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Hacks to successful vehicle finance
September 17, 2024
Before you commit to buying your new or used car, look for deals, do some research and check your budget using our vehicle finance calculator.
Embrace the electric revolution with AVAF
August 27, 2024
The world is slowly but surely moving towards a more fuel-efficient lifestyle to embrace hybrid or fully electric vehicles.
Money saving habits for this Savings Month
July 23, 2024
Tawanda Rumhuma, the Executive for Savings and Investments at Absa Everyday Banking, gives some money saving tips this Savings Month.
Five steps to buying your next ride
May 03, 2024
Get the lowdown about buying your next ride. Follow the golden five steps that could save you a lot of time – and money!
All you need know about interest rates
November 27, 2023
When it comes to financing, the interest rate is the difference between eating pre-made schnitzels for dinner or house-brand baked beans on toast.
Vehicle finance repayment challenges
November 22, 2023
Current financial difficulties affecting many South Africans has caused many of us to tread carefully when making big financial commitments, like buying a car.
Make your festive easier with these budgeting hacks from Absa Rewards
December 20, 2022
This #AbsaSummerofICan, we want to help you make festive easier. With Absa Rewards, you can get real value back in the way that we know matters most to you this season – real cash back.
How the interest rate on your loan is calculated
November 02, 2022
When applying for a new loan, it’s important to make an informed decision by considering factors that influence the interest rate you get.
The importance of value-added insurance products
September 28, 2022
Vehicle insurance is vitally important. However, consumers don’t always understand the importance of value-added insurance products when taking out a vehicle finance loan.
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Vehicle Finance Loan repayment
August 22, 2022
When your finances take an unexpected turn and you struggle to pay your Vehicle Finance Loan, it’s important to understand your options and take the necessary action.
Can you really afford the cost of balloon payments?
August 01, 2022
Do you know what balloon payment on a car is all about? When you take on a balloon payment, you are still paying interest. Read more tips and educate yourself.
Applying for vehicle finance
May 17, 2022
We ask Absa’s Fulu Mandane and VW Hatfield’s Vleis Manyama to tell how South Africa’s changing economic conditions can affect your credit profile when you are applying for vehicle finance.
Understanding an instalment sale agreement (Part 2)
November 22, 2021
Get more information on monthly car instalment agreement and the accompanying tax invoice.
Understanding an instalment sale agreement (Part 1)
November 04, 2021
Buying a new car? We can help you understand what it means to repay it through instalments.
Don’t fall into the trap of fraudsters
October 15, 2021
As a consumer you must take measures to protect your family, home and other valuables. It is important stay alert to avoid falling into fraudsters’ trap.
Vehicle ownership and maintenance
July 23, 2021
The difference between your car value and the remaining outstanding finance amount, may cause a shortfall if you are involved in an accident before you reach the break-even position.
A message to our customers from Jason Quinn
July 16, 2021
I am reaching out to you because at Absa, we are aware of the critical role that we play in partnering with our customers and clients. Our first priority is the safety of our frontline colleagues and our customers and clients who visit our service sites.
First-time car buyer's guide
July 16, 2021
As a first-time car buyer, how you’ve been managing your other financial obligations will also play a role in determining your affordability and influence the bank’s decision on what credit amount you qualify for.
An account that grows with your business
May 24, 2021
Absa has launched a brand-new transactional account called Business Evolve Zero. Specifically designed for sole proprietors’ businesses, and it comes with...
The value of marketing awards
May 19, 2021
Through marketing awards, such as the Marketing Achievements Awards, we are afforded the opportunity to grow and raise the bar with our marketing efforts.
Understanding the ins and outs of selling your car
October 07, 2020
There are many ways to sell your car - from private dealerships to word-of-mouth, and also selling directly to a dealership. Find out the hassle-free ways to do so with our easy guides.
Surviving retrenchment or loss of income
September 25, 2020
While the retrenchment package itself is there to assist you with your day-to-day expenses, try not to use the retirement benefits portion for daily living.
Money and marriage: financially ever after
September 09, 2020
You may be madly in love with your spouse, but with millions across the globe now unemployed because of COVID-19, many marriages are facing a financial crisis.
Building a savings buffer in an uncertain world
September 09, 2020
Most financial plans are derailed by unexpected expenses which is why, even if you are trying to pay off debt, you need to make that emergency fund your first priority.
The savings journey
September 09, 2020
Let’s start with interest: When you invest money at a particular rate of interest, you get back something extra at the end of the agreed period.
Budgeting 101: The different ways to budget
August 27, 2020
Let’s be frank, very few people get a kick out of creating a budget. But a budget is the cornerstone of a healthy financial life. A budget is telling your money where to go...
Avoid the slippery slope of credit dependency
August 27, 2020
If we continue to kick our problems down the road with more credit, we will very soon reach a point where we are trapped in a black hole of indebtedness
Navigate your finances in a changing world
August 19, 2020
During these uncertain times, it’s important to learn the basics of money management. We've put together tips that can help you navigate your finances.
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is
August 19, 2020
Read a few points to keep in mind when confronted with what looks like a bargain or lifeline but might be anything but...
World Environment Day 2020
June 05, 2020
As a bank, Absa recognises the continent’s vulnerability to climate change and biodiversity loss and we acknowledge our ability to responsibly influence all aspects of sustainability.
Absa COVID-19 Social Relief Programme
May 29, 2020
The Absa COVID-19 Social Relief Programme serves as a tool to collate funds to use and implement initiatives that support vulnerable groups with basic humanitarian assistance.
Making banking easier during COVID-19
March 25, 2020
As we are all navigating lives during the outbreak of Corona Virus (COVID-19), we want to make it easy and simple for you to do your banking transactions.
Absa launches #SheUntamed ahead of the 2020 Absa Cape Epic
February 04, 2020
We have launched the #SheUntamed initiative ahead of the 17th edition of the 2020 Absa Cape Epic taking place from 15 – 22 March 2020. This initiative seeks to encourage and drive an even greater level of interest and female participation within the MTB community.
Festive Safety Tips
December 20, 2019
As the year draws to a close, Absa Insurance Company wishes you a happy and restful festive season. To ensure your continued peace of mind, please make sure that your home is adequately covered.
