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.

The National Financial Ombud Scheme ruled in favour of a woman denied a funeral insurance claim due to non-traditional mourning customs. This article examines the evolving nature of customary law, the insurer's defense, and the application of case law to ensure fair treatment and equity in the final decision.