r/PersonalFinanceZA

With all the hype around the SpaceX IPO, I have a few questions as someone who only dabbles in investing.

When SpaceX goes public, would retail investors like me be able to buy shares directly through platforms such as EasyEquities, or would exposure mainly be through ETFs/index funds that hold the stock?

If not,are there any listed companies that could potentially benefit from SpaceX's growth and launches that investors should keep an eye on?

I'd be interested to hear people's opinions

Hello, thank you for taking the time to read this

I've tried my best but cannot really wrap my head around how to go about investing. People I have spoken too said I don't have enough to start meaningfully investing but I am nearing a quarter of my working life and my income is not increasing in the near future so if its not now I don't see when it could be.

I am nearly 30, have been in graduate school in Japan. I am South African and British citizen. I have the equivalent of R100k on top of an emergency fund that I would be happy to put away for the next 30 years, and R5k a month I can put away too, but I do not know where to put it. My stipend is tax exempt in Japan but I am a tax resident here. I haven't lived in SA for 6 years but want to return within the next 10.

What kind of account can I open? I will likely leave Japan within the next 2 years (moving to Europe or US for a relatively low paid academic position) and it seems quite difficult to transfer investments out of Japanese investment accounts, so an international one would be better. Is a South African one a good idea? Would I have to be present in SA to open it?

Any ideas or advice would be appreciated.

A friend just inherited R25 000 000 (yeah... it is always someone else) he is the same age as me, 60 years old and obviously now wants to retire. An FA offered him a Life Annuity for R16 000 000 that will pay him R58 000 monthly after tax and increase by6 % every year. The rest he says will go into an investment portfolio. I told him the Life Annuity sounds good because it gives a guaranteed income but if it has to last for say 30 years in South Africa that 6% increase will surely deplete his income what with real living cost increases like Eskom, Medical Aid and Woolworths food prices. I am not 100% clued up on investing but it seems to me that a discretionary portfolio would be a better idea since it can be adjusted over the years depending on the economic situation in SA plus, he will always have access to all of his capital? He has always been a contractor and does not have an RA and so he feels that the Annuity is a "proper" solution.

Hi guys asking for my friend, she has a debt of 19.900 Rand's including loans and store cards.

Her income is 11000 a month rent 3000, transport to work 1300 , food 1000 sending money to her daughter 3000 a month.

The banks don't want to consolidate since she has no loans with the same banks.

She wants a loan of 30k consolidate the loan and pay one loan only which I believe will be less than 3.5 a mont and she can reduce the money to send home for her daughter because all loans together she pays 5k plus which she only manage with small hustles

Consolidation will be great she will breathe and pay normal something under or 3.5 and restore the credit score back to normal.

Her credit score is no 638.

Please advise and indicate good lenders.

Remember she missed her last 6 installments with tfg 3 with Mr price 1 with capfin and 2 with atlas finance.

Overall to liquidate all debts is 19.900 no.more

Following on from the previous post on this sub, the conclusion was that wrappers are for "someone with a large portfolio and a high marginal tax rate who intends on leaving the investment to beneficiaries."

However I recently learnt that it is possible to get a "self-directed" wrapper, which apparently enables the investor to make use of a brokerage like IBKR via a custodian, within the wrapper. One provider is Old Mutual International. I'm sure there are others.

Assumptions

• An investment timeframe of 5 years or longer
• You don't only want to invest in low cost ETFs and want access to other instruments
• You are in the the maximum marginal tax bracket
• Investing at least 200,000 GBP

Benefits

• Manage own portfolio using IBKR, buy investments domiciled in the UK or USA without SITUS risk
• Tax efficiency - 12% CGT, 30% Income tax cap, all capital gains are calculated entirely in the foreign currency (protects against ZAR depreciation CGT)
• Estate Planning - Plenty of benefits - Situs tax, Executor fees, see google for this one
• Wrapper provider handles your SARS obligations (obviously not excon)

Drawbacks

• Costs - Annual fee of around 0.5%, with lower fees depending on the type and size of the underlying investments, plus the usual IBKR brokerage fees, fund fees etc
• Restrictive aspects like 5 year minimum investment period where withdrawals are legally capped, limits on contributions.

It looks like it might be a good option based on the above assumptions, purely from a tax efficiency perspective?

Hi r/southafrica

I'm an independent contractor based in Gordons Bay working for a US-based company. No PAYE is deducted from my income so I'm responsible for my own tax.