Fire Storm Educational
December 19, 2019
While you may think this will never happen to you, we’re thinking you can never be too sure, so we cover damage that may be caused by fire* and explosions* to your property.
Financial fitness
December 09, 2019
You’ve just started your first job, now your career and your future stretches out before you. You’re thinking about how far you can go and, like any other journey, you will need a plan.
Building a business plan
November 12, 2019
Want to start a business but don't know how or where to start? Read some of the tips we've put together for you to get your business going.
How to make ends meet without the sole breadwinner
November 07, 2019
Preparing for unexpected twists and turns is an important part of any breadwinner’s financial planning. Read more on how you can make ends meet without the sole provider.
The latest in banking scams
November 07, 2019
Ensuring your banking and personal details are secure has never been more important, especially when criminals’ methods are getting smarter and their technology more advanced. To get a better understanding of the situation, we spoke to Absa's Head of Fraud for Everyday Banking, Ulrich Janse Van Rensburg, who is responsible for ensuring that Absa stays a step ahead of criminals by designing and establishing effective solutions that protect customers
Deceased estate
November 07, 2019
Life is uncertain, especially after the passing of a loved one. Dealing with the passing of a loved one is never easy. Amidst the emotional turmoil, the family needs to sort out a number of tasks. If you understand how deceased estates works, the administration surrounding these tasks can be easier to tackle. So, what exactly is a deceased estate and what happens to a person’s estate when he or she passes away?
Retirement annuities
October 15, 2019
One of the long term saving goals in any personal financial plan is saving for retirement. Find out more on how you can start your journey.
Preparing for the uncertainties of life
September 30, 2019
Read more on how as individuals, we have a financial and moral obligation to conduct our own mini version of the stress test on a regular basis.
The real cost of death
September 18, 2019
A Last Will and Testament will ensure that you have control over what will happen to your assets upon your death. Do you agree? Read more.
Planning journey towards retirement
September 12, 2019
The possibility of not having enough retirement savings at retirement is a modern day reality that you must address as soon as possible. Find out how you can plan ahead.
Get rid of toxic debt
September 03, 2019
Debt is toxic because in its worst form it is a type of mental illness. The feeling it causes is enough to drive anyone insane. Read more below.
Women and provision for retirement: what’s different?
August 15, 2019
Statistics show that on average, men out-earn women in most industries, yet it is women who historically are saddled with taking on family financial responsibilities. Read more.
Absa CBD security initiatives
August 05, 2019
The M2 road closure facilitated conversations between all the relevant parties. And in true Absa's spirit, there was potential to take back the CBD. Read more.
Absa’s first year as a standalone African brand
July 09, 2019
On 11 July 2018, Absa relaunched to the market after the separation from Barclays PLC, a huge shift in the brand’s identity which asked that customers revisit their perceptions of an entity which had operated in South Africa for decades.
Our lucky 20k winners
June 21, 2019
They say time flies when you’re having fun, and with the second semester soon coming to an end, we hope that’s the case. It also means that our Absa “Stand a chance to win R20k” competition is over and our lucky winners are in.
Impact Investing
May 29, 2019
In this era of significant social, environmental, and political challenges, we have an opportunity and an imperative to move towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
2019 PSL Awards: Celebration #Goals
May 29, 2019
After a gruelling season that demanded nothing short of the best from the league’s players, it’s time to celebrate the people who made #AbsaPrem as exciting as it was.
Personal Financial Plan
May 27, 2019
What is financial planning? Articles of this nature usually start with an introduction along the lines of “The definition of a personal financial plan is not a generic one, but rather a comprehensive description of the management of an individual’s wealth and financial decisions”.
Celebrating 25 years of Freedom
April 24, 2019
In 2018 alone, we have made significant strides in supporting educational initiatives which in turn strengthens democracies across all the jurisdictions where we operate.
The Absa Laat Jou Kuns Wen Mentorship Programme 2019
March 26, 2019
At the 2019 KKNK festival, Absa will be launching the Laat Jou Kuns Wen Mentorship Programme. The programme aims to empower, develop, uplift, upskill, and create opportunities for up-and-coming artists from Oudtshoorn and surrounds.
Making sense of the #Budget2019 announcements
February 21, 2019
Many announcements were made, but what’s important and what does it all mean? We’ve put together some comments and thoughts from our in-house experts to help clarify some of the questions and confusion that you might have.
#Budget2019: Here’s what you need to know
February 20, 2019
South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, delivered #Budget2019 and had a lot of announcements to make – some more exciting than others. But with so much information in such a short space of time, it’s easy to lose track of (and get confused about) everything that was revealed.
A budget is the one habit that can change your life
February 18, 2019
We’ve all heard about the importance of budgeting at some point in our lives. It’s a word that regularly gets thrown around and while we all know that we should make an effort to budget, but not many of us actually know where to start or how to effectively (and seamlessly) implement this financial tool into our lives.
#OwnTheBudget: Understand what’s to come in #Budget2019
February 13, 2019
South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, is days away from delivering the annual Budget Speech on the 20th of February. Although it may be hard for most people to predict what the outcomes will be, one thing that we can be sure of, is that all the announcements will affect your pocket and lifestyle in some way.
Work smart with Absa SmartPay
January 23, 2019
Meet SmartPay, our latest endeavour which aims to put small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) first and bring a greater level of ease to accepting card payments. In the words Antoinette Barnard, Head of Business Merchants and Merchant Events Absa, “SmartPay is not a device, it is an offering.”
Absa Retirement Annuity
November 29, 2018
Planning for retirement is generally put on the back burner as it is much easier to only think about the present. The unfortunate reality is that sustaining one’s lifestyle through the years of retirement is impossible without long-term planning during one's income-generating years.
The upside of interest (yes, there is one)
November 15, 2018
Before we get into it, it’s important to understand exactly what we mean when we refer to the interest rate. According to Hatendi-Matika, it can be simply explained as the cost of borrowing. “Whenever you borrow money from the bank – whatever the reason may be - you have to pay it back. And the additional rates that the bank or alternative lenders charge you while you’re paying it back is calculated based on the interest rate.
Does SA experience a greater pinch?
