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!

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 ...

Confirmed SASSA Grants & Payment Schedule for June 2025

Confirmed SASSA Grants & Payment Schedule for June 2025

23 May 2025

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants provide monthly financial assistance to millions of citizens who rely on this support for daily living costs, including ...

Gross Domestic Product

What is GDP? Gross Domestic Product in South Africa

22 May 2025

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a core measure used to assess the economic performance of a country, including South Africa. It reflects the total value ...

South African Social Grants Set for Major Update

South African Social Grants Set for Major Update

22 May 2025

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has introduced a revised approach to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, with a renewed focus on aligning the grant ...

Tax Practitioner

What is a Tax Practitioner in South Africa?

22 May 2025

As the South African Revenue Service (SARS) enhances its ability to detect non-compliance through advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, businesses are under growing ...

Unclaimed South African Benefits

How to Claim Your Share of R89 Billion in Unclaimed South African Benefits

21 May 2025

Although the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has not released an updated figure for the estimated R89 billion in unclaimed financial assets, professionals in the ...

What is a UIF Contribution in South Africa?

21 May 2025

A UIF contribution in South Africa is a compulsory payment made by both employers and employees to the Unemployment Insurance Fund. This fund provides short-term ...

No Double Grants in June

No Double Grants in June, Says SASSA

20 May 2025

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has firmly dismissed widespread claims circulating that grant beneficiaries will receive double payments in June, firmly labelling such ...

Affordability Assessment for a Home Loan

What is Affordability Assessment for a Home Loan?

20 May 2025

Buying a home is a significant step for many South Africans, and securing a home loan is often a crucial part of this journey. Before ...

Interest Rate Cut Amid Falling Inflation

South Africa May See Interest Rate Cut Amid Falling Inflation

19 May 2025

With the ongoing decrease in the cost of living, many analysts are now predicting that an interest rate reduction could be on the horizon. This ...

Loan-to-Value for Home Loans

What is Loan-to-Value LTV for Home Loans?

19 May 2025

When applying for a home loan in South Africa, one of the key figures considered by lenders is the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. This ratio compares ...

Tax Records and Transcripts

How To Get Tax Records and Transcripts

18 May 2025

Getting your tax records and transcripts from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is a common requirement for many people. Whether you need them for ...

Skuldhulp Review

Skuldhulp Review

18 May 2025

Dealing with debt in South Africa can be overwhelming, especially when monthly payments start to feel unmanageable. Skuldhulp [Skuldhulp.co.za] is a registered debt counselling provider ...

My Financial Help Review

My Financial Help Review

17 May 2025

Managing debt in South Africa can be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple loans, high interest rates, and mounting monthly repayments. Many people are looking ...

SARS Auto-Assessment

What is a SARS Auto-Assessment?

17 May 2025

Each year, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issues auto-assessments to selected taxpayers as part of its effort to streamline the annual income tax filing ...

Employment Setbacks

South Africa Faces New Employment Setbacks

16 May 2025

South Africa’s upcoming employment figures are expected to reflect unfavourable trends, according to economists who caution that continued economic underperformance and a surge of new ...

Travel Allowance

What is a Travel Allowance? (SARS Guidelines)

16 May 2025

When employees in South Africa use their own vehicles for work-related travel, they may receive a travel allowance from their employer. This allowance is meant ...

Crisis Facing Domestic Workers in South Africa

Crisis Facing Domestic Workers in South Africa

15 May 2025

During the first quarter of 2025, the employment situation for domestic workers in South Africa worsened notably, as recent labour statistics from Statistics South Africa ...

Access Bond in South Africa

What is an Access Bond in South Africa?

15 May 2025

An access bond is a home loan facility offered by South African banks that allows homeowners to pay extra into their bond account and withdraw ...