During Mental Health Awareness Month, Ross McMillan from Momentum Financial Planning emphasises that taking proactive steps to enhance our financial security is a crucial first step toward improving mental well-being and regaining a sense of control.

Considering World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Joel Andrews, Regional Investment Manager at Business Partners International shares six key strategies that South African entrepreneurs can use to safeguard their well-being while managing their businesses

Stress, anxiety, and depression are taking a heavy toll on South Africans. According to Liberty’s 2023 claim statistics, mental health challenges are emerging as a health risk and in light of this, the insurer is encouraging South Africans to prioritise their mental wellbeing and to seek the necessary help when faced with life changing events.

Mashudu Lavhengwa, Junior Economist at Metropolitan, shares insights on the recent 25-basis-point interest rate cut by the South African Reserve Bank, which brings the repo rate to 8%. While the cut may seem small, it can have a noticeable impact, particularly for those with significant debt.

According to Bertie Nel, Head of Financial Planning and Advice at Momentum, the Momentum Life Insurance 2023 claims statistics paint a stark picture of the financial unpreparedness that comes with life-altering illnesses. Most death claims were for cardiovascular and cancer-related illnesses, but more than 80% of these clients didn’t have critical illness cover in place.

Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote about planning says, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” This quote couldn’t be more appropriate than in relation to financial planning – especially as we celebrate Financial Planning Day on 09 October 2024.