November 08, 2018
In the first week of October 2018, crude oil reached its highest recorded levels since 2014, trading at around US$86 per barrel. According to the Global Petrol Prices website, the world average prices for petrol and diesel sit at around US$1.17 and US$1.09 respectively.
The key to comfortable retirement
November 01, 2018
The story of Adele Kruger* is a painful illustration of just how badly a family can be hurt when financial planning has been neglected. Adele and her husband had their own small business. He handled the finances, while she focused on customers and operations.
You can't predict the unpredictable - but you can limit the stress
October 31, 2018
What do you lie awake worrying about at night? In a major piece of research in the US a couple of years ago, a leading financial services group sought to find out. In the financial space, it emerged that our biggest fear lies in the unexpected - unexpected expenses, or losing our source of income.
#MTBPS2018: 5 things to expect
October 23, 2018
So, while we wait for the Finance Minister to deliver his speech on 24 October, we spoke to Craig Pheiffer, Chief Investment Strategist at Absa Stockbrokers and Portfolio Management, to get an idea of what we can expect. It’s always good to be prepared, right?
#AfricaEmoji forever
October 18, 2018
#AfricaEmoji is the start of a new narrative - the one told by us as Africans. It’s a tiny symbol with massive clout – an emoji that lets us share our version of this continent with the rest of the world.
Increased plantings and adequate rainfall boost macadamia production in 2018
October 15, 2018
The 2018 crop is a significant improvement on the previous two season’s crops of 38 000 and 44610 tons for 2016 and 2017 respectively, which were severely reduced due to a drought period. The macadamia industry is expected to expand over the next couple of years, due to an increase in plantings over the past few years, and these plantings now coming into production.
End of the year studying tips
October 12, 2018
Your final exams are around the corner. This is an important time on your varsity calendar, because you have to start getting ready to study for those stressful final exams you’ve probably been dreading the whole year. We’ve put together five very helpful study tips to get you exam-ready.
How can you create wealth through residential property investment?
September 11, 2018
If you’re new to the residential property investment game there are a number of factors to consider before making the leap. You have probably heard that property is all about ‘location, location, location’ and this rings true.
Everything you need to know about passive investing
September 04, 2018
This article demystifies passive and active funds and investments and strategies. We’ll unpack what each type of fund is, what makes the funds different from each other and what the pros and cons of each are.
Increased milk production and lower demand, leading to lower milk prices
August 21, 2018
South African milk production significantly increased in 2017, a 4% year on year increase was reported compared to 2016. The 2016/17 summer grains production season received good rains, which led to surplus soybean and maize production. Large feed supplies, lead to lower feed prices therefore positive milk-to-feed price ratios. Lower feed prices encouraged milk production from June 2017. The sustained uptrend in domestic production and limited consumer demand has in return lead to lower prices from May 2018.Current milk production during April 2018 was 6% higher when compared to the same time last year. The number of dairy farmers continue to decline per year over the long term we see a decline of 400 farmers per year, currently the country only has about 1300 odd producers. Production however has increased over time.
A possible El-Nino event may support maize prices going into 2019
August 07, 2018
Weather forecasts indicate more than a 50% chance of another El-Nino event. The occurrence may start in late 2018 and will likely continue into autumn of 2019. If the event materialises, the likelihood increases for lower rainfall and higher-than-average-temperatures during Nov 2018- early 2019, during the summer crop production period.
What’s fuelling the pressure?
August 03, 2018
With the petrol price at its highest historically, many of us may be scratching our heads about how we got here. So, let’s look at some of the factors that are driving up the price, and dissect what it means for the economy.
What’s shaping South African fixed income market moves?
July 27, 2018
So far, 2018 has been a year of remarkable price volatility in South Africa’s currency and government bond markets. Since late 2017, we observed a euphoric market reaction to a new South African political dawn and the immediate market-friendly steps taken by the freshly shuffled government.
#ItTakes5
June 08, 2018
So, you’ve been fantasising about what you’d look like driving to campus in a fresh new ride, only to dismiss it with, “I’m reaching here. That won’t happen,” because… student life. But what if we told you that you could win a new Ford Figo and other great prizes all valued at R1 million?
Planning for your financial future while paying ‘Black Tax’
June 08, 2018
When you get your first job, nothing is more liberating than the thought of finally getting your own salary. You think of all the things you’ll be spending your money on – things you couldn’t afford while you were studying and unemployed.
The homework behind an investment home
May 23, 2018
Buying a property is usually the first big investment in one’s life. Whether you intend to live in it, utilise it as an income generating asset, or a combination thereof, you really need to be sure to do your due diligence before signing on the dotted line.
Technology and innovation
April 02, 2018
Through bio-innovation, today it is possible to produce a beef burger patty entirely from plants. Heme, the magic molecule obtained from Leghemoglobin in the roots of legumes, is what makes this all possible. Heme provides the meaty flavour – from plants!
Awethu App: your mobile business mentor
March 21, 2018
Most unemployed South Africans fall into two groups – young people struggling to find their first job and older people who lost a job and cannot find another. We spoke to Yusef Randera, the CEO of the Awethu Project about entrepreneurship to learn how his team is working to ‘create a more equitable South Africa’.
Change your financial future by investing in real estate
March 21, 2018
The key to successfully investing in property is understanding the ‘why’ – once you know why you should be investing in real estate, the ‘how’ becomes easier and fun to learn. And as you immerse yourself, you will find your addiction to be profitable and most enjoyable.
What are my options
March 21, 2018
For many of us, the euphoria of buying our own vehicle is similar to the beginning of a relationship. It is full of exciting firsts and milestones. We know that we will be together for quite some time to come – that is, at least as long as it takes to pay the vehicle off, but hopefully even longer.
All you need is love
March 21, 2018
One of the main causes of friction in a relationship is money. Couples can argue about other things – how to raise the children, household chores, sex, even who has control of the remote – but money seems to be the one that has the biggest consequences when it comes to the future of relationships.
How interest rates will affect you in 2018
March 21, 2018
The repo rate, also known as the repurchase rate, is the interest rate at which the South African Reserve Bank lends money to banks like Absa. In his speech, Kganyago mentioned that the recent VAT increase, mitigated by a stronger exchange rate, contributed to a changed inflation risk profile.
