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!

Higher Till Prices Add to Cost Pressures for South Africans

Higher Till Prices Add to Cost Pressures for South Africans

11 July 2025

South African families are likely to face further financial strain at retail checkouts following the recent increase in fuel levies. The rise is anticipated to ...

South Africa’s Property Sector Undergoes Major Changes

South Africa’s Property Sector Undergoes Major Changes

10 July 2025

South Africa’s property market is beginning to show clear signs of a movement away from renting and towards property ownership, as declining interest rates begin ...

Funeral Insurance in South Africa

Do You Really Need Funeral Insurance in South Africa?

10 July 2025

Funeral costs in South Africa can range from R12 000 to over R50 000, making them difficult for many families to manage without some form of financial ...

SARS Tax Filing Alert for South Africans Earning Over R500 000 Annually

SARS Tax Filing Alert for South Africans Earning Over R500 000 Annually

9 July 2025

All taxpayers in South Africa are legally obligated to file their tax returns with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and failure to comply with ...

Car Insurance in South Africa:

Car Insurance in South Africa: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

9 July 2025

Car insurance is a vital tool for South African motorists to manage the financial risks linked to owning and driving a vehicle. With many cars ...

Top Investment Apps for South Africans

Top Investment Apps for South Africans

8 July 2025

Investing through mobile apps has become a practical and accessible way for many South Africans to grow their money. With more financial services now available ...

Tax Tips for South Africans Working from Home

Tax Tips for South Africans Working from Home

8 July 2025

Tax professionals have clarified the circumstances under which South Africans may qualify for home office deductions during the 2025 tax filing season, though they caution ...

Fraudsters Attacking Banking Apps and Wallets

Fraudsters Attacking Banking Apps and Wallets on South African Phones

7 July 2025

Discovery Bank has raised concerns over the increasing number of fraud cases affecting South Africans, highlighting how criminals are now deliberately focusing on smartphones to ...

How to Start Investing in South Africa with Little Money

7 July 2025

Starting to invest does not require a large amount of money. Many South Africans are under the impression that investing is only for people with ...

Virtual Credit Card

What is a Virtual Credit Card?

6 July 2025

With online payments on the rise in South Africa, more people are turning to virtual credit cards for safer and more flexible transactions. These digital ...

Financial Mistakes South Africans Make in Their 20s and 30s

Top 10 Financial Mistakes South Africans Make in Their 20s and 30s

6 July 2025

Your twenties and thirties are often filled with major life changes that can either lay the groundwork for financial stability or lead to long-term setbacks ...

The Difference Between Loans, Grants, and Bursaries

The Difference Between Loans, Grants, and Bursaries in South Africa

5 July 2025

Paying for tertiary education in South Africa can be costly, with expenses like fees, textbooks, and accommodation placing a burden on many families. For those ...

Saving vs Investing

Saving vs Investing: Which One Makes More Sense in South Africa?

5 July 2025

Many South Africans are looking for ways to grow their money, especially with the rising cost of living and changing interest rates. If you’re setting ...

Proposal to change the name of South Africa

Debate Ignites Over Proposal to Rename South Africa

4 July 2025

The African Transformation Movement (ATM), in collaboration with several other political organisations, has announced its intention to approach both Parliament and the Constitutional Review Committee ...

How to Apply for NSFAS

How to Apply for NSFAS: Student Funding in South Africa Explained

4 July 2025

NSFAS helps South African students pay for studies at public universities or TVET colleges. It covers tuition, registration, accommodation (within limits), books, food, travel, and ...

Month of Hard Decisions

South Africa Enters a Month of Hard Decisions

3 July 2025

Recent data indicates that inflation expectations in South Africa have declined to their lowest level in nearly four years, potentially reinforcing the case for policymakers ...

Buy or Build a House

Is It Better to Buy a House or Build One in South Africa?

3 July 2025

Deciding whether to build a house or purchase an existing one in South Africa is a personal matter, with each option offering distinct advantages depending ...

