Ester Ochse

Consumers continue to feel the devasting effects due to a strained economy brought about by the pandemic. The upcoming National Budget address is a good time to reflect on the state of your finances and better plan for the year ahead. Ester Ochse, Product Head of Money Management at FNB says, “The National Budget is based on the government's planned spending for the new financial year and outlines the government’s priorities; just like a person needs a budget and a spending plan the … [Read more...] about Why consumers need to heed the budget speech

The word detox can be quite daunting especially when the goal is to start the year on a clean slate. Yet more so than before, people are looking at detoxing and simplifying their lives by reducing the clutter and focusing more on themselves or their family; and ultimately looking at achievable goals that will best suit them in 2020. Financially, it means looking at ways to save more and ensure that you are saving for the things that matter. “2019 was a tough year for everyone, but it was a … [Read more...] about Start 20Plenty with a financial detox

The topic of ‘financial freedom’ goes a long way especially in today’s tough economic environment. While we try and reduce the financial burden we often find ourselves swamped with unnecessary or unexpected expenses that often cause a hole in our wallets. Managing your finances should be a standard priority and should be an ongoing process. “Spending time with our loved ones over the holiday season is exciting; but sometimes our financial circumstance puts a damper on the holiday spirit. … [Read more...] about Don’t let your finances dampen your holiday spirit

The December holidays are here. So how do you ensure that you don’t overspend and not left with the JANU-WORRY blues next year. “The holiday season is a great time to spend with your family and friends, but we sometimes tend to overspend on things that we don’t need. Having a checklist sometimes helps ensure that we stick to our budgets and don’t overspend,” notes Ester Ochse, Product Specialist, FNB Financial Advisory. Her holiday checklist includes: Start saving early: You would have … [Read more...] about Your holiday financial checklist

As we approach the middle of the year, we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on our new year financial resolutions and to gauge whether our financial goals are still on track. Ester Ochse, Product Specialist at FNB Wealth and Investments says, “saving and investing should form an important part of your goals and money management journey. By regularly revisiting your progress, you can see if you are on track to meet your financial goals.” “However, after assessing your goals and … [Read more...] about Tips to help you reach your savings goal

Saving money is one of the most important aspects to securing your financial future. When taught early, it becomes easy to develop good financial habits that will yield long-term benefits. Ester Ochse, Product Specialist at FNB Wealth and Investments says, “encouraging children to save from an early age plays an important role and will help when they get older. Exposing your children to saving and managing their own finances early will allow them to make mistakes, learn from their mistakes … [Read more...] about Why Saving from a Young Age is Important

Nationwide loadshedding can be a costly inconvenience for South African households that plan their monthly budgets well in advance. The timing of the current power cut may lead to wastage as most families would have stocked-up supplies for the duration of the month. More importantly, it may put a strain on households that have tight budgets with little to no room for unexpected expenses which often creep up during long periods without electricity. South African households are already under … [Read more...] about How to minimise the cost of loadshedding

The 2019/2020 annual Budget Speech will be presented to South Africa next week; with the hope that it will bring positive change, rebuild confidence and address some of the key challenges that South African consumers and businesses face. Unpacked on the 20thFebruary, the Budget Speech highlights governments spending, tax and borrowing plans for the year. Ester Ochse, Product Specialist at FNB Wealth and Investment says that, “pressure has undoubtedly been on the South African National … [Read more...] about How will the 2019 Budget Speech affect you?

Valentine’s Day is a special day set aside to celebrate love. However, as beautiful as it maybe we tend to overspend which leaves us with a huge hole in our pockets. The fundamentals of savings should be applied to any special and celebratory occasions. “Whether you spend on a special birthday, wedding anniversary or Valentine’s Day ensure that you plan accordingly and start saving early,” says Ester Ochse, Product Specialist at FNB Wealth and Investments. “Your budget should highlight your … [Read more...] about Don’t let Love Blow Your Budget

With the tough economy, rising interest rates and increasing household and lifestyle costs; consumers are urged to tighten their wallets even further. As household expenditure continues to increase, we need to be cautious of overburdening ourselves with unnecessary expenses. “Look at your current financial situation and determine how and what your key finance priorities are for you and your family,” says Ester Ochse, Product Specialist, FNB Wealth and Investments. “Recapping and reviewing … [Read more...] about Managing your household budget in tough economic conditions

Divorce can have a substantial impact on an individual’s financial position, especially where finances are involved and were a settlement agreement has been reached by both parties. Ester Ochse, Product Specialist at FNB Wealth and Investments says, “while this could be a very difficult time, this doesn’t mean that you must forget about your financial future. It is advisable to relook your financial position holistically and start a financial journey in the right direction over a long-term … [Read more...] about Your finances after a divorce

The common notion that money makes the world go around, stands true for many. Money is viewed as a tool that enables our dreams of a better life, helps validate our success and amplifies how successful we really are. Our relationship with money is emotional and derived by our needs, wants and ultimately the fear of missing out (FOMO). “Lack of effective money management skills can put a strain on your pockets and even hamper family relationships. Ultimately, we should live within our means … [Read more...] about How to balance your relationship with money

The concept of an emergency savings is simply a stash of money set aside to help you manage those surprise expenses that may crop up. These emergency funds could help you from incurring excessive debt in your time of need. “Increasingly, we find that we are over-burdened with surprise and unexpected expenses which can lead to indebtedness as disposable remains under pressure. Building and maintaining an emergency savings fund gives you an opportunity to meet unexpected financial obligations … [Read more...] about The rule of thumb for emergency savings