#JunkStatus 2018
March 20, 2018
We move on to discuss the effect of the recent budget speech, which Pheiffer sees as a step in the right direction. There is, of course, still a way to go if you compare it to where the country was in February last year – in terms of budget deficit, debt stabilisation and fiscal consolidation.
#Budget2018: Your questions answered
February 23, 2018
As expected, a few announcements made during #Budget2018 have the whole country talking. With this in mind, we had a Facebook Live video chat with Tsitsi Hatendi-Matika, Head of Retail Investment at Absa Wealth and Investment Management so she could answer some of your most frequently asked #Budget2018 questions.
Your #Budget2018 questions answered
February 20, 2018
With so many #Budget2018 changes being announced, you’re going to have questions about how it affects your pocket, right? That’s why we’re giving you the chance to have your questions answered in a live Facebook video.
Retirement annuity: savings with great benefits
February 20, 2018
About a third – 30% to be exact – of working South Africans do not have any formal retirement savings, according to industry research. This statistic jumps to 58% amongst people earning less than R5 000 per month.
Will your finances survive?
February 19, 2018
There are things in life that none of us can predict, so we try to be as prepared as possible by insuring our most valuable items for an agreed-upon monthly premium – a great start, but are you certain that your insurance is sufficient to fully cover your losses should the inevitable happen?
#Budget2018: Here’s what you need to know
February 16, 2018
Today, the Minister of Finance, Malusi Gigaba delivered the 2018 Budget Speech after much anticipation. But with so much being said in a short space of time, it’s easy to lose track of all the important announcements – and ultimately how they affect your pocket.
#Budget2018: Here’s what to expect
February 15, 2018
There has been much speculation about what will be revealed when our Minister of Finance, Malusi Gigaba, delivers the annual Budget Speech. And with markets reacting positively to the election of President Cyril Ramaphosa, all eyes will be on Parliament.
It’s a great time to buy property
February 01, 2018
So, first things first, how does one even start making that decision? We recently spoke to Absa property analyst, Jacques du Toit, about current trends in the South African property market, what the data is saying about capital growth and which factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or rent.
Davos trip signals time for renewal
January 31, 2018
Presidents, ministers, captains of industry and foremost social and political influencers gathered in one of the coldest places I’ve been to, and providing their views on the meaning of this year’s theme, Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.
Festive money mistakes
January 10, 2018
Thami Cele, Head of Savings & Investments at Absa Retail Banking explains, “The festive season should be a time for fun, laughter and happiness. Sadly, it is also the season where many consumers fall even deeper into debt by making the most common financial mistakes."
Around the world in R30k – First stop Europe
December 12, 2017
Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book and those who don’t travel read only one page.” We’re travelling the globe to find the most budget-friendly destinations because travel is more of a pleasure and adventure, but with the volatile South African rand, it can get expensive. So, come with us.
From the inside of a hospital room to the centre of the field
December 04, 2017
Fezile Hlope isn’t your average 17-year-old. While other teenagers are struggling to get out of bed or strike up a conversation with their crush, this Soweto-native defeated throat cancer to become the youngest referee in South African football history to officiate in an official game. And to the youngsters in his community, Fezile is a role model and a hero.
Investment and economic update
November 23, 2017
With the consolidated budget deficit now projected to widen to 4.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017/18 against a 2017 budget target of 3.1%, the speech has left credit ratings agencies more concerned about the health of the economy.
Jongste beleggings- en ekonomiese nuus
November 23, 2017
Nog selfs voor die Minister van Finansies, Malusi Gigaba, op 25 Oktober sy ietwat somber Mediumtermyn-begrotingsbeleidsverklaring (MTBBV) ter tafel gelê het, was dit reeds duidelik dat die ekonomie in die sop is. Sy toespraak het dit bloot bevestig en het ongelukkig ’n geleentheid misgeloop om konkrete planne deur die regering ter tafel te lê om die gebreke in die ekonomie aan te pak. Die toespraak was in werklikheid bloot ’n oproep tot aksie en glad nie ’n oortuigende plan nie.
Jou ander vakansiebeplanning
November 23, 2017
Versiening van motor – bespreek. Verlof – goedgekeur. Vakansieverblyf – bespreek. Troeteldiere – blyplek vir diere bespreek. Kinders se reisvermaak – uitgesorteer. Versekering – altyd gereël.
Your other holiday planning
November 23, 2017
Car service – booked. Leave – approved. Holiday accommodation – booked. Kids’ travel entertainment – sorted. Insurance – always on. But hang on. Does your everyday insurance cover give you peace of mind that should anything unforeseen happen while on holiday you are in good hands? READ on to find out.
Market commentary: Developments in Zimbabwe
November 16, 2017
Early yesterday morning, Major General SB Moyo of the Zimbabwean Defence Forces made official what had been until then, rumours, that President Robert Mugabe was under house arrest and that the military was now to a great degree in control of the Government of Zimbabwe.
The sharing economy
November 13, 2017
Why should investors care about sharing? Well, the swift rise to prominence of companies such as Airbnb and Uber emphasises the importance of identifying sectors and companies potentially at risk of similar disruptions.
Stay safe while shopping for Black Friday
November 13, 2017
Picture this: you are on your favourite online store, ordering an item on next-day delivery, anxious as the hours tick and you realise it's actually not coming because somewhere, something went wrong with your order. Sounds familiar? FIND out how to stay safe while shopping online.
Afrika maak opgang – belegging in die kontinent
November 13, 2017
Afrika maak opgang. Dis ’n uitdrukking wat ons al vir jare hoor en vereenselwig met ekonomiese groei, kunsuitdrukking, en ’n kontinent op die randjie van grootheid. Dit roep positiewe beelde voor die gees van ’n kontinent wat uiteindelik tot eie reg kom en die globale erkenning kry wat dit verdien. Maar ondanks Afrika se groeipotensiaal word dit steeds deur regerings en instansies as ’n waagstuk beskou. Dis wisselvallig, onvoorspelbaar en moontlik ’n bietjie te 'kleurvol' vir sommige beleggers.
Shared growth and risk: An eye on bonds
November 13, 2017
Investing is attuned to the notion of risk. It’s one of the first characteristics advisers attempt to ascertain when sitting with a new client. Risk is part and parcel of investing. So where does investing inspired by shared value sit on the continuum?