Hidden Costs of Buying a House in South Africa

2 July 2025

Buying a home in South Africa is one of the biggest financial steps that most people will take. Many focus on saving for a deposit ...

SARS Highlights Fraud Threats Ahead of 2025 Tax Season

SARS Highlights Fraud Threats Ahead of 2025 Tax Season

2 July 2025

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a fresh alert about fraudulent schemes surfacing ahead of the 2025 tax season. Standard Bank has also ...

The Insurance Scam That’s Getting South Africans Blacklisted

The Insurance Scam That’s Getting South Africans Blacklisted

1 July 2025

South Africa’s insurance sector is becoming increasingly aware of the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence in the hands of fraudsters, and is actively enhancing ...

Health Insurance vs Medical Aid: What’s the Difference in South Africa?

Health Insurance vs Medical Aid: What’s the Difference in South Africa?

1 July 2025

Choosing between health insurance and medical aid can be confusing for many South Africans. Both options help cover healthcare expenses, but they work differently, offer ...

Brace for a Petrol Price Hike This Week

Brace for a Petrol Price Hike This Week

30 June 2025

Although international oil prices have recently eased and the South African rand has shown notable stability amid geopolitical unrest, the outlook for fuel prices in ...

Top Pet Insurance Providers in South Africa

Top Pet Insurance Providers in South Africa: Is Worth It or Not?

30 June 2025

More South Africans are choosing to own pets, often treating them as part of the family. At the same time, veterinary care has become more ...

Secured Credit Card

What is a Secured Credit Card?

29 June 2025

Secured credit cards are becoming a useful tool for many South Africans who want to build or repair their credit profile. These types of cards ...

Build an Emergency Fund

How to Build an Emergency Fund in South Africa: Step-by-Step Guide

29 June 2025

Building an emergency fund is one of the most reliable ways to improve personal financial security in South Africa. Many South Africans live month-to-month without ...

How Much Should I Save Per Month

How Much Money Should You Be Saving Each Month in South Africa?

28 June 2025

Saving money each month can be challenging for many South Africans, especially with the rising cost of living and high debt levels. However, building a ...

Informal Economy

What is the Informal Economy?

28 June 2025

The informal economy makes up a large part of South Africa’s economic activity. It includes small businesses and individuals earning a living outside of formal ...

Food Shortages and Rising Unemployment

South Africa Faces Threat of Food Shortages and Rising Unemployment

27 June 2025

Hopes were briefly raised among South African meat producers when it appeared that the government would ease import restrictions on chicken from Brazil, potentially helping ...

Government Grants Qualification

Who Qualifies for Government Grants in South Africa?

27 June 2025

Government grants in South Africa offer financial support to individuals, households, and businesses facing hardship or working towards development goals. These grants assist those unable ...

Good news for anyone earning a salary

Encouraging News for South Africans Receiving a Salary

26 June 2025

Average monthly earnings in South Africa have shown a stronger increase than the rate of inflation, even though the country has seen a decline in ...

Grants Available for Unemployed

Top Grants Available for Unemployed South Africans

26 June 2025

The number of unemployed South Africans remains very high, leaving many people without a steady income. For many, government and private grants provide a much-needed ...

Renting vs Owning a Home in South Africa

Renting vs Owning a Home in South Africa

25 June 2025

Choosing between renting and buying a home is a major financial decision for many South Africans. While buying is often linked to stability and long-term ...

Petrol Price

Petrol Price Relief in South Africa Comes with a Major Downside

25 June 2025

Oil markets experienced considerable volatility on Tuesday, 24 June, after reports emerged regarding a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. However, analysts have cautioned that ...

South Africa still faces a major budget threat

Ongoing Risks Weigh on South Africa’s Budget

24 June 2025

The National Treasury has expressed confidence that both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces will approve the Division of Revenues Bill before ...

Why July 2025 Is the Perfect Time to Borrow

Why July 2025 Is the Perfect Time to Borrow

24 June 2025

July 2025 presents a unique window for South African consumers to consider taking out credit. With interest rates showing signs of softening, inflation slowing, and banks ...