I need help with: - Registering for provisional tax (IRP6) on eFiling - Working out legitimate deductions (home office, software subscriptions etc) - Calculating what I actually owe - Setting up a payment arrangement with SARS

Everything can be handled remotely — I don't need anyone in person.

Looking for someone affordable — I've seen rates of R500-800 mentioned for straightforward cases like mine. Happy to pay fairly for good help.

Please drop recommendations in the comments or DM me. Thank you.

Anybody that uses the Vault app formerly known as 22Seven to track monthly expenses?

I use it and noticed on Sunday after updating the app, all my data and financial history has been wiped off and none of my previous transactions are there.

All the data that I ever recorded has been wiped off.

Is anybody else experiencing the same issue?

Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on a property purchase I’m considering.

The property is currently being marketed for R2m million, but I believe there may be room to negotiate. The owners are motivated to sell because they have already been approved for another property and want to move once their current home is sold. From what I understand, there is still an existing bond on the property.

Instead of applying for a traditional bank home loan myself, I’m exploring whether a structured agreement with the seller could work.

I’m trying to find a way to purchase the property without relying on a traditional bank mortgage, while still ensuring that both the seller and I are protected.

Any guidance from people who have done something similar, or attorneys/bond originators familiar with these transactions, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

We have two young children (baby and toddler) and my wife currently at home with the two.

As life would have it, current is place too small and need to start looking at bigger house but there's just not much left to take bond.

I earn around R70k net but find this is barely enough to support a small household with intentions of a R25k bond being a stretch (current bond paid off).

We are quite frugal, having no debt, can only max TFSA of R3.8k and really nothing left over

see below montly spending:

credit card	R                                                                     29 400.00
	ESKOM	R               2 500.00
	COJ (RATES AND TAXES)	R               3 500.00
	WWCC (GROCERIES)	R               7 000.00
	PNP (CONSUMABLES/GROCERIES)	R               7 000.00
	FUEL	R               3 000.00
	TAKE OUTS; WEEKEND ACTIVITIES (1K PER WKND	R               4 000.00
	SUBSCRIPTIONS (NETFLIX, AMAZON, SPOTIFY)	R                  400.00
	ONLINE SPEND (TAKEALOT)	R               1 000.00
	MISC	R               1 000.00

DONATION	R                                                                       5 000.00
LOAN CAPITAL REPAYMENT	R                                                                       1 000.00
SATRX	R                                                                                   -
SATRX TFE	R                                                                       3 800.00
DISCOVERY CREDIT CARD (WW HEALTHY)	R                                                                       3 000.00
LEVIES	R                                                                       3 000.00
CF
DOMESTIC	R                                                                       5 000.00
DAYCARE (THRICE A WEEK)	R                                                                       5 000.00
FIBRE	R                                                                       1 000.00
BANK FEES	R                                                                          300.00
INSURANCE	R                                                                       2 000.00
GARDENER	R                                                                          600.00
OTHER	R                                                                          500.00
TOTAL	R                                                                     59 600.00

I'm not looking for itemized budget review but just some perspectives.

We're finding the cost of living these days extremely challenging for a single income household.

Please share your thoughts/experiences with your households and whether or not R100k plus gross is really not enough to thrive in middle class lifestyle - or if we should seriously look at budgeting properly and going even more frugal.

Good day all,

Below post has been AI proof read,

My father is retirement age and owns two properties outright.

Property A is where he lives.
Property B is where I currently live.

Property B is worth roughly R3 million. My father is considering selling it and using the proceeds to buy me a property closer to my work for around R2 million. Ideally he would also have some cash left over from the transaction to supplement his retirement.

We’re trying to figure out the best way to structure this.

One idea is:
He sells the current property worth ~R3 million.
He buys a new property for me worth ~R2 million.
We enter into an agreement where I gradually pay him back for the new property over time.

Some questions:
Should the new property be in my name or his name?
If I repay him over time, should it be structured as a formal loan?
Are there tax implications, donation tax issues, capital gains tax considerations, or transfer duty issues we should be aware of?
How should we think about estate planning and inheritance implications if I have siblings?
Are there risks to either of us if the property remains in his name while I’m paying him back?
Is there a more efficient way to structure this arrangement that protects both of us and helps his retirement finances?

