is a wolf in sheep's clothing, because it is taxed and cannot beat inflation over the long term. Growth assets such as local and international equities are the only assets that can beat inflation over the long term. I like to refer to equities as the 'hard-working' money. Your behaviour during the different market cycles will determine the success of your investment, meaning that if you make emotional decisions, it could affect your investment. A qualified and experienced financial adviser can craft an investment plan tailor-made to your unique circumstances and help you stay the course and achieve success. I recently heard about the concept of 'duty of care' regarding car insurance. In the context of car keys, which we often hand over to multiple people in our normal daily interactions, how does this work? Ryno de Kock, Head: Distribution, PSG Insure Duty of care is a legal obligation that all insured parties must take reasonable care to protect their insured assets. There are many situations where you may unknowingly neglect your 'duty of care' requirement when it comes to safeguarding car keys as many of us may find ourselves in situations where we hand over our keys to third parties. While in most cases, it might be handed over to trusted parties, we need to exercise caution in certain situations. Some examples include: The car wash A quick trip to the car wash includes handing keys over without knowing where they are being stored, leaving your vehicle vulnerable to theft. Keep in mind that criminals may attempt to claim your keys without your knowledge by pretending to work for the carwash you are leaving your vehicle at. It is your responsibility to prioritise the safety of your vehicle. It's always best to choose a reputable car wash with clear security measures and protocols in place. Airport parking Leaving your car at the airport for a long period is convenient, but if your arrangement involves handing over the keys for valet or repositioning services, there's a risk of damage or even theft. Before you travel, speak to your adviser to make sure you're covered for any unexpected incidents. Ultimately, ensure you have comprehensive cover in place. Reach out to one of our qualified advisers for more information. PERSONAL FINANCE
The Star
11 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Star
Heart And Soul: Family first, always
Cherish your loved ones – family offers irreplaceable love, support, and life's deepest sense of belonging. — Photo: Freepik Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". 'Family is not an important thing, it's everything.' This is a quote by Michael J Fox, a Canadian and American activist and retired actor. It emphasises distinctly the profound and central role family plays in one's life. Family is life's greatest gift, yet often overlooked in the chase for success and ambition. Its love and support are irreplaceable – nurturing these bonds brings lasting joy, security and connection. The importance of family Family is the first community a person belongs to. From childhood to old age, family members shape an individual's identity, values, and beliefs. Parents provide guidance and discipline, teaching their children right from wrong. Siblings offer companionship and shared experiences, while extended family members provide a broader network of love and support. A strong family foundation helps individuals navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing they have people who will stand by them. One of the most significant roles of a family is emotional support. In times of joy, family members celebrate together, strengthening their bond. In times of sorrow, they provide comfort and encouragement. A loving family offers emotional safety and growth through care, support and open expression. The consequences of neglecting family In today's fast-paced world, many people become so focused on work, social life, or personal ambitions that they unintentionally distance themselves from their families. This neglect can lead to weakened relationships, misunderstandings and even emotional isolation. Parents who are too busy for their children may find it difficult to build strong connections, leading to feelings of neglect or resentment. Likewise, children who grow up without prioritising family may struggle to form meaningful relationships in adulthood. Neglecting family can also lead to regret. Time is a precious resource that cannot be regained once lost. Many people realise too late that they did not spend enough time with their parents, siblings or children. The moments missed – family gatherings, heartfelt conversations, and shared laughter – can never be replaced. Those who fail to treasure their family often feel a deep sense of loss when loved ones are no longer around. Ways to treasure your family There are many ways to show appreciation to your family. The most valuable gift one can offer is time. Spending quality time with loved ones, whether through family dinners, vacations or simple conversations, strengthens relationships and creates cherished memories. Setting aside time for family despite a busy schedule demonstrates commitment and love. Acts of kindness and appreciation also go a long way. A simple 'thank you', a heartfelt note, or a small gesture of care can make a significant difference. Supporting each other through joys and challenges, and truly listening, strengthens family bonds. Forgiveness, empathy, and patience help overcome conflicts and foster a loving, united home. Treasure your family – time is fleeting and life is unpredictable. In the end, it is not wealth or achievements that bring the most joy, but the love and memories shared with family.
IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
The critical role of fathers in early childhood development
Empowering Fathers: The key role of play in child development. Image: Freepik A new study by Sesame Workshop International South Africa (SWISA) highlights the critical need for increased father involvement in early childhood development, especially through play. Despite 54% of South African men, aged 15 to 49, being fathers, many do not have regular contact with their children. Those who are present often feel ill-equipped or discouraged by cultural norms to engage meaningfully. "Many fathers want to be more involved," said Dr Onyinye Nwaneri, director at SWISA. "But they see play as something that comes naturally to women, or as a luxury they can't afford." The mixed-methods research, including both quantitative and qualitative data, revealed that societal pressures and gender expectations continue to frame fathers primarily as financial providers. In rural areas, norms around masculinity further limited emotional bonding and shared caregiving. SWISA's media-based intervention, aimed at promoting gender equity and co-parenting, led to noticeable changes. Fathers reported increased confidence and enjoyment in playing with their children, while children developed more inclusive attitudes toward gender roles. "We empowered many fathers to engage with their children for the first time," Nwaneri said. "It also encouraged mothers to support more equitable parenting." The study also explored the impact of 'gatekeeping', where mothers often control access to children. While sometimes protective, this dynamic can exclude fathers, especially non-traditional ones, from caregiving roles. "Rigid gender norms hurt everyone," Nwaneri added. "We must redefine fatherhood as emotional and developmental involvement, not just financial support." The research promotes 'gender-neutral play' activities free from gender stereotypes as a tool for holistic child development and social change. While the findings show promise, researchers say sustained support through media, policy, and community engagement is vital for long-term transformation. In research by Simphiwe Ngcongo, a graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he found that most South African fathers show a strong desire and willingness to be involved in their children's lives, despite popular opinion to the contrary. "When it comes to having an involved father, experiences differ, and I was interested in gaining more insight into this," Ngcongo said. His study focused on how employment status affects father involvement, highlighting that fathers, whether employed or unemployed, want to participate actively in their children's upbringing. Ngcongo also challenged negative stereotypes: "Fathers are often perceived as neglectful men who are unwilling to take responsibility, men who impregnate and run away. There is also a prevalent notion that a good father only provides financially, which leads to the neglect of other important caregiving roles." IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
How to Build a Website From Scratch: Step-By-Step Guide From Goal Detection to a Soft Launch
Source: Freepik Alt: A close-up of a laptop with a web development concept on the screen Building a website, though often seems hard and expensive, especially for small businesses, is inevitable if you are hoping to achieve success in today's world. Yet, simply designing a neat site isn't enough to get out there and start selling your products or services. In this guide, we'll walk you through the importance of having a website, answer the key questions, and give you step-by-step instructions for implementing website design and SEO simultaneously to gain the most benefits after you launch. Why Does Every Business and Personal Brand Need a Website? A sleek website is one of the pillars of securing digital success and growth. Just like your business cards or office are the continuation of your brand image, a website is too, just in the online landscape. If you are still hesitating whether you actually need to have one, you can think of your site as a central hub for your online presence. It helps: Create online visibility and ensure that prospects can access your brand digitally. Build brand recognition. Gain a competitive edge by enhancing the professionalism and credibility of your company in prospects' eyes. Obtain a centralised online space for displaying your product and services and marketing them to potential buyers. Optimise your customer service and offer holistic support through different channels. Access a huge amount of data that can be used for customer analysis and informed decision-making. Website Building: What Does It Take and How Do You Handle It? Even when you realise its role and value, there might still be quite a few questions left while you still don't have a website. According to the UK Website Statistics published by Forbes Advisor, only 78% of small businesses in the UK currently have a running website. As for the rest, as many as 69% of them confirm that they think they should build one. Then what's the problem? Although business owners recognise the value of owning a website, they are typically stopped by several stumbling blocks: They are concerned about the time. They have restricted budgets. They don't have the