Education is costly and requires much thought and consideration. Without a proper savings strategy; you could find yourself running around for that extra cash to pay for your child’s education. “With the increasing education costs; parents should take it upon themselves to plan and save in advance. Not forgetting that unforeseen expenses will pop-up from time to time. This puts strain on parent’s pockets; especially if these unforeseen expenses are not planned for,” says Ester Ochse, FNB … [Read more...] about Save for your child’s education
Ester Ochse
Cost of living soars
Consumers have been urged to tighten their belts and curb excessive spending as the rising cost of living could take its toll. This month, motorists in South Africa will pay more than R16 per litre of fuel and the increase is expected to trickle into the cost of goods and services such as food and transport. Ester Ochse from FNB Wealth and Investments says this is a tough cycle for South African consumers as most of these costs are beyond people’s control. Food and transport are major spend … [Read more...] about Cost of living soars
Teach your kids how to manage money
In the digital age, parents cannot afford to neglect the crucial responsibility of teaching their kids about managing money. Ester Ochse, FNB Wealth and Investments Product Specialist says whether it’s a billboard on the way to school, lifestyle images in a magazine or social media images of their favourite celebrity or idol – children can access information which may give them a misguided view of how money is ‘easily’ earned and how it should be used. “Once a child has pre-conceived … [Read more...] about Teach your kids how to manage money
8 Ways to Manage that Inheritance
An inheritance can be a great financial bonus; but if not managed correctly will also pose a few challenges. Receiving a windfall is great and the urge to just spend it quickly is quite tempting. “Resist the urge to use the money, let it sink in first and put the money in a short-term bank deposit while working out what you want to do with it. Don’t tell anyone about your windfall. It’s amazing how people suddenly want to be part of your best friend circle once they find out about your … [Read more...] about 8 Ways to Manage that Inheritance
Grant yourself a monthly Personal Finance Day
Just as we all enjoy a day to ourselves; be it for shopping or a day at the spa - everyone should have a Personal Finance Day. What is a personal finance day? “A Personal Finance day is a day set aside each month to sort out your personal finance needs. This will help you better manage your finances and help you ascertain your budgeting goals, expenses and savings for the month ahead. Eventually this practice will become a habit, which will make your life much easier,” says Ester Ochse, FNB … [Read more...] about Grant yourself a monthly Personal Finance Day
Alternative Valentine’s Gifts for Him and Her
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with the traditional exchange of cards, chocolates, gifts and sharing a candle-lit dinner with loved ones. It not only signals appreciation and love for one another; but is also a life-long tradition that is celebrated in most parts of the world. Splurging on loved ones is great; but why not spoil your loved one with a gift that will put them in a better financial position. Ester Ochse, Product Specialist - FNB Advisory says that, “Valentine’s Day can be a costly … [Read more...] about Alternative Valentine’s Gifts for Him and Her
Holiday Season Financial Bounce Back
The holiday season is over; and as we head back to work and plan for the next school year, we need to relook our budgets; given that pay day is still weeks away. The festive month-long holiday with family and friends was great but now consumers need to plan for the year ahead. January is a great time to re-evaluate and look at your goals for the year; which should focus entirely on budgeting and saving. “We underestimate the value of saving and often end up wishing that we had saved from … [Read more...] about Holiday Season Financial Bounce Back
10 Tips For Festive Season Shopping on a Budget
The festive season is here! While we planned and ensured that we have the perfect gift for our loved ones; we are sometimes left with those unwanted last minute shopping trips to the mall. “Budgeting for the festive season and any other special life event should be a key strategy from the beginning of the year, not just NOW. Retail therapy is sometimes great, but can be stressful as well. However, if managed correctly and within a budget – it can be a fun-filled activity,” says Ester Ochse, … [Read more...] about 10 Tips For Festive Season Shopping on a Budget
Step-by-step guide to saving for your children’s education
2018 is around the corner and while we planning for the summer holidays, we should devote some time to ensuring that we manage our expenses in the New Year. Education has become a costly affair and requires much thought and consideration. “Besides the normal school fees, parents need to fork out extra on uniforms, stationery, extracurricular activities, excursions; to mention a few. This sometimes puts strain on parents’ pockets; especially if these unforeseen expenses are not planned for,” … [Read more...] about Step-by-step guide to saving for your children’s education
Keep your finances in order
Consumers are advised to tighten their savings belt and ensure that their finances are in order. This is advice from Ester Ochse, FNB Advisory Product Specialist, after the announcement of the recent Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement. The 2017 Mid-Term Budget projected that “the weaker growth outlook reflects a continued deterioration in business and consumer confidence”. The Ministry also said this flows from perceptions of heightened risk as indicated in lower credit ratings, higher bond … [Read more...] about Keep your finances in order
Manage your finances this Spring
“Spring has sprung and while we looking forward to some time-off during the summer holidays, we should maybe start looking at how we plan our finances for 2018,” says Ester Ochse, Product Specialist FNB Advisory. 2017 has been characterized by uncertain economy conditions which continue to affect the financial situation for many consumers and businesses. “In some instances, this causes financial gaps which contribute to a culture of people living way beyond their means and getting trapped in … [Read more...] about Manage your finances this Spring
Invest in yourself first
‘Investing’ is a concept that is often misunderstood as requiring extensive financial and industry knowledge coupled with years of experience. This for many is seen as a major stumbling block as opposed to an opportunity to learn the ‘art of investing’. “There is no right time to learn about investing, than now” says Ester Ochse, Product Specialist at FNB Financial Advisory. “Anyone can invest as long as they are willing to stay in it for the long-term and match their risk appetite with the … [Read more...] about Invest in yourself first
5 Habits that stop you from building your savings
The extent to which a person is able to save depends largely on their attitude towards money and not how much they earn. Ester Ochse, Product Specialist at FNB Advisory, says “Some people don’t earn much but are able to build a solid savings base, and the reason for this is simple – they understand the impact savings can have on their finances. On the other hand there are people who earn more but are not able to save and this habit can be attributed to a number of reasons.” Here are some … [Read more...] about 5 Habits that stop you from building your savings
What you SHOULD do if you win the Lottery
After receiving a financial windfall, such as an inheritance or lottery winnings, it's important to stop and think about what you want to do with your money. "Unexpectedly receiving large amounts of money can potentially change the course of your life, only if the money is used wisely. It's important to understand that managing a large amount of money is not easy and the first instinct for most people is to spend, especially on big ticket items such as cars, holidays or expensive jewellery. … [Read more...] about What you SHOULD do if you win the Lottery
Financial fitness and open conversations essential to a long and happy union
With Valentine's Day approaching and romance permeating the air, some of us will be caught up in the chocolates, flowers and passionate declarations. Rightly so, but for some couples a healthy dose of financial pragmatism can also enhance this annual celebration. For Ester Ochse, Channel Head at FNB Financial Advisory, the delicate balance between financial guidance and relationship openness is an essential part of the service she offers clients. "Be in love and happy, but also talk about the … [Read more...] about Financial fitness and open conversations essential to a long and happy union