We’re planning to get professional legal and tax advice, but I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through something similar or can point out issues we may not have considered. Additional note, we will be purchasing tax, and there would be no interest in the whole transaction where possible, besides for interest unavoidable, eg interest earned in the lawyers trust accounts etc

I currently stay at home with my family and I'm considering purchasing a house but I have no idea on monthly payments other than the mortgage repayment.

For reference, We currently rent for R11k + ±R6k (Lights, water and refuse)

I know it's definitely going to be more, but how much more?

Thanks in advance!

Hi all,
I'm South African; my partner is Swiss. We've been visiting each other on (visitor visas for me). I run a startup (registered in SA ~1 month ago) and expect investment within ~2 months. We've delayed marriage/visa plans ~6 months because of the startup. After marriage, Swiss visa rules likely require me to remain in Switzerland 6 months/year (possibly 8 months in 2027 if we marry while I'm pregnant). By then I'll have 2 employees, maintain ~75% ownership, and I'd be running the company from Switzerland for those months. My partner can't relocate yet since he has a stable job in CH.


I'm not worried about personal income tax, it'll be minimal (~1,000 CHF per month if I'm lucky). My concern is company tax and place of effective management (POEM):
1. Could 8 months in CH next year create tax issues or penalties?
2. When/how is POEM determine, is there a cut-off?

Context:
- partner is the only stable earner right now, might join me in SA for about 5 months per year in 2028,
- I'll post elsewhere too.

I’m a 50 yr old single lady, very healthy, fit etc

I currently own

3 properties on Atlantic seaboard that I rent out. It pays me R97k monthly… these are bond free properties. Their combined value is R21million

I also own another home worth R4million, bond currently at R300k left to pay but I like having access to cash so have the original bond amount of R3milion)

1 March i deposited the entire R45k into TFSA and know I should look into investing there.

I have zero debt as my company pays it all
Brand new Suzuki paid for in cash

It’s just my dog and I… and since she has her own trademarked brand even her expenses are paid for

I have medical aid
Gap cover
Insurance
My dog also has insurance
Groceries maybe R6k a month
Charity R1000 a month

I know I’m blessed and worked extremely hard to get here.

CGT scared the bejesus outta me should I sell one of the properties. As it is I’m taxed heavily on the rentals

Please tell me what to do to increase my portfolio. I literally just have my dog, no other dependents.

Should I invest some of that rental income because in a few months those rentals will pay that bond of R300k off.

What should my next move be? Or should I say f*ck it and purchase a sports car. We only need 2 seats 😂

I’d also like to know if my portfolio is that of an average 50 yr old SA woman AND men?

TIA

Hi. I recently had to take R40k from my savings of R250k, so I'm left with R210k and I need to try get that back by 1 Jan.

Is there any realistic way to make that happen? I'm a stay at home parent and I don't earn much, sometimes I don't earn at all. I know there is nothing low risk that can do this, probably nothing medium risk either. But besides for Bitcoin or gambling, what's the best I could do with the R210k to get the most out of it in 6 months? Even if it's not R40k.

I'm really not financially savvy so please forgive me asking what might be a stupid question, I'm just in a bit of a bad place and could really do with info.

Thanks 🙏

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice on a decision that sits somewhere between personal finance and vehicle ownership.

I'm 30 years old, earn R50,000 per month before tax, and currently have no debt other than my bond repayment, which is about R6,000/month. Around 26% of my after-tax income goes towards retirement and other savings goals.

My emergency fund is R95,000 and I have an additional vehicle maintenance fund of R5,500, which I top up by R1,200 per month. Apart from my retirement annuities, all of my savings are kept in my access bond to reduce interest while remaining immediately available if needed.

In 2020, I bought a used 2016 Opel Astra K 1.4T Sport Auto for R250,000. I paid it off in 2023 and it currently has 108,400 km on the clock. The car has been fantastic to own, has never left me stranded, and is extremely well-specced for what it cost. I'm admittedly quite attached to it.

Recently I noticed intermittent puffs of smoke under acceleration and took it to my mechanic. After inspecting it, he believes the piston rings are worn and there is significant blow-by, with oil accumulating in the intake piping. He estimates repairs at around R52,000, but advised that once the engine is opened up, additional issues may be found and costs could increase. He also indicated that there is no guarantee that other major components (such as the turbo) won't require attention in future.

The car is otherwise in excellent condition.

