About Us

  1. Home
  2. About

About MindfulFinance

Clear, honest financial education for South Africans

MindfulFinance is an independent South African blog created to help everyday people understand money and investing — without the usual sales pressure you find elsewhere.

We break down complex topics like tax-free savings accounts, retirement annuities, ETFs on the JSE, offshore investing under Regulation 28, and the real impact of fees and taxes — all in plain language, backed by research and local examples.

There are no sponsored posts, no affiliate links, and no financial products for sale. When you read MindfulFinance, you get straightforward information you can actually trust.

Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or fine-tuning a long-term plan, our goal is simple: give you the knowledge to make calmer, better-informed decisions about your money.

Welcome to MindfulFinance — financial education the way it should be.

Person reading MindfulFinance on a laptop in South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions from South African Readers

There’s no one-size-fits-all number. It depends on your risk tolerance, currency concerns, and overall plan. Many South African investors aim for 20–40% offshore exposure for diversification while still complying with Regulation 28 limits in retirement funds.

In most cases, low-cost ETFs win because of lower fees and transparent tracking of indices. A small number of active unit trusts have beaten the market after fees, but the majority don’t. For the average investor, ETFs are simpler and cheaper.

Compare the after-tax interest rate on your debt with the realistic long-term return you expect from investing. If debt costs more (common with credit cards, personal loans, or store accounts in SA), pay it off first. Once high-interest debt is gone, investing usually makes more sense.

Contribute the maximum allowed each year (currently R36,000) and the lifetime limit (R500,000). Choose low-cost, diversified ETFs inside the TFSA — the tax-free growth compounds powerfully over decades. Treat it as part of your long-term retirement plan, not an emergency fund.

RAs offer an immediate tax deduction (up to 27.5% of taxable income) and tax-free growth, but access is restricted until age 55. If you’re in a high tax bracket and won’t need the money early, extra RA contributions are usually very attractive. If you’re in a lower tax bracket or need flexibility, a normal brokerage account or TFSA can be better.

Most South African financial planners recommend 3–6 months of living expenses in an easily accessible, interest-bearing account. If your income is irregular or you’re the sole breadwinner, lean toward 9–12 months. Keep it in a high-interest savings account or a 32-day notice account — not under the mattress.

Property can be part of a balanced portfolio, but it’s not the automatic wealth-builder it once was. Total costs (transfer duties, rates, maintenance, vacancies) are high, and liquidity is low. Over the past decade, the JSE All Share Index and many global indices have outperformed average residential property returns after costs.

Once or twice a year is usually enough for long-term investors. Checking daily or monthly often leads to emotional decisions. Set a proper asset allocation, rebalance annually if needed, and otherwise leave it alone — time in the market matters more than timing the market.

MindfulFinance

An independent South African blog dedicated to clear, unbiased education on personal finance and investing. No products, no commissions — just straightforward explanations and research-based insights.

Useful Links

Home About Blog Contact

Support

Privacy Policy Terms of Use Cookie Policy

Address

444 Govan Mbeki Street, North End, Gqeberha 6001, South Africa

Telephone

+27414841228

Newsletter

Once or twice a month we send a short update with new articles and reader questions we’ve answered. No spam, easy unsubscribe anytime.