resources (including the workforce) to do it. Let's address each of these issues one by one: How long does it take to build a website? It really depends on the method and goals. However, typically, the needed time is much shorter than you imagine–from 4-6 weeks for a simple site to 6 months tops for a complex, functionality-rich site. How much does it cost to build a website? This also depends on a number of factors, and it isn't quite as bad. On average, the cost of a DIY site can be between £0 and £500, whereas the price for outsourcing or hiring a web developer can reach tens of thousands. How can you build a website? This is the most exciting part! There is a rather widespread misconception that it takes a large team and a wealth of coding experience. Yet, it's not quite true. These days, you can do it yourself, using the resources you currently have, and we're about to tell you how! Building a Website From Scratch: 9 Steps to Launching and Growing Now that you know that not everything is that scary or bad with web development, let us help you get on the right track! In this part of our guide, we'll tell you how to create a good-looking and SEO-friendly website from A to Z yourself. 1. Define Your Objective First Just like in any other endeavour, it always starts with a clear objective, especially if you want to make your path streamlined. In website development, clarifying a specific goal will affect what kind of site you will be building, what features you will embed into it, and so on. For example: Goal: You want to start selling your products online. Solution: You need to develop an e-commerce website with a convenient catalogue of products, a search feature, and seamless checkout. You want to start selling your products online. Goal: You want to start selling your services/subscriptions online. Solution: You need to build an appealing site that provides a lot of content on your services and unique selling points, has convenient booking and demo-requesting features, and offers payment automation opportunities for recurring payments. You want to start selling your services/subscriptions online. Goal: You want to establish your online visibility and attract leads and buyers. Solution: You need to develop a website that both engages the prospects and markets your brand and products; such platforms need to focus on content. You want to establish your online visibility and attract leads and buyers. As you can see, even slight variations in your end goal can affect the design and features you want to bring into your future site. So, be sure to take enough time to clarify your long-term goals before moving further. 2. Select a Platform That Suits You The easiest way to build the best SEO website without coding knowledge and experience is by using a specialised builder platform. The options available out there include popular tools like Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, Shopify, and many others. Consider the following factors to select a platform that will match your needs: Purpose —First, assess what kind of website you want to create and research builders that serve your purpose. There are some builders who are multifaceted. Yet, there are also tools meant to serve a specific kind of website, such as Shopify, which is meant for crafting e-commerce sites. —First, assess what kind of website you want to create and research builders that serve your purpose. There are some builders who are multifaceted. Yet, there are also tools meant to serve a specific kind of website, such as Shopify, which is meant for crafting e-commerce sites. Usability —If you have no coding experience and have never used builders before, you want to choose a tool that is intuitive and beginner-friendly. —If you have no coding experience and have never used builders before, you want to choose a tool that is intuitive and beginner-friendly. Flexibility —To make your website emphasise the professionalism and value of your brand, you will want to create a branded design that aligns with your identity. Thus, you want to assess the flexibility and customisation features offered by different builders. —To make your website emphasise the professionalism and value of your brand, you will want to create a branded design that aligns with your identity. Thus, you want to assess the flexibility and customisation features offered by different builders. Support —By selecting a platform that offers holistic and timely customer support, you can eliminate any potential issues in the future. —By selecting a platform that offers holistic and timely customer support, you can eliminate any potential issues in the future. Cost —Obviously, the chosen tool should align with your budget and offer a good value for money. —Obviously, the chosen tool should align with your budget and offer a good value for money. Additional features —Research the plugins, compatible tools, and other features offered by every platform to choose one that gives you the functionality you need. —Research the plugins, compatible tools, and other features offered by every platform to choose one that gives you the functionality you need. Scalability—Last but not least, you need to select a solution that will let you accommodate the growing needs of your business in the future. 