Articles

Paul Barnard writes a regular column, "Rands & Sense" for the City of Cape Town's "Contact". To access these informative free downloads in PDF format, please click on the links below.

Caring for your dependants, always
June/July 2010
Not many people want to think about illness or death, and what that could mean for their dependants, but this is one of the most important aspects of responsible personal financial planning. Put your people first ...
The big benefits of a budget
April/May 2010
Creating, and sticking to, a monthly budget is one of the hardest things for most people to do – but it’s also the easiest way to get yourself out of the debt cycle and start saving for a rainy day. Here’s an easy way to do it ...
Scoring your financial goal
February/March 2010
Would you like this to be the year when some of your dreams come true? Take some of the principles and discipline that soccer stars rely on to heart, apply some ‘smart’ rules to managing your money, and you can reach the financial goal you set.
Not-so-funny money tales
October/November 2009
There’s no warning as effective as someone else’s unfortunate real-life experience. Here are three true stories told by ordinary people who found themselves in an unexpected financial tangle.
The Big Five of investing
August/September 2009
Deciding where and how to invest your money can be a confusing business. There are four basic laws that will help you make the most sensible decisions. But there’s a fifth law too – pay off that high-interest debt first!
Getting good deals on wheels
June/July 2009
Believe it or not, people are still buying cars in the current financial pinch. Some are downscaling to cheaper or older vehicles because their existing payments are too high, and others are taking advantage of the many discount deals on offer because sales are slow. But before you rush out to look for new wheels, put the brakes on and follow some practical advice so you don’t get taken for a ride ...
The UNKINDEST (SALARY) CUT OF ALL
APRIL/MAY 2009
Getting into debt that you are unable to pay could result in a garnishee order. This means that your employer is forced to deduct money from your salary each month, by order of the court, to pay your debtors. This could leave you with insufficient money to live on, and should be avoided at all costs. Here’s how it works, what’s legal and what’s not, and what you can do if you are getting into bad debt.
The A to Z for a debt-free 2009
February/March 2009
It’s never too late to start managing your finances properly. Being largely debt-free, making sensible choices, and understanding the difference between ‘want’ and ‘need’ can improve your life in ways you never thought possible!
Save, and you shall prosper
December/January 2009
The end of the year is when people are most likely to get into debt. Here are some things you should know about interest rates, credit and debit cards, credit bureaus, and saving.
Teach them from an early age
October/November 2008
Almost every behaviour we display was learned when we were children. One of the best gifts you can give your children is to teach them good financial behaviour from the start, and then watch them create real wealth as they grow.
Battered by debt? Get help!
August/September 2008
If you’re over-indebted and finding it impossible to pay the people you owe, you’re not alone. But there is help available, and it’s critical that you act rather than ignore the problem.
Keeping that plastic fantastic
June/July 2008
Bank cards have almost replaced hard cash and offer great convenience – but a credit card can come back to bite you with debt and big interest fees. Here’s how to use both debit and credit cards wisely and even save on finance charges!
Saving is difficult, but you can do it
April/May 2008
Want to retire comfortably? Then you need to learn to save. It takes some self-discipline, and that starts with setting a monthly budget – and then paying yourself first.
Reduce your debt and stress
February/March 2008
Swamped by bills and feeling the pinch after the holiday season? Here’s some practical advice on how to prioritise and clear your debts – and sleep easier at night!
The NCA: It’s a Good News Act!
November/December 2007
The National Credit Act (NCA) is good news for you because it protects you from unscrupulous lenders and gives you more rights against being ripped off. Here’s how you can use the NCA to your advantage.
This is really interesting
July/August 2007
We all need to borrow money at some stage – say to pay for a car or a house - and we pay interest on that loan. But here’s how paying the loan off as quickly as you can will save you thousands of rands ...
The Colour of Money
May/June 2007
We don’t all like the same food, don’t all enjoy the same movies, don’t all choose the same type of holidays and we definitely don’t all support the same sporting teams! We also don’t all have the same attitude towards money.

 

 

Free PDF download
"Not-so-funny money tales"

First published in the
City of Cape Town's 'Contact'

 

Free PDF download
"The Big Five of investing"

First published in the
City of Cape Town's 'Contact'

 

 

 

Free PDF download
"Getting good deals on wheels"

First published in the
City of Cape Town's 'Contact'

 

 

 

Free PDF download
"THE UNKINDEST (SALARY) CUT OF ALL "

First published in the
City of Cape Town's 'Contact'

 

 

 

Free PDF download
"Reduce your debt and stress"

First published in the
City of Cape Town's 'Contact'
 
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