So Much More

Moving from success to significance and finding more happiness.

Attention, young adults!

Thinking about investing but not sure where to start?
Here are 3 tips on investing securely:

1. Diversify your portfolio:
Don't put all your eggs in one basket! Spread your investments across different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and real estate to reduce risk.
2. Do your own research:
Before investing in any opportunity, make sure to do your homework. Understand the company or investment vehicle you're putting your money into to make informed decisions.
3. Start small and grow:
Investing doesn't have to be a huge financial commitment from the beginning. Start small with what you can afford and gradually increase your investments as you learn more and feel more comfortable.

Remember, investing is a long-term game, so patience and consistency are key!
If you'd like to know more, visit our website https://somuchmore.co.za

Being determined and making wise choices is a big step to getting out of debt.
I was thrilled to hear recently from someone doing the finance course that she received a rebate from SARS. It happened, miraculously, to be a little more than her credit card debt. So... instead of blowing the rebate on a big screen TV or a holiday, she paid off her credit card debt. WOW!

Not only will she save thousands in debt repayments, but she will sleep better and be more excited about her financial future.

What would you do if you got a lump sum - whether its from a SARS tax rebate, company bonus, unexpected commission cheque, or inheritance?

Should You Be Worried About Your Stock Investments?

📉 What You Need to Know

With recent market fluctuations, it's natural to feel concerned about your stock investments. Here's what you need to know to stay informed and make sound decisions:

Understand Market Volatility:
Stock markets naturally go through ups and downs. A short-term dip doesn't necessarily indicate long-term problems.

Review Your Portfolio Strategy:
Ensure your investments align with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Diversifying your portfolio can help mitigate risks.

Stay Informed:
Keep up with market news, but avoid making hasty decisions based on short-term movements. Trust in your long-term strategy.

Consult Experts:
If you're uncertain, consider discussing your concerns with a professional. Their expertise can provide valuable insights tailored to your situation.

Remember, market corrections are part of the investment journey. Stay calm, stay informed, and maintain a long-term perspective.

What steps are you taking to manage your investments during volatile times? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 🤔

Want to know more about investing safely? Our Investing 101 Workshop will soon be available online… watch this space.

What are the reasons for the recent stock market ‘Sell-Off’?

There are many factors that influence the stock market and it can be overwhelming when trying to make sense of it. Here’s a brief overview to help your understanding of what’s caused the market drop over the past couple of weeks: 📉

Interest Rate Hikes: With central banks around the world hiking interest rates to combat inflation, borrowing costs have risen, impacting both consumer spending and corporate profits.

Earnings Misses: Several major companies reported earnings below expectations, creating anxiety among investors about future growth.

Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing geopolitical issues, particularly those involving major economies, have scared investors, leading to a flight to safety.

Tech Sector Volatility: The tech sector has experienced significant volatility, driven by concerns over valuations and future revenue growth.

Economic Data: Recent economic data showed slowing growth in key sectors like manufacturing and services, fuelling recession fears.

Global Supply Chain Issues: Continued disruptions in global supply chains have impacted various industries, causing ripple effects in the market.

Keep an eye on the market trends and stay informed to make better investment decisions!

Remember Warren Buffett’s famous quote:
"Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful."
He's saying buy stocks when the market is down and prices are low due to widespread fear, and sell when the market is up and prices are high due to widespread greed.
So, don’t panic – just take a long-term view, avoid following the crowd, and look for opportunities in this dip.

Have you noticed any other factors affecting the stock market recently? Share your thoughts below!

We often learn more from our failures than our successes, do you agree?

Do You Need a Will?

I was recently chatting with a friend who said she doesn't own much apart from her car, so doesn't need a will! Do you?

The answer is probably ABSOLUTELY. Why?
A will ensures your wishes are respected and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Think of it as one last gift to those who matter most.

Here are the top reasons why having a will is essential:
• Protect Your Loved Ones:
A will outlines how your assets are distributed, which can help avoid conflicts and ensure that your assets go to the right people.
• Appoint a Guardian for Minor Children:
If you have children, a will allows you to designate a guardian, ensuring they're cared for by someone you trust.
• Ease the Burden on Your Family:
With clear instructions in place, your family won't have to guess your wishes, making the process smoother and less stressful during a difficult time.

