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!

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 ...

Future Finance Review

Future Finance Lender Review

11 June 2025

Future Finance is a South African financial services provider offering short-term credit solutions tailored to individuals and businesses needing fast access to funds. The company ...

Smartphone Access for SASSA Grants in 2025

Concerns Raised About Smartphone Access for SASSA Grants in 2025

11 June 2025

The introduction of new smartphone verification protocols for the 2025 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has triggered significant criticism from both opposition political parties ...

Branch Reductions and Closures Hit Major South African Banks

Branch Reductions and Closures Hit Major South African Banks

10 June 2025

The South African retail banking sector continues to reduce its physical footprint across the country, responding to an increasing shift by customers towards digital and ...

Metropolitan Review

Metropolitan Review

10 June 2025

Metropolitan [Metropolitan.co.za] is a well-established financial services company in South Africa, offering a range of products including funeral cover, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. ...

SARS warning to taxpayers

Taxpayers in South Africa Face Steep Fines or Jail for Non-Payment

9 June 2025

South African taxpayers have been strongly urged to comply in full with the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) directives or risk facing harsh consequences. These ...

Car Repair Loans

Car Repair Loans: Get Back on the Road Without the Stress

9 June 2025

Car repair loans offer quick financial relief when your vehicle needs urgent repairs. These loans provide fast access to funds, helping you get back on ...

Pay Off Credit Card Debt

How To Pay Off Credit Card Debt

8 June 2025

Paying off credit card debt is a common financial goal for many South Africans. With interest rates on credit cards often being higher than other ...

Budget Calculator

What is a Budget Calculator?

7 June 2025

Managing your money has become more necessary for many South Africans due to rising living costs and household expenses. A budget calculator is a simple ...

Credit Score Calculator

What is a Credit Score Calculator?

7 June 2025

A credit score plays a major role when applying for loans, store accounts, or even mobile phone contracts in South Africa. Many people want to ...

Rand Holds Below R18 Despite Marginal 0.1% GDP Growth in Q1

Rand Holds Below R18 Despite Marginal 0.1% GDP Growth in Q1

6 June 2025

By midday on Wednesday, the South African rand was holding its ground at approximately R17.83 to the US dollar. It continued to trade within a ...

What is Living Paycheque to Paycheque?

6 June 2025

Living paycheque to paycheque is a daily reality for many South Africans. It means depending fully on your next salary to cover basic needs, with ...

Sinking Fund

What is a Sinking Fund?

5 June 2025

If you have a major expense coming up, like a car repair or home upgrade, and want to avoid last-minute financial stress, a sinking fund ...

South Africans Celebrate R2.90 Petrol Price Drop

South Africans Celebrate R2.90 Petrol Price Drop

5 June 2025

Over the past year, motorists in South Africa have experienced ongoing relief at the fuel pumps, as petrol prices have cumulatively dropped by a total ...

Use a Personal Loan to Pay Outstanding Taxes

Can You Use a Personal Loan to Pay Outstanding Taxes?

4 June 2025

In South Africa, many individuals and businesses face challenges when it comes to settling their tax obligations with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Whether ...

Job Loss Threat Looms for 111,000 Women and 70,000 White Men in SA

Job Loss Threat Looms for 111,000 Women and 70,000 White Men in SA

4 June 2025

The Solidarity Research Institute (SRI) has issued a warning that recently introduced legislative changes may result in the loss of employment for an estimated 111,000 ...

June SASSA Child Grants

June 2025 SASSA Child Grants to be Paid Out This Week

3 June 2025

All the essential information concerning the SASSA Children’s grants for June 2025 has now been made available, with payments scheduled to begin on Thursday, 5 ...

Payment Reversal

Payment Reversals in South African Banks

3 June 2025

Sending money electronically is a common practice in South Africa, whether it’s paying bills, shopping online, or transferring funds to friends and family. However, mistakes ...