3. Choose Your Hosting and Domain Name A hosting provider is a service that supplies your site with the storage space and hardware it needs to operate. Some website builders, such as Wix and WordPress, instantly provide you with hosting, which you can use for free. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that your hosting provider directly impacts the speed of your pages. Hence, it has an influence on your user experience (UX) and SEO. That is why you may want to choose it separately. The key things to pay attention to include: Processor (CPU power) SSD vs. HDD RAM Network and connectivity Resource distribution Software and configuration Caching and CDN (Content Delivery Network) Content and code optimisation Additionally, pay special attention to encryption opportunities and SSL certificates because the external safety of your company's resources is no less important than your internal security. After you decide on your service provider, come up with a clear and memorable domain name (typically, it will consist of your brand's name). Then choose its availability and register it with your hosting. 4. Map the Structure Outlining the right structure is a crucial stage in creating an effective SEO website design. It determines how easily and naturally people will navigate through your site. Needless to say, people don't stick around sites that aren't convenient. Respectively, the structure will influence the overall UX, as well as crucial signals for SEO like time on page and average session duration. To handle this stage, create a visual map of your future platform. Make sure there is a home page and several dedicated category pages aligned with the purpose and features of your site. Add a convenient menu and search feature for maximum UX. When mapping the architecture, pay special attention to your URL structure—every page needs to have a dedicated, descriptive URL address, which you can also optimise for SEO using target keywords. Source: Freepik Alt: A laptop with a visual map and design of the site's architecture 5. Create SEO-Friendly Human-Centred Content This step is the ultimate stage of combining website development and SEO. While the hosting, design, and structure all play a big role in your online visibility, content is still the cornerstone of SEO. So, once you handle all the previous steps, it's time to focus on your copy. Here is what you need to do: Start with competitor analysis. Check what kind of content your direct competitors deliver, which queries they target, and assess other points of their strategies that enable them to rank high and consider adopting the same tactics. Research relevant and high-volume keywords that you can easily rank for (look for low to medium competition). You can automate this process using the best SEO software for agencies—professional keyword research tools will let you target promising queries in less time. Group keywords into clusters by their topic and intent to make them ready to use in your content strategy. Engage in website content creation. You need to craft copy for your home page, landing pages, blog, and other elements of your site. When writing your content, optimise it by integrating keywords into headings, subheadings, metadata, and body text. Most importantly, make your copy human-centred and write according to Google's E-E-A-T and other guidelines for quality results. 6. Create a Blog After you create some volume of SEO content, you need to set up a blog on your website. Regardless of your initial goal, a blog is a must-have element that can let you attract leads, inform prospects, build awareness, and ensure conversions. So, you need to create one, regardless of your niche. Once you set up a blog, start publishing optimised and engaging content on it. Your goal is to fill your site with as much high-quality content as you can before the launch. 7. Add Social Proof After you fill your pages with relevant and high-quality content, you also need to provide some social proof for your brand. This includes customer reviews, user-generated content, and backlinks. All these things show the professionalism and reliability of your company. Respectively, you want to provide it as quickly as possible to look authoritative in your prospects' eyes. 8. Improve Speed and Mobile Usability When your site is filled with some content, you can assess its technical performance and perform the needed changes to create optimal UX and rank higher. Use reliable test tools to assess the speed and mobile-friendliness of your website. If the result isn't as good as you need, implement the following tips to improve: Consider changing a theme. All popular builders feature customisable themes that have responsive website design for SEO and mobile-friendliness. Optimise navigation and functionality for mobile users and test thoroughly to ensure proper work. Optimise large content elements, such as videos and images. Strive to reduce their sizes without losing quality to speed up page loading. Implement caching and a content delivery network for faster loading. 