Despite its importance, many people avoid creating a will. Here’s why:
Procrastination:
It’s easy to put off thinking about end-of-life planning.
Misunderstanding:
Some believe that wills are only for the wealthy.
Discomfort:
Talking about death can be uncomfortable or even frightening.

But… what happens if you die without a will?
Government laws determine how your assets are distributed, which might not align with your wishes.
Family Conflicts:
Lack of clear instructions can lead to disputes among family members.
No Guardianship Provision:
If you have minor children, the court will decide who becomes their guardian.
Tying up the estate is also likely to take a lot longer without a will.

Don't leave things to chance. Secure your legacy and protect your family's future today!
Many attorneys will draw up a basic will for no fee, or you can do one online.
Once you’ve draw up, or updated your will, make sure you keep the original in a safe place, and let your loved ones know where it is.

I'm back from an incredible trip to Botswana with my family, and really enjoyed a digital holiday... sorry I've been so quiet.
So, a LOT has happened in the past couple of weeks, and while I try to make sense of it all, here's a great article from explaining the market sell-off that's caused more than a bit of concern.

What Caused the Stock Market Selloff? Investors worry that a recession is back on the table.

Never give up...

Maybe it's time to take ownership of your financial future and don't let others hold you back!

It seems surreal, but the trip we have been planning for a year is starting today. I'm heading to Botswana for 2 weeks of bush and fun with my family.

Excited to be going with my 3 'adult' children and their wifes/partners and for my sister from USA and her family to experience this part of Africa at it's best - I know it will be an experience of a lifetime

Financial freedom is all about doing what you want, when you want, with whom you want.

5 Tips to Get Your Finances Back on Track

Feeling a bit overwhelmed and know you need to do something to improve your financial situation? Here are a few bright, actionable ideas to help you get started:

Create a Budget: Start by tracking your income and expenses. This will help you understand where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back.

Build an Emergency Fund: Aim to save at least three to six months' worth of living expenses. This fund will provide a financial cushion in case of unexpected events.

Reduce Debt: Prioritize paying off high-interest debt first. Consider using methods like the snowball or avalanche approach to systematically reduce your debt burden.

Increase Your Income: Explore opportunities to boost your earnings. This could include asking for a raise, taking on a side job, or monetizing a hobby or skill.

Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your savings account. This ensures you're consistently putting money aside without having to think about it.

Taking small, consistent steps can help you regain control of your finances and work towards financial stability!

Which of these tips are you most excited to try?

Understanding Dividends in Investing

When a company has surplus cash, the management can decide to either distribute it to shareholders or reinvest it back into the business.
Dividends are a portion of a company's earnings that are distributed to its shareholders. They are typically paid out quarterly and can be a great source of passive income for investors.

Benefits of Dividends:

Steady Income:
Receive regular payments without needing to sell your stocks!

Reinvestment Opportunities:
Use dividends to buy more shares and grow your investment.

Reduced Risk:
Dividend-paying companies are often more stable and established.

Tax Advantages:
Enjoy potential tax benefits compared to earned income.

Not all stocks pay a dividend, but investing in those that do, can help you create a reliable income stream and grow your wealth over time!

Look around you this week at all the things you can be grateful for and...

It's not a savings plan or investment, but insurance is important for protecting your wealth. If it seems overwhelming, here's a great article by Dave Ramsey to help clarify what insurance you really need.

8 Types of Insurance You Can't Go Without With so many types of insurance, it's hard to know what you need and what you don't. So, let’s go over the eight types of insurance you can’t go without.

What a great day with a wonderful group on the Investing 101 Online workshop on Saturday.
I love being in a classroom teaching, but am getting used to virtual Zoom classrooms and really appreciate being able to include students from far and wide. We had delegates from Jeffreys Bay, Jhb, Durban, Pmb, and the USA.
I was so involved, that I forgot to take some photos, but I'm excited that all those who joined us now have the tools, confidence, and desire to start building their own investment portfolios, and can do so without paying high fees to an investment advisor.
Happy Investing!