Ashton

Arcadia Finance - Marketing

I've been diving into online marketing and content creation, with a focus on personal finance and funding. But I'm not about dull finance content – I aim to create material that not only educates but genuinely helps. My mission? "Beyond information, I'm here to inspire!" Let's explore the world of finance together!

SARS Goes After these Taxpayers Leaving the Country

SARS Goes After these Taxpayers Leaving the Country

8 October 2025

Affluent South Africans relocating abroad are finding themselves under tighter scrutiny as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) steps up its enforcement actions and narrows ...

Personal Loan Defaults Hit Record Highs

Personal Loan Defaults Hit Record Highs: What It Means for You

8 October 2025

South Africa is facing a sharp rise in personal loan defaults, with more households struggling to keep up with repayments in the face of high ...

Eskom’s 2025 Tariff Hikes Backfire as Demand Plummets

Eskom’s 2025 Tariff Hikes Backfire as Demand Plummets

7 October 2025

A new in-depth review of Eskom’s electricity demand data reveals that the state utility’s steep 2025 tariff increases are being undermined by a significant decline ...

Payday Loans on the Rise Should You Consider?

Payday Loans on the Rise: Should You Consider One?

7 October 2025

Payday loans have become increasingly common in South Africa, offering fast access to cash for individuals facing unexpected expenses or short-term gaps between salaries. While ...

South Africa Faces New Reality as 25-Year Lifeline Ends

South Africa Faces New Reality as 25-Year Lifeline Ends

6 October 2025

After a quarter of a century, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) officially came to an end last week, marking the conclusion of one ...

Why More South Africans Are Applying for Loans in 2025

Why More South Africans Are Applying for Loans in 2025

6 October 2025

In 2025, a growing number of South Africans are turning to personal loans as financial pressures continue to mount and access to credit becomes more ...

Five Key Issues Hitting South Africa Today

Five Key Issues Hitting South Africa Today

2 October 2025

The South African rand gained considerable strength on Wednesday, with its performance largely buoyed by favourable manufacturing data and a softening United States dollar. By ...

Major Tax Refund Shake-Up

South Africa Prepares for Major Tax Refund Shake-Up

1 October 2025

The Office of the Tax Ombudsman (OTO) has released draft recommendations urging the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to overhaul its approach to verifying tax ...

230,000 Job Losses

South Africa Loses 230,000 Jobs in Latest Report

30 September 2025

South Africa’s formal job market has taken a heavy knock, with official data revealing that a staggering 229,000 positions were lost when comparing the second ...

Framework for Expired Driving Licences

South Africans Face New Rules on Expired Driving Licences

29 September 2025

The Department of Transport has officially gazetted a new set of regulations which make provision for expired driving licences to be regarded as valid identification ...

Social Grant Increases for October 2025

South Africa Confirms Social Grant Increases for October 2025

26 September 2025

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that from October 2025 there will be further adjustments to social grant payments, in line with ...

Pay Less Tax in SA

Pay Less Tax in South Africa the Right Way

25 September 2025

Prominent economist Dawie Roodt has encouraged South Africans to legally minimise the amount of tax they pay, advising citizens to use every available mechanism provided ...

Spam Calls Are Ruining Voice Calling

Why Spam Calls Are Ruining Voice Calling in South Africa

24 September 2025

Unsolicited spam calls have become such a widespread problem across South Africa that a growing number of people have chosen to stop answering their mobile ...

New Mandatory Requirement Issued by SARS

Businesses Face New Mandatory Requirement Issued by SARS

23 September 2025

Businesses across South Africa that are registered as VAT vendors have recently been reminded of significant new obligations relating to their tax compliance, which now ...

Driving Licence Holders in South Africa

Positive Update for Driving Licence Holders in South Africa

22 September 2025

South African motorists who have been anxiously waiting for their driving licence cards have received some encouraging news, as the severe backlog of applications has ...

South African Petrol Prices

Bad News Persists for South African Petrol Prices

19 September 2025

Despite the South African rand making notable gains against the United States dollar and global oil benchmarks trading within a fairly stable range, motorists are ...

A Tight Call for South African Interest Rates

A Tight Call for South African Interest Rates

18 September 2025

The question of whether South Africa will see further cuts to interest rates in the coming months remains highly uncertain, despite the recent release of ...

