Good day and welcome to the September 2025 edition of FC Viewpoint.

IN THE NEWS:

• The JSE All Share Index is on 103 641 on 9 August 2025. The JSE All Share Index
• 1 US Dollar will cost you R17.46; 1 Pound = R23.72 and 1 Euro = R20.55.
• Annual consumer inflation (CPI) is at 3.5%.
• The prime lending rate in South Africa is currently 10.50% per annum.
• The price of Oil is $62 per barrel.
• South Africa has taken a step forward in its rail reform process with the confirmation of 11 new train operating companies that will transport commodities across Transnet’s network from the 2026/2027 financial year.
  – This marks a shift towards opening access to private operators while keeping the rail infrastructure under state ownership.
  – It is estimated that these 11 operators will add 20 million tons of freight a year once operations begin.

One of my investment clients asked me for some financial advice for couples who are getting married. I would like to share it with you as well.

1. Talk About Money Openly

• Be honest about income, debts, credit scores, and spending habits.
• Decide together whether you’ll manage money jointly, separately, or with a hybrid approach.
• Avoid “financial secrets” – they often cause the most marital stress.

2. Understand Your Marital Regime

• In Community of Property: Assets and debts are shared equally.
• Out of Community (with Accrual): You each keep what you had before marriage, but share growth during marriage.
• Out of Community (without Accrual): Everything stays separate.
  ➡️ Your regime will affect property, debt, and estate planning decisions. 

3. Set Joint Financial Goals

• Short-term: honeymoon, new home, emergency fund.
• Medium-term: car, children’s needs, investment accounts.
• Long-term: retirement savings, building wealth, leaving a legacy.

4. Budget as a Team

• Track income vs. expenses.
• Decide together on categories: fixed (bond/rent, insurance), flexible (groceries, entertainment), and savings.
• Use a “yours, mine, and ours” system if you prefer some independence.

5. Protect Yourselves

• Get life insurance and disability/income protection – especially if one partner depends on the other’s income.
• Review and update medical aid and gap cover.
• Consider wills and estate planning (critical if you have kids later).

6. Prioritise Savings & Investing

• Build an emergency fund (3–6 months of expenses).
• Start or increase retirement savings (RA, pension, provident fund).
• Look into tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) and ETFs/unit trusts for long-term growth.

7. Manage Debt Wisely

• Tackle high-interest debt (credit cards, personal loans) first.
• Avoid buying beyond your means (cars, lifestyle debt).
• Use debt strategically only for appreciating assets (property, business).

8. Plan for Major Life Events

• Buying a house → bond affordability, transfer duty, costs.
• Having children → medical, schooling, childcare.
• Business ventures → protect personal assets with the right structure.

9. Review Regularly

• Sit down monthly for a “money date” to check budget, goals, and investments.
• Adjust as circumstances change (job changes, moving, kids).

10. Work as a Team

• Money should unite you, not divide you.
• Make decisions together, celebrate milestones, and keep communication open.

Wealth regards,

Fanie Jansen Van Vuuren CA (SA), CFP®

Director: FC Wealth and Investments (Pty) Ltd

E: fanie@fcfin.co.za  |  T: 083 384 5868

W: www.fcfin.co.za