Die groot oordenking
November 13, 2017
Suid-Afrika se nuwe Minister van Finansies, Malusi Gigaba, het onlangs die wenkbroue laat lig toe hy inklusiewe groei gelykgestel het aan radikale ekonomiese transformasie. Maar die punt is goed tuisgebring dat, “daar geen ekonomiese vooruitgang kan wees wat die meerderheid van ons mense agterlaat nie”.
Ondersoek van beleggings: wat behels ’n goeie belegging
November 13, 2017
Om ’n ewewig te skep tussen verwagtings en werklikheid is ’n vaardigheid van onskatbare waarde, dog bly dit die meeste van ons ontwyk. Onredelik hoë verwagtings lei dikwels tot teleurstelling; tog hou ons nooit op om groot te droom nie. Dit is dus nie verbasend dat die meeste van ons die beleggingswêreld betree onder die waan dat ons binne ’n paar jaar goud sal tref nie, terwyl die suksesvolle belegger meer dikwels as ander die meeste geduld toon.
Offshore savings: Why it makes sense
November 13, 2017
Offshore saving is a ‘pro-South Africa’ investment as the money does not leave the country, unlike other offshore accounts. So, investing in a foreign currency won’t have any effect on the economy, and it helps you hedge against the volatile rand.
Wholesalers and retailers on the economy
November 08, 2017
South Africa is no longer in the technical recession that resulted from two consecutive quarters of negative growth. The good news however, is that there are ways that businesses in the wholesale and retail space can work to mitigate their losses and identify gaps that serve as growth opportunities.
It pays to pay with your Absa card
November 06, 2017
A lot of South Africans are still paying cash for everyday things. Cash can burn a hole in your wallet or even worse, get lost or stolen and you don’t get anything back. Pay with your Absa card and get on top of the benefits. Go on and Swiiish.
Finding the perfect dress
November 01, 2017
Consider this – there’s the dress you wear down the aisle, the dress you wear at the reception, the outfit you wear at your second reception, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the dress for the mother of the bride, the flower girls. The list goes on and the costs go up.
Getting her the engagement ring
November 01, 2017
You've found the love of your life and you can't wait to start your life together. So you've popped the question and she said "yes." Congratulations! Now, if you’ve done any kind of wedding ring research, you’ve probably run into this piece of advice – spend a month’s salary. What nonsense.
Africa rising – investing in the continent
November 01, 2017
Africa Rising. It’s an expression we’ve been hearing for years, associated with economic growth, artistic expression, and a continent on the brink of greatness. It conjures up positive images of a continent that is finally coming into its own and getting the global recognition it deserves.
What defines a good investment?
November 01, 2017
Balancing expectations with reality is an invaluable skill, yet one that remains elusive to most of us. Unreasonably high expectations often lead to disappointment yet we never fail to dream big. So what defines a good investment? We investigate below.
All you need is love
November 01, 2017
Planning for your honeymoon must be exciting. But we all know holidays can get expensive. Aside from travel, accommodation and food, there are dozens of little expenses that can creep in along the way. Caught up in the excitement of the moment, it’s easy to throw caution to the wind.
The big reflection
October 26, 2017
South Africa’s new Finance Minister, Malusi Gigaba, raised some eyebrows recently when he equated inclusive growth with radical economic transformation. But his point was well made that “there can be no economic progress that leaves the majority of our people behind”.
50% of south africans can’t afford to die
October 26, 2017
Let’s be honest, no one wants to think about death. It’s an uncomfortable topic. So, instead of having those important conversations about what will happen to our assets and how our loved ones will be affected once you’re gone, most of us just avoid the topic entirely. You’re too young to die, and death won’t come knocking on your door anytime soon, right? Well, not entirely.
#Mtbps2017 – not a damp squib
October 23, 2017
The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) – often referred to as the Mini Budget, much to National Treasury’s chagrin – is generally viewed as a damp squib.
Take care of those who take care of you
October 19, 2017
Have you ever wanted to do more for the person or people who work for you by providing them with benefits? Absa has a product that’s breaking new ground in this space: a Provident Fund specifically designed for small, micro and medium businesses, and which is a great fit for the individual employer.
Bridging borders: How to send money to family abroad
October 16, 2017
With year-end on the horizon, many of us have begun planning holidays, staycations or the logistics of travelling home to spend the festive season with family and friends – a prospect that is both exciting and stressful.
Fuel franchising continues to be resilient
October 10, 2017
The South African fuel retail industry has grown considerably in recent years. In fact, it is one of the few sectors to weather the downgrading, rand volatility and negative growth rates recently experienced.
The SA Olive Oil journey
October 05, 2017
South Africa has still managed to produce world-class olive oil, which has been recognised on the international stage. Over the past five years, there has been a 50% increase in planting and financing of olive farms, with approximately 95% of olive farmers situated in the Western Cape.
Award-winning Olive Oil Producer goes solar
October 05, 2017
It was unsurprising, then, that the olive-oil pioneer would turn to technology to upgrade his estate and approach Absa’s Business Banking team to help finance a solar solution to powering production. Justin Schmidt, Head of Renewable Energy, is keen to stress that financing is tailored to suit each customer’s unique needs.
Surviving the emotional costs of living together
September 26, 2017
Cohabitation. A rather functional and uninspiring word for what is, essentially, an exciting time for any couple. Moving in together can certainly save you both money; after all, one household is cheaper than two. But what other implications will it have on your financial situation?
Everything to know about your franchise dream
September 20, 2017
Despite the economic challenges that businesses face, franchising is one sector that has consistently shown its resilience by performing well. Our head of franchising at Absa speaks to us about the advantages and financial options available.
Unlock a bursary worth R150 000 to study Big Data Analytics (Hons)
September 20, 2017
We have teamed up with Wits University in offering bursaries to qualifying students worth R150 000 each to study towards an Honours qualification in Big Data Analytics at Wits University in 2018. FIND out more on what you need to qualify.
Why ‘winter is coming’ for overvalued growth stocks
September 19, 2017
The immediate prospects of any investment are as uncertain as those of any of the popular television series, Game of Thrones, characters but there is no doubt that, as their valuations rise, even stable businesses can become dangerous to own.