9. Install Analytics, Launch, and Measure the Results Finally, when everything seems to be ready, there are just a few final touches you need to take care of. First of all, select reliable analytical plugins that will let you collect insights and measure your site's performance and SEO. When ready, launch your platform. From day one, start collecting data about technical performance, traffic, user behaviour, and SEO. Assess the outcomes to make strategic improvements and grow faster! Conclusion A well-organised, SEO-friendly website that users find and love is an essential element of business success in today's world. As you now know, building one can help you establish visibility, boost recognition, set yourself as a legitimate and authoritative brand, provide better customer service, and accomplish a range of other crucial business goals. And though there are many concerns, it's not as hard as you may think. Now you have a detailed guide that will help! From the moment you define your goals and all the way to crafting SEO-friendly website content and improving the technical performance. With this guide, you know how to handle every stage of web development with maximum outcomes. So, don't hesitate to start now, and good luck with building a website that drives business growth! Like this: Like Related
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Five tips for managing a remote workforce
If you're considering a flexible work model, here are five practical tips to help you get the most out of your remote team. Image: Freepik Big corporations like Amazon, Starbucks, and Uber may be pushing employees back to the office, but that doesn't mean the same approach works for all companies. Within the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) community, not all businesses can benefit from remote work. However, for those SMEs where remote work continues to offer significant advantages such as lower overheads, access to a broader talent pool, and greater flexibility for staff, there needs to be clear guidelines in place. Making remote work effective takes more than a solid internet connection. If you're considering a flexible work model, here are five practical tips to help you get the most out of your remote team. Set clear expectations from the outset Remote work doesn't mean working without structure. If anything, structure becomes more important. That starts with setting clear expectations for working hours and accessibility, communication norms, deadlines and outputs. Everyone in your team should understand what's expected of them – not only in terms of tasks, but also how and when to deliver them. This doesn't mean micromanaging. It's about giving your team the clarity they need to take ownership of their work. Make sure team members understand how their individual work contributes to broader business goals. A sense of purpose drives accountability and results. Use the right tools for communication and collaboration Working remotely shouldn't feel like working in isolation. To stay connected, you need tools that suit your business's size, style and needs. Some options to consider are: A communication platform (like Microsoft Teams or Slack) A project management tool (like Trello, Asana or A cloud-based file-sharing system (like Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox) Make sure everyone knows how to use the tools you've chosen and keep them streamlined – too many platforms can create confusion. Prioritise outcomes, not hours One of the biggest shifts in managing remote workers is moving from activity-based management to outcomes-based management. In a traditional office, managers often equate presence with productivity, but that doesn't translate in a remote environment. Instead, focus on results. Define key deliverables, agree on timelines, and then give employees the space to work in a way that suits them. This fosters a culture of trust and ownership - two qualities that are especially important when teams are working independently. Performance monitoring is still important, but it should be geared towards improvement and support, not control. Make time for culture and connection When everyone's working remotely, casual chats, shared lunches and spontaneous brainstorming sessions disappear. That's an undeniable loss, and if you don't actively replace those touchpoints, your team can start to feel fragmented. Make time for informal connection. That could be as simple as a 10-minute virtual 'coffee catch-up' on Monday mornings or a 'shout-out session' on Fridays to recognise good work. If your team is mostly local, consider hosting occasional in-person meetups or workdays. If that's not possible, prioritise building a shared culture online. A connected team is more resilient, more collaborative and more likely to stick with your business long-term. Review your policies and compliance obligations Remote work comes with legal and operational implications that SMEs often overlook. These can include data protection requirements, health and safety rules (even for home offices), and employment policies that reflect flexible work arrangements. You may need to update your employment contracts, especially if staff are working from locations outside your normal area of operation. For example, will your insurance or security policies cover remote staff? Are you clear on what equipment the business must provide versus what employees use personally? It's worth consulting a legal or HR adviser to ensure your policies are both fair and compliant. Jeremy Lang is Managing Director at Business Partners Limited. Jeremy Lang is the managing director at Business Partners Limited. Image: Supplied BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
