Archives

18 December 2011 23:22

Protecting your valuables

Things individuals and businesses should consider over this holiday period.

Finance Tip: Protecting your valuables
This one’s more of a holiday checklist, but still super-important to ensure you don’t end up wasting your hard-earned money if something goes south this holiday season.

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30 January 2011 23:37

Tips to saving your cellphone battery life

And electricity.

Finance tip:  Utilities/Gadgets
Save electricity when charging your phone, and extend its battery life.  All cellphones require a charger or adapter, which one would plug into an electrical outlet to charge the device.  When done with charging your phone, make sure that you take the charger out of the plug socket, as it still draws a small charge when plugged in - even if your phone has been unplugged from it.  Also, to reduce wear on your phone battery (making it last longer), keep your phone in an area of the house/office where there is good reception.  Cellphones use far more battery power if they are constantly searching for signal - reducing battery life, and the time between charges.

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02 December 2010 11:07

The changing face of entrepreneurship in South Africa

Gareth Cotten writes from personal experience.

The idea of entrepreneurship has undergone some sweeping changes in the recent past, and nowhere more so than right here in SA.  These are just a few of the reasons for, and outcomes of, people having an entirely different take on going into business for oneself...

Being an entrepreneur is no longer seen as being mad.  It's now socially acceptable, and even aspirational, to be in business for yourself.  Look at the number of entrepreneurial publications and shows on TV, compared with 15 years ago.  Everybody knows a couple of entrepreneurs, and in general, they sing their praises.  The business owners in communities are now the role models, and no longer simply seen as the outcasts trying to ‘stick it to the...

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09 August 2010 02:19

Five reasons why you should understand financial management

Not only will it make you a better dinner party guest, but a more informed world citizen.

1. Understanding financial jargon

With the recent recession hitting everybody where it hurts, people have come to realise that they weren't following what was going on around them. In a major part, this was because people didn't understand the lingo being used, and couldn't decipher the warning signs for themselves. Wrapping your head around the jargon of the financial world not only makes you a better dinner party guest, but a more informed world citizen.

Perfect for:  Everyday Joe - finances are an unavoidable part of everyone's lives, whether they like it or not. Learn to know when "advisors" are working in your best interests, or their own.

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13 July 2010 13:07

Creating a budget for your business

Anna Malczyk and Gareth Cotten provide six tips on how to do so.

CAPE TOWN - A budget is a financial plan that outlines how much money your business makes and how much you need to spend on essential expenses. It is an excellent way of balancing cash flow: making sure that you spend enough money on your operational needs, without overspending and putting yourself under pressure. It also provides a clear overview of where your money is going if you need to cut costs. Here are six simple tips for kicking off your company's budget.

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