The art of giving back
September 19, 2017
Spurred on by strengthening motives of social responsibility, art investment is gaining traction. Dr Julie Taylor, Founder and owner of Guns and Rain online art platform, says: “Art investing, particularly in a country like South Africa, allows for investment with a purpose, not simply for investment growth.”
How to plan for the unplanned
September 14, 2017
Life happens. The geyser bursts. You get an unexpectedly large electricity bill. You break a tooth opening a beer bottle. (Don’t ever do that, by the way, it’s not as cool as you think.) Life happens, and when it does, chances are you are not ready for the financial fallout. Unexpected expenses can happen at any time. Some expenses may be small like a last-minute birthday gift, but others may be huge and take years to get over. Both, however, can blow the most responsible budget out of the water. But, fortunately, both can also be planned for.
Why having a will is a critical part of financial planning
September 11, 2017
The words ‘Last Will and Testament’ have a chilling kind of finality that many of us might prefer to ignore, reassuring ourselves that we are too young to consider the possibility of dying. However, the sad reality, as the well-known aphorism goes, is that “In the midst of life, we are in death” – and failing to prepare for that eventuality will mean leaving behind a family uncared for and unprotected.
Contract or prepaid? We investigate which is cheaper
September 07, 2017
In recent months, the cost of cellphone data and airtime has come under the spotlight. So much so, in fact, that the hashtag #datamustfall has been trending on Twitter as social media users call for service providers to slash their data prices. With good reason, research recently undertaken by Tarriffic, comparing seven countries, rates South Africa’s data costs second highest, behind Brazil. No wonder budget conscious Saffers are moaning. But until the glorious day that the cost of staying connected does come tumbling down, we have to make the best of what we have and shop wisely.
Manage your ego, to reduce your debt
September 04, 2017
Wealth and ego are intertwined. From the first moment early civilisations started trading with each other, possessions became a symbol of what sets us apart. Back in the day, a neighbour might envy you as you pulled out your rare ivory-handled knife or marvel at your beautiful wolf skin coat that you’d bought from some faraway land. It didn’t matter that a deerskin coat would keep you as warm, it was the distinctiveness of the coat that set you apart and marked you as someone special.
Paving a road for the taxi industry
August 31, 2017
The taxi industry has been making headlines for disputes over the high cost of vehicle finance and blacklisting of taxi owners due to some monthly instalments that are as high as R15 000 over 72 months. READ our conversation with head of Vehicle Finance at Absa.
Big ideas for small business
August 28, 2017
There are many reasons why SMEs fail. Lack of business skills, an inadequate market for your service, a poor business plan or poor money management. We’ve looked to the success of big businesses to guide new business owners and here’s what we’ve learned:
More than a foot in this race
August 23, 2017
The Mandela Day Marathon has since its inception in 2012 become one of the fastest growing sporting events in Africa, attracting a loyal international following from both athletes and observers. We are committed to Shared Growth which, for us, means having a positive impact on society while delivering shareholder value.
Building a savings culture to help empower the next generation of entrepreneurs
August 14, 2017
South Africa has a notoriously bad savings culture – in fact, with a household saving ratio of -0.50 percent according to Statistics SA, we have the lowest personal savings rate in the world. It is critical to change that and cultivate a nation that believes in putting money away, but it can be a challenge when South Africans survive from one month to the next.
Do you have the ‘I must have this now’ culture?
August 11, 2017
South Africa’s savings culture is in desperate need of intervention, which comes in the form of financial literacy and education. It’s no secret that we remain a consumption-led country, with strong factors that affect us and this contributes immensely to how the youth spend their money.
Saving for your next Baecation
August 11, 2017
A few minutes spent on social media will have you bitten by the travel bug, looking at your peers checking into this-and-that place, tagging this-and-that person, ultimately leaving you with a mild case of FOMO. READ how Stokvels have come to take on a whole new meaning, different to what most of us grew up understanding.
Hustling today to leave a legacy tomorrow
August 10, 2017
South Africa’s born-free generation is not just standing back and waiting for things to happen. Every day they put their shoulder to the wheel, and hustle to turn their dreams of a better life into reality. These entrepreneurial youngsters know how to capitalise on opportunities, take risks, learn from failure and get back up to face challenges head-on.
Treat yourself and save with Absa Dining
August 03, 2017
Whether it’s a family catch up, date night or just a Friday night out with friends, going to a wonderful restaurant or enjoying your favourite takeaway is a treat you deserve. With Absa Dining, we're making it an everyday event. SEE whether you qualify.
If It Looks Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is
July 31, 2017
At the recent launch of its “Easy come. Easy go” campaign, which warns South Africans against get-rich-quick schemes, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) pointed out that there’s no such thing as money for nothing.
Bond Investment, is your portfolio actively involved?
July 25, 2017
Fixed income is a crucial cornerstone of any financial plan to grow long-term wealth. Bonds have, historically been the more stable investment choice, rewarding investors based on the term to maturity and the issuers credit risk.
10 Ways to Save While You Spend
July 24, 2017
Let’s be honest, we could all use a few extra rands in our pockets, but we don’t want to change our habits entirely. Fortunately, there are ways to spend smarter that are just as helpful as, and a lot more realistic than, not spending at all. We compiled a list of tips to help you save money while you spend.
Save Money (And Possibly the Planet) With Green Tech
July 17, 2017
Homeowners are going green, but many of us are still gobbling up fossil fuels - especially in winter. Between global warming and the cost of electricity skyrocketing, it's time we explored renewable energy in our homes. To help you do that, we asked Justin Schmidt, Head of Renewable Energy Africa at Absa, to outline the so - called ‘green technologies’ at your disposal.
Junk Proof Your Assets
July 07, 2017
It goes without saying that the first thing you can do, is clear any debt but it’s also time to consider how to protect your money. We sat down with Craig Pheiffer, Head of Private Client Asset Management at Absa, to find out what you can do now to prepare yourself for the future.
Are You Saving in Foreign Currency
July 06, 2017
These days, switching on the radio brings more doom and gloom than good news stories. Political uncertainty, rising unemployment, rating downgrades – we all hold our breath to hear how the rand is faring against other currencies. So what causes a currency's value to fluctuate? We caught up with Chris Gilmour, Investment Analyst at Absa to unpack the currency movement.