Youth Grants in South Africa

Youth Grants in South Africa – Funding Opportunities for Under 35s

17 September 2025

Youth grants in South Africa provide vital support to individuals under 35 and organisations working with young people. These funding opportunities are designed to reduce ...

R4.5 Billion Unclaimed,

R4.5 Billion Left Unclaimed – Check If You’re Entitled to a Share

17 September 2025

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has once again drawn attention to the immense sum of approximately R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends that continue to remain ...

Gender Disparities Still Exist in Africa

Pay Equity Improving in Africa, Though Gender Disparities Still Exist

16 September 2025

There has been notable progress towards achieving pay equality across the African continent, with 2024 marking a particularly important year for improvements in compensation fairness. ...

Interest Rate Cuts

South Africa Sees Renewed Push for Interest Rate Cuts

15 September 2025

Inflation expectations across South Africa have dropped to an unprecedented low, yet the prospect of a much-anticipated interest rate cut still appears to be out ...

South African Housing Market

South African Housing Market

14 September 2025

The South African housing market faces significant challenges, with rising property prices outpacing wage growth and making home ownership increasingly difficult for many households. Limited ...

Top 100 Brands in South Africa

Top 100 Brands in South Africa

13 September 2025

South Africa’s leading brands play a central role in the economy and in shaping consumer choices, with top performers spanning telecommunications, banking, retail, healthcare, mining, ...

South Africans Brace for Higher Mortgage and Car Loan Costs

South Africans Brace for Higher Mortgage and Car Loan Costs

12 September 2025

Absa’s senior economist has cautioned that any significant reductions in interest rates are unlikely to materialise before 2027. This outlook signals that South Africans may ...

How Much Wealth Does The Top 10 Percent Have In South Africa

How Much Wealth Does The Top 10 Percent Have In South Africa

12 September 2025

Wealth in South Africa remains highly concentrated, with the top ten percent of households controlling the vast majority of assets and financial resources. This group ...

Rising Electricity Prices

Two Major Wins for South Africa Overshadowed by Rising Electricity Prices

11 September 2025

South Africa has taken important steps forward in reforming its labour market and improving its logistics network, yet the nation continues to grapple with significant ...

Gold In South Africa

How Much Gold Is There In South Africa

11 September 2025

South Africa has long been a major source of gold, with deposits that have shaped both its economy and global supply. Although production has declined ...

South Africans Are Falling Further Behind Financially

South Africans Are Falling Further Behind Financially

10 September 2025

South Africa has experienced an increase in gross domestic product during the second quarter of 2025, yet the upturn has not been large enough to ...

Where Do Rich People Live In South Africa

Where Do Rich People Live In South Africa

10 September 2025

South Africa remains the wealthiest nation in Africa, with tens of thousands of millionaires and a rising number of ultra-wealthy residents. While Johannesburg still has ...

Is October a Good Month to Take Out a Loan

Is October a Good Month to Take Out a Loan?

9 September 2025

The timing of a loan application can influence how much it costs to borrow. In October 2025, interest rates are lower, inflation is stable, and ...

New Group of South African Taxpayers

SARS Explains Its Focus on New Group of South African Taxpayers

9 September 2025

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has taken steps to provide greater clarity regarding its position on social media influencers within the country, explaining in ...

South Africa’s Interest Rates and Currency

Encouraging News on South Africa’s Interest Rates and Currency

8 September 2025

The latest employment figures from the United States delivered a notable surprise to global markets, as weak payroll data placed the US Federal Reserve on ...

ASSA Grants & Payment Schedule for October 2025

Confirmed SASSA Grants & Payment Schedule for October 2025

8 September 2025

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides millions of South Africans with monthly financial support through various social grants. These payments are a crucial ...

Top 10 Mobile Companies in South Africa

Top 10 Mobile Companies in South Africa

7 September 2025

South Africa has one of the most competitive mobile markets in Africa, with several established providers offering a wide range of voice, data, and value-added ...

Most Stolen Cars in South Africa

Most Stolen Cars in South Africa

7 September 2025

Vehicle-related crime continues to be a significant safety concern across South Africa, with certain makes and models being targeted far more frequently than others. Criminal ...

