The South African Revenue Service (SARS) continues to focus on introducing online and digital services, simplifying the tax-filing process, and making it easier for us as taxpayers to comply. Tax season is officially underway and filing returns provokes anxiety in many of us. Carla Rossouw, Tax lead at Allan Gray, joins Kaya Biz to help us figure out if we need to file a tax return and discusses how to go about it. Kayafm · Kaya 959

Many of us are still reeling from the effects of COVID-19 on our lives, our health and even our investments. History reveals the only asset class that has consistently delivered returns in excess of inflation is equities. But after the rollercoaster ride of the past year, many investors are understandably feeling somewhat punch drunk, and are grappling with how to position their portfolios when they value both capital preservation and growth. With the continued uncertainty, it is tempting to switch in and out of investments as you try to chase the money, but this can lead to poor investment outcomes. Marise Bester, at Allan Gray, is here to share some thoughts. Kayafm · Kaya 959

As a young professional, it is easy to get sucked into focusing on your career, the immediate needs of supporting a family, and working towards your various goals. As a result, we often overlook the importance of building a firm financial foundation that can sustain us through life’s various seasons and ensure that our needs are provided for in retirement. Phiko Peter, client relationship manager at Allan Gray, joins Kaya Bizz to share some ideas that should be implemented as soon as you start earning an income to ensure that you build a solid financial foundation. Kayafm · Kaya 959

In recent years, social media platforms have become a popular source for personal finance information and advice – with users sharing tips on everything from the latest stocks to buy and products to consider, to behavioural hacks to help you manage your monthly budget and more. But can you trust everything you see online? The recent FinTok craze on TikTok has demonstrated how scammers and fraudsters take advantage of unsuspecting young investors who source financial advice online. Nomi Bodlani joins Kaya Bizz to discuss the dangers of taking financial advice from online social platforms and share some tips to help us scam-proof our investment decision-making. Kayafm · Kaya 959

Lower interest rates are a life jacket for those who are in debt or paying off home loans, but they have negative consequences for savers. The repo rate is currently at 3.5%, the lowest in the country’s history, but with members of the South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee subtly altering their collective stance on rates at their March meeting, it’s worth asking “where to from here for rates and money market returns?” Thalia Petousis, portfolio manager at Allan Gray, joins Kaya Bizz to explain the current environment and how interest rates impact our returns Kayafm · Kaya 959

Most of us are familiar with what inflation means for our pockets – we can all attest to how inflation has affected the cost of goods and services over time – but inflation also has numerous implications for the markets and our investments. A great reflation versus inflation debate dominated discourse in global fixed income markets during the first quarter of the year, and “where to from here for inflation?” seems to be a key question hanging over the markets. So, what is the difference between inflation and reflation, and how are your investments impacted? Londa Nxumalo, portfolio manager at Allan Gray, joins Kaya Bizz to explain it all. Kayafm · Kaya 959

Although we all have different circumstances, we all want the income we receive in retirement to be sustainable for life and to be enough to maintain our standard of living. Ideally, we also want our income to keep pace with inflation each year. However, the reality is that less than 10% of South African retirees have saved enough money to retire comfortably. As life expectancy goes up, it is even more critical to plan for your retirement. There are several important questions to consider, both in the lead-up to and at retirement, which will influence whether you are able to retire comfortably. Marise Bester, specialist in the Retail Distribution team at Allan Gray, joins Kaya Bizz to help us tackle some key questions to help us prepare. Kayafm · Kaya 959

Risk-averse investors fled the market in droves as the COVID-19 crisis hit, opting for the security of money markets, rather than suffering through the volatility. However, it seems the appetite for equities has returned now that the markets are flying. While this behavior is understandable, it is also counter-productive for long-term investors. Many who followed this pattern would have locked in losses and missed out on the recovery. Tim Acker, portfolio manager from Allan Gray, joins Kaya Bizz to discuss why investing in a low equity fund could be better than trying to time the market. Kayafm · Kaya 959

The COVID-19 pandemic has sent global divorce rates soaring by up to 30% over the last year, adding to the life-altering trauma that many families have experienced as a result of the virus. Even though some estimates suggest that over 40% of marriages end in divorce, most couples aren’t prepared for the range of challenges that may arise when filing for divorce. In addition to its emotional impact, the decision to get a divorce often has significant long-term financial implications for both parties. Jaya Leibowitz, senior adviser at Allan Gray, joins Kaya Bizz to talk about what divorce means for your retirement savings. Kayafm · Kaya 959

With thousands of investments to choose from, many investors unwittingly reduce their returns over time by switching in and out of investments, being swayed by the prevailing market sentiment and letting their emotions take over. Building wealth is a long-term endeavour and those who manage to do it successfully have mastered a number of key habits that set them apart. Nomi Bodlani, head of Strategic Markets at Allan Gray, joins us to share some of these habits and explain how we can adopt them to improve our own investment outcomes. Kayafm · Kaya 959