How to Shop for a Home like an Economist
June 19, 2017
Rather than get bogged down by emotions, economists have learned to put them aside and rely on data to guide the process. When it comes to making big financial decisions – like buying property – having this tool at your disposal can mean the difference between a smart investment and an expensive mistake. We sat down with Jacques du Toit, Absa property economist, to pick his brain.
Absa/City Press Money Makeover competition
June 13, 2017
Would you like to be one of six lucky participants to enter the Absa/City Press Money Makeover competition? If your debt keeps you awake at night and your money is running out long before month end or if you simply want to take control of your small start-up business or personal finances and grow your
How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card
June 02, 2017
As scary as credit may seem, using your credit card in a calculated and careful way, can prove to be quite a fruitful undertaking, alleviating the stress of any urgent payments. We spoke to Absa Service Centre Consultant, Ilse Venter, about the ins and outs of using your credit card in a smart and responsible way.
For the Record: Everything You Should Know About Your Credit Record
May 18, 2017
Your credit record is a detailed summary of your credit performance over the course of your recorded credit history. It is also the first thing and most important thing that the bank looks at when assessing your credit eligibility and determining whether you qualify for further lines of credit.
The Debt Counselling Journey
May 11, 2017
With the help of the National Credit Act, we’ve seen the introduction of debt counselling; a useful method of financial rehabilitation. By creating debt repayment plans and assisting in negotiations and budgeting advice, a debt counsellor is able to assist in stabilising qualifying over-indebted consumers.
#JunkStatus - Looking to The Future
May 04, 2017
With South Africa seemingly marching to the beat of her own drum, the country’s financial status seems at odds with other emerging markets, many of whom are experiencing a global trend of growth. Investment Analyst at Absa Wealth & Investment, Chris Gilmour, recently unpacked the downgrade and the impact it would have for most South Africans.
Saving Money on a Rainy Day
April 26, 2017
South Africa has always been home to an affordable and readily available water supply, but this luxury has meant that we have never felt the need to be sparing and efficient in our usage of water. A little water wisdom and small behaviour changes can have an immensely positive effect on our planet, your safety, and even your pocket.
Budget Speech 2016 – Roundup
April 24, 2017
The anticipated Budget Speech 2016 brought interesting news and financial changes for South Africans. We’ve rounded up the most important outcomes to help you understand what this means for you and your pocket. This includes important points like personal tax, government expenditure and fuel levies as well as sin tax, healthcare and education.
#Junkstatus - Now What
April 04, 2017
Being downgraded to junk status casts a shadow over South Africa’s future and the prosperity of its citizens. Newspapers headlines, Twitter trends and braai chat regularly weigh in on ‘mission: survive junk status’. Before you start stocking up on tin food and batteries we thought it wise to have Chris Gilmour, Investment Analyst at Absa Wealth
Aftermath Picking up the Pieces of Bad Debt
March 16, 2017
Credit can be heaven-sent for consumers when they find themselves in financial strain. It can however just as easily spiral out of control and this can be a scary and confusing time. We sat down with Hans Binnekade, Absa’s Head of Retail Collections, to discuss his recommendations on moving toward a place of financial stability after falling victim to a bout of bad debt.
The perks of an overdraft
March 11, 2017
In this era of significant social, environmental, and political challenges, we have an opportunity and an imperative to move towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
How Does #Budget2017 Affect Your Pocket?
February 24, 2017
The state budget has been allocated, and it’s no secret that the announcements that the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan made, are going to affect all of us. That’s why it’s important for you understand what was said, and what changes to aspects such as property tax, tax-free savings, and debt management mean for you. FIND out on our blog.
#Budget2017 – What Was Announced?
February 22, 2017
If you’re feeling like you missed out on any of the #Budget2017 announcements by Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, not to worry – we’ve summarised everything you need to know. READ more below.
How One Limpopo Artist is Sharing His Family’s Legacy with the World
February 20, 2017
Limpopo-born and Johannesburg-based artist, Collen Maswanganyi, is a 40-year-old artist who sees beauty in Mbatlo, a carving tool that was passed on from generation to generation and has featured in our latest prosper films, showcasing his beautiful work.
Get Ready for the 2017 Budget Speech
February 15, 2017
The Budget Speech is around the corner and there’s no better time to make sure that you’re ready when our Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan delivers his address before Parliament. We spoke to Chris Gilmour, Investment Analyst at Absa Wealth and Investment Management – he shared his top five predictions with us.
How to Invest in Real Estate Without Having to Buy Property
February 13, 2017
If you’ve ever had a chat with friends or family about investing, chances are you’ve been advised to get into property. While it’s a truly low-risk investment alternative, real estate may seem difficult to get started in for a lot of people who feel daunted by the escalating property prices.
Whats financial heritage
February 13, 2017
Could you also have inherited your parents’ financial habits? In this section, we explore what and how your relationship with money is and how you can change your perception about money. FIND out more.
Spend Responsibly and Cash in on End-Of-Year Black Friday Fever
February 09, 2017
Black Friday, traditionally the day after Thanksgiving in America, is now seen as the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. This year, the day is set to fall on Friday 25 November.
Stay Safe While Online Shopping
February 09, 2017
Late night browsing for the perfect product, clicking on it and dragging it into your cart, inserting your credit card details and having it delivered to your door within days – what could be more convenient than online shopping?
Keep Your Personal Data Safe
February 07, 2017
South Africans are adept at securing our homes and cars, but, when it comes to personal data, we’re not as diligent. With so much of our lives spent on our phones and online, there has never been a better time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your data.
Creating Wealth in an Uncertain World
February 02, 2017
Trump, Brexit, slow growth in China, the threat of a downgrade by ratings agencies – 2016 was a rough year for investment managers and investors. These developments resulted in lackluster portfolio returns and left investors with a sense of unease about the future.
Getting Your Financial Goals Set for the Year
January 30, 2017
Most economists agree that South African individuals and households will experience increased pressure on their finances going forward in 2017. A fluctuating exchange rate, the impact of droughts on food prices as well as continued increases in the general cost of living will see inflation rising.
Shedding Light on Debt Counselling’s Lesser-known Predecessor, Forbearance
January 25, 2017
if you find yourself treading the treacherous path to defaulting on your debts, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that debt counselling isn’t your only lifeline. We sat down with Peter Mphahlele to discuss debt counselling’s relatively unknown predecessor, Forbearance.
Leaving a Legacy Through Yoga
January 13, 2017
At 56 years young, Claude Mohonathan, turned his life around when he changed his career and got the opportunity to teach Yoga at a female prison in the US. His perception about old also changed when he started asking himself questions about old age.
The Champion Gogo Who Never Sits Still
January 12, 2017
Welcome to the world of Nonhlanhla Hlatswayo, whose love affair with running started 10 years ago and has a string of medals to prove it. Her life is charactirised by passion, purpose and pain. She is currently training the youth of Orange Farm. READ as she shares her journey with us.
Meet Neville, a Tennis Champion at 75
January 11, 2017
"You can’t just sit and read the newspaper on your stoep because you think you’re too old to do anything else. That’s how people die.” At 75 years old, he was crowned South Africa’s national tennis champion. This is the story of Neville, a tenacious man who is ensuring his legacy is passed on by
Inexpensive (But Great) Christmas Gift Ideas
December 13, 2016
While it’s okay to splurge on a present for someone you love, it’s important to realise that sometimes you can whip up something just as great without digging too deep into your pockets. CHECK out some of these inexpensive gift ideas to help you save money.
Weathering the Storm: La Niña
December 07, 2016
Unless you’ve been living off the grid – away from the constant flow of mainstream news and social media updates, you’ve probably heard of the El Niño weather phenomenon. In fact, you’ve undoubtedly felt the effects of it to varying degrees, with reduced rainfall, droughts, and poor.
The Home Loan Estimator, a Tool Every Home Buyer Needs
December 07, 2016
So you’ve finally found the house you want to buy. It’s beautiful, and you can already picture yourself living in it, lounging in the living room and sauntering through to the spacious bedroom. You’re ready to be a homeowner, but there’s a gnawing feeling at the back of your mind that just won’t go away.
Safety Tips for the Festive Season
December 05, 2016
December is fast approaching and for most that means taking some time to relax before we round-off 2016. Whether you’re going away or staying at home, the festive season also provides the unfortunate increase in crime and accidents. It’s a part of the holiday period we’d rather not think about, but we really should.
Tips to Make International Travel Easier
November 22, 2016
When you’re enjoying an international trip, whether it’s for business, pleasure, or perhaps a little bit of both, the last thing you want to worry about is your finances. While we can’t take away all the stresses associated with travelling, we do believe that preparation is key to ensuring that your trip is smooth.
Make Your Job Contract Work for You
November 17, 2016
When a new job contract lands, most of us skim over it for the key things – salary, leave allowance, and any specifics we’ve asked for, or any red flags. It’s smarter to examine your package for every last bit of value, and then to book a session with your financial advisor to read the
The Pensioners
October 13, 2016
Who said old age is just about wrinkled face, grey hair or doing nothing with your time? READ about the prosper story of the three extraordinary pensioners and their legacies. They are witty, young at heart, incredibly kind and talented.
The Way Forward: Maria Ramos
August 19, 2016
CEO of Absa Group Limited, Maria Ramos, SPEAKS about leaving things better than we found them through Absa’s Shared Growth focus. We are excited by the opportunities the African continent presents to our business, and the long-term potential for growth for both ourselves and the communities we serve.
Absa Blog | ChatBanking, security, and cat videos – what you need to know
August 17, 2016
Social media isn’t for banking, right? Wrong! We’ve changed banking and brought you a world-first that lets you take care of your basic transactional banking without neglecting your social media presence – it’s called Absa ChatBanking.
Don’t Wait Until You Get Your Money Right
July 22, 2016
In this day and age, financial education is important. As part of Absa’s Shared Growth philosophy, we have designed a great solution to ensure that we assist you and your kids on this path. How? MegaU – a bank account for 0-19-year-olds. Not only is this offering designed to give the youth control over their money, it is also the only account on the market which is truly free.
Making Start-ups Successful
July 21, 2016
Are you an entrepreneur with big ideas? Do you regularly look for a place where you can meet up with a group of people who share your goals and vision? READ about Rise, a recently launched Cape Town initiative that offers start-ups a chance to bring their ideas to life.
Lolo’s story
July 01, 2016
Starting your own business is challenging. Start-up costs, long hours and new responsibilities are just some of the obstacles entrepreneurs have to deal with. Precious, also known as Lolo, tackled all these challenges head-on to improve her life. Thanks to Absa who aims to empower young people to find employment or create their own. WATCH her story.
Change starts small
July 01, 2016
The children of Westbury fight a daily struggle against poverty. With a raging battle against drug abuse and a high unemployment rate, these kids – more often than not, go to school hungry. One of these kids is Paul, a 16-year old who shares a home with 30 people. READ more.
Building a better life
July 01, 2016
With the help of Good Work Foundation and Absa, Deliwe Tibane from Mpumalanga, secured a job as a construction worker, and later worked at the school she helped build and maintain. READ more.
The perks of nurturing nature through collaboration
July 01, 2016
READ the story of Thabang, who secured financial support and technical and enterprise training from TechnoServe, a programme Absa collaborates with to support rural farmers.
Re-writing the future
July 01, 2016
Absa is proud to support Afrika Tikkun's Youth Development and Placement Programme. WATCH the story of young Sinanziwe, who loved school and dedicated her time and days at Afrika Tikkun library after her mom passed away and being kicked out of school.
One little girl’s story represents the beautiful community she lives in
July 01, 2016
“My mother said, no matter what, you must always remember how beautiful the lake we live at is. That’s why I carry her with me every day and show her our beautiful lake.” WATCH more about one courageous girl’s prosper story.
From dreaming of a bike to cooking in a kitchen
July 01, 2016
Tsepo was born in Lesotho, but his mom, looking for work, brought the whole family to Johannesburg and, like many other migrant families, they ended up in a township on the outskirts of the city. WATCH his story as he moves from mountain biking to cooking up a storm in a kitchen.
How we’re going to grow Africa
July 01, 2016
Our shared growth philosophy is looking out for opportunities for you and the communities in which you live. We’re on a