Strongest Passports in the World

Strongest Passports in the World and Where Does South African Passport Stand

6 September 2025

Passport strength is a key measure of a country’s global position, influencing how easily its citizens can travel, work, and connect internationally. The Henley Passport ...

Eskom's Caution

Eskom Cautions South Africans Amid Growing Concerns

5 September 2025

Eskom has issued a strong warning to South Africans, stating that tampering with electricity meters is a criminal offence that will bring about serious and ...

Middle Class Income in South Africa

What Is the Middle Class Income in South Africa?

5 September 2025

Defining middle-class income in South Africa is complex, with thresholds ranging from R5 000 to R29 000 per month depending on the source. Persistent unemployment, ...

October Petrol Prices in South Africa

October Petrol Prices in South Africa Off to a Poor Start

4 September 2025

At the start of September, petrol price recoveries have slipped into the negative, placing motorists in a disadvantageous position as they look ahead to the ...

How to Retire Early in South Africa

How to Retire Early in South Africa – Is it Really Possible?

4 September 2025

Retiring early in South Africa is an appealing goal for many, but it comes with significant financial and lifestyle considerations. While the idea of having ...

Medical Aid Holders

Medical Aid Holders in South Africa Face Bad News

3 September 2025

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has officially released its recommendations regarding medical aid contribution increases for 2026. In its advisory, the regulator has strongly ...

Biggest Banks in South Africa

Biggest Banks in South Africa

3 September 2025

The South African banking sector is among the most advanced in Africa, supported by strong regulation, modern technology, and a competitive market led by a ...

South Africa Faces Potential Job Losses

South Africa Faces Potential Job Losses Exceeding 250,000 Workers

2 September 2025

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued a strong warning regarding the growing number of retrenchment notices being issued at major corporations in South ...

13th Cheque or Bonus

Smart Ways to Spend Your 13th Cheque or Bonus in South Africa

2 September 2025

Receiving a 13th cheque or year-end bonus can provide a valuable opportunity to improve your financial position and plan ahead for the year to come. ...

Pension Holders Face R500 Million Loss

Pension Holders Face R500 Million Loss and Possible Legal Shake-Up

1 September 2025

The South African rand displayed very limited movement on Friday following the release of a significant inflation report from the United States as well as ...

Can’t Save Money

What to Do When You Can’t Save Money

1 September 2025

Many South Africans face the reality of struggling to save, even when they want to improve their financial situation. Rising living costs, debt repayments, and ...

Budget for Monthly Homeownership Costs

How Much Should You Budget for Monthly Homeownership Costs?

31 August 2025

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments South Africans make, and the costs extend well beyond the bond repayment. Alongside monthly instalments ...

Save for Retirement in South Africa

What Happens If You Don’t Save for Retirement in South Africa?

31 August 2025

Planning for retirement is often delayed or overlooked entirely, yet the consequences of not saving can be severe, especially in South Africa where state support ...

What Is a Good ROI on Investment

What Is a Good ROI on Investment in South Africa?

30 August 2025

South African investors have access to a wide range of asset classes, including equities, property, fixed-income products and emerging alternatives such as cryptocurrencies. Each of ...

South Africa Hit With a R50 Billion Eskom Burden

South Africa Hit With a R50 Billion Eskom Burden

29 August 2025

South Africa’s energy regulator has agreed to permit Eskom to increase electricity tariffs at a higher rate than what was originally allowed, following a settlement ...

Loan for December Expenses

Should You Take a Loan for December Expenses? Pros and Cons

29 August 2025

The festive season often brings a sharp rise in household spending, from gifts and special meals to travel and entertainment. For many South Africans, these ...

Buying A Second Property in South Africa

Tips for Buying Your Second Property in South Africa

29 August 2025

Buying a second property in South Africa is a practical way to build wealth, support lifestyle changes, or secure future housing. While the legal process ...

Financially Prepare for Load Shedding

How to Financially Prepare for Load Shedding in South Africa

28 August 2025

Load shedding has become a persistent and disruptive feature of everyday life in South Africa, affecting households, businesses, and public infrastructure alike. With electricity demand ...

New Law Might Prevent You from Selling Your Car in SA

Why a New Law Might Prevent You from Selling Your Car in South Africa

28 August 2025

The introduction of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act in South Africa could make it extremely difficult for motorists to sell their ...