Economic Pressures From Load Shedding

Economic Pressures From Load Shedding Surpass Covid-19 Levels

23 June 2025

The rand experienced a decline on Thursday as investor sentiment turned risk-averse, driven by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which had entered its ...

Confirmed SASSA Grants & Payment Schedule for July 2025

Confirmed SASSA Grants & Payment Schedule for July 2025

23 June 2025

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides monthly financial support to millions of citizens across the country. These grants help pensioners, people living with ...

Overspending

What is Overspending?

21 June 2025

Overspending means spending more money than you can afford, whether on purpose or without realising it. In South Africa, rising living costs, easy access to ...

Bad news for South African passport holders

South African Passport Holders Face New Setback

20 June 2025

South Africa’s passport has fallen again in the most recent Henley and Partners World Passport Index, with the country now losing its previous visa-free access ...

Credit Card Interest

What is Credit Card Interest?

20 June 2025

Understanding how credit card interest works in South Africa is essential for anyone using or considering a credit card. Interest charges can significantly increase the ...

Watch Out for Interest Rate Changes in South Africa

Watch Out for Interest Rate Changes in South Africa

19 June 2025

While current inflation levels in South Africa appear to be relatively low, the recent escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel may prompt the South ...

Grace Period on a Credit Card

What is a Grace Period on a Credit Card?

19 June 2025

Credit cards can be a helpful way to manage monthly spending, but interest charges quickly add up if balances aren’t settled in full. One key ...

Financial Literacy

What is Financial Literacy?

18 June 2025

Financial literacy is a vital skill for South Africans of all income levels and backgrounds. It involves understanding how to manage money, make informed decisions, ...

Petrol Price Forecast for July 2025

The Harsh Petrol Price Forecast for July 2025

18 June 2025

Motorists across South Africa appear to be heading for more expensive fuel in July 2025, according to the latest official data now available. This follows ...

SARS warns South Africans to check their banking details

South Africans Warned by SARS to Double-Check Their Bank Details

17 June 2025

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a formal reminder to all taxpayers to thoroughly review and confirm the accuracy of their registered banking ...

How to Become a Homeowner

How to Become a Homeowner in South Africa

17 June 2025

Buying a home in South Africa is a major financial step that requires careful preparation, reliable information, and a clear understanding of the process. For ...

Eskom Targets South Africans Using Rooftop Solar Power

Eskom Targets South Africans Using Rooftop Solar Power

16 June 2025

Eskom has officially announced that it will begin making use of advanced satellite surveillance technology to identify solar systems that have not been registered in ...

Good Monthly Income

What Is a Good Monthly Income in South Africa

16 June 2025

What qualifies as a good monthly income in South Africa depends on several factors, such as where you live, your household needs, and your type ...

Income-Based Loans: What They Are and How to Qualify

15 June 2025

Income-based loans are a type of credit where your earnings determine if you qualify and how much you can borrow. Many South Africans use these ...

Loan to Pay Rent

Loan to Pay Rent: Can You Really Do That?

14 June 2025

In South Africa, many people struggle to pay rent on time due to irregular income or unexpected expenses. This can happen because of job loss, ...

Unemployment Rate in South Africa

What is the Unemployment Rate in South Africa?

13 June 2025

South Africa’s unemployment rate is one of the most discussed issues in the country today, especially for people looking for work and businesses trying to ...

South Africa’s Economy

South Africa’s Economy Faces Serious Challenges

13 June 2025

Following an already disappointing start to the year with flatlining economic growth in the first quarter, the latest figures released on Tuesday, 10 June, indicate ...

Cost of Living in South Africa

What is the Cost of Living in South Africa?

12 June 2025

The cost of living in South Africa depends on your location, lifestyle, and income. In 2025, rising prices for housing, groceries, transport, and utilities have ...

Key Change Announced by SARS Ahead of 2025 Tax Season

Key Change Announced by SARS Ahead of 2025 Tax Season

12 June 2025

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially discontinued the use of printed and posted system-generated letters, marking a permanent shift to fully digital engagement ...