This leaves me with three options:

1. Repair the car and hope to get several more years out of it.
2. Sell it now and buy a cheaper replacement with cash.
3. Sell it and use the proceeds as a deposit on a newer vehicle, likely around the R300,000 mark, which would mean taking on car finance again.

The valuation side is also confusing:

• Trade value: R168,800
• Retail value: R199,600
• Dealer offer: R110,000
• WeBuyCars offer: R134,000

Neither the dealer nor WeBuyCars were informed of the engine issue when making those offers.

I don't feel comfortable selling the vehicle privately without disclosing the engine diagnosis, which would likely reduce what a buyer is willing to pay.

From a purely financial perspective, I know the textbook answer is often "drive your current car for as long as possible". However, I'm struggling with whether spending R52k+ on a 10-year-old Opel with a potentially uncertain future is actually the sensible choice.

If you were in my position:

• Would you repair or sell?
• Would you ever use an emergency fund for a repair like this?
• If selling, would you buy something cheaper cash or take on a modest amount of vehicle finance for a newer, more reliable replacement? (I know I am going to miss all the features my car has)
• How would you approach the decision from a long-term wealth-building perspective?

I'd appreciate any thoughts, especially from those who've faced a similar repair-vs-replace decision.

Need some info here please.

As a small business owner is there ways to claim money tax free as business expenses to stay under this threshold?

Can I rent out my vehicle that the business uses?(Hyundia H100)

I work from home so can I rent a part of my house out to the business as office space monthly?

If I get a petrol card can I deduct that money spent also tax free?

Can my business pay apart from my salary a amount into my TFSA and call it a 'pension fund" contribution?

When net profits are low any advice will be appreciated.

So I’m a 25 year old female teacher. I need some good financial advice. I am very bad at handling money. I started working late 2024, but the only big purchase I made is an iPhone. I have no savings and I am R68k in debt. To break down my debt:
-Credit card: R3000
-Clothing account: R14000
-PayJustNow and Payflex: R15000
-Payday loans: R36000

I was under a lot of pressure and decided to get debt counselling. This is the best option for me as I have no one to bail me out of the financial mess I got myself into. I’m currently under debt administration. This will be my first month and I will be paying R3000 for 2 years. I earn R21000 so I will be left with R18000 for my needs. My monthly expenses are as follows:
-Rent: R3000
-Electricity: R400
-Transport: R1200
-Groceries: R2500
-Entertainment: R1000(I love reading so I buy books)
-My mother:R3000
So everything totals to R11 100 leaving me with a reminder of R6900.

I am quite nervous and I need effective and practical financial advice on how I can keep myself out of debt and have a healthy financial life. I want to get a car in the near future and would also like to save a good deposit for a house or save enough to buy my family a site/stand in a nearby small town that is 30min away. Sites/Stands there cost around R50000-R250000. I know that I’m fed up with my poor money handling skills, but I’m not really sure which steps I should make in this new journey.

Do I start saving for a car or a stand? I was also thinking of paying R6000 per month to the debt counsellor just so I can get out of debt administration quicker, but I’m not sure if this is a good idea. I’m honestly nervous I’m scared that I might make the same mistakes and 2 years down the line I’m still in the same situation or even worse. Please help.

To the members of the community that use Bank Zero on the regular or even as their main bank account. What has been your experience?

I am considering opening one for my short term savings goals as their interest rates are decent.

Do you have any complaints or praises you would like to share?

My aunt lives overseas and has about R100,000 sitting in my FNB savings account earning around R500 interest per month.

The money belongs to her, but it’s currently held in my account. We’re wondering if there are better options for growing it.

Would a fixed deposit, money market account, ETF, unit trust, or something else make more sense?

Are there any tax implications because the money is in my name?

Also, could she potentially qualify for a loan with FNB while living overseas, given that she’s banked with them for years?

Looking for advice and experiences from others in similar situations.

Hi

I’ve been fortunate enough to never need a loan for anything, whether that’s a car, apartment, phone or laptop. I’ve always paid cash, and at the ripe old age of 31 I’ve recently realised that may not have been the smartest move.

How much of a disadvantage is having no credit history, and what’s the fastest way to build a credit score? Does it just mean I won’t be able to get a loan if and when I need one?

I’m expecting some criticism, but this isn’t exactly something they teach in school. I’ve also lived well below my means to be in this position. I ran a credit check and the result came back as “inconclusive”. I also spent a significant portion of my 20s living outside South Africa, for whatever that’s worth.