New Fuel Levies Kick In While Major State Company Bleeds Funds

New Fuel Taxes Take Hold as State Company Faces Major Financial Crisis

2 June 2025

After a period of relative strength and gains, the South African rand saw a drop in value by the end of trading on Friday. Despite ...

Role of the Deeds Office in SA

What is the Role of the Deeds Office in SA?

2 June 2025

The Deeds Office is a government department that records and manages all property ownership in South Africa. When a property is bought, sold, or transferred, ...

Loan With No Fees

Loans With No Fees

1 June 2025

For many South Africans, personal loans offer a practical way to manage expenses such as education, emergencies, or home improvements. However, the true cost of ...

Inflation

What is Inflation?

31 May 2025

Inflation affects the daily cost of living for every South African. If you’re buying groceries, filling up your car, or paying down a home loan, ...

Old Mutual Rewards

Old Mutual Rewards

30 May 2025

Old Mutual Rewards is a free programme available to South Africans, offering points for taking steps towards better money management. Anyone can join, whether they’re ...

50-30-20 Rule

What is the 50/30/20 Rule?

30 May 2025

Managing your money effectively starts with knowing where your income goes each month. For many South Africans, sticking to a clear budget is the key ...

Why Your SASSA Grant Might Not Arrive on Time This June

Why Your SASSA Grant Might Not Arrive on Time This June

30 May 2025

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that more than 210,000 grant recipients will experience payment delays in June. This disruption will affect ...

Jobs Slashed in Critical South African Sector

More Than 440,000 Jobs Slashed in Critical South African Sector

29 May 2025

Gold mining was once the foundation of South Africa’s economic growth, powering national development for much of the 20th century. Over the last several decades, ...

Zero-Based Budgeting

What is Zero-Based Budgeting?

29 May 2025

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is a financial planning method where every rand must be accounted for from scratch at the start of each budgeting cycle. Rather ...

Petrol Costs in South Africa

Double Trouble Ahead for Petrol Costs in South Africa

28 May 2025

South African drivers are facing increased financial pressure after the National Treasury announced a hike in fuel taxes this week. This announcement comes at a ...

What Is Online Banking? How It Works in South Africa

28 May 2025

Online banking is widely used in South Africa, offering a convenient way to manage finances without visiting a branch. Through secure bank websites or mobile ...

SASSA Old-Age Grant

What to Expect from the June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grant

27 May 2025

The payment schedule for the June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants has now been confirmed, with disbursements set to begin on Tuesday 6 June 2025. This ...

Building Loan vs. Home Loan

What is a Building Loan vs. Home Loan?

27 May 2025

If you’re looking to finance a home in South Africa, you’ll likely need to choose between a home loan and a building loan. A home ...

Taxpayers Exempt from Filing a Return

Taxpayers Exempt from Filing a Return in 2025

26 May 2025

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially published details regarding the upcoming 2025 tax season, including comprehensive guidance on final submission deadlines and the ...

What is a Title Deed? Property Ownership in South Africa

26 May 2025

When buying or selling property in South Africa, the title deed is the official document that proves who owns the property. It includes key details ...

Checking Account With No Fees

Cheque Account With No Fees

25 May 2025

A cheque account with no monthly fees can help South Africans cut unnecessary banking costs. These accounts are designed for people who want basic banking ...

Stop Order

What is a Stop Order?

25 May 2025

A stop order is a financial instruction commonly used in South Africa to authorise regular deductions from a bank account, typically to pay off loans, ...

Why June 2025 Could Be the Right Time to Take a Loan

Why June 2025 Could Be the Right Time to Take a Loan

24 May 2025

June marks the halfway point of the year, making it a practical time for South Africans to reassess finances and plan ahead. Whether you need ...

Branch Code

What is a Branch Code?

24 May 2025

When sending money through a bank in South Africa, one of the most common requirements is a branch code. This short numeric code plays a ...

5 Crucial Insights from Budget 3.0

5 Crucial Insights from Budget 3.0

23 May 2025

On Wednesday, 21 May, South Africa’s Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, presented the third revision of the 2025 National Budget Speech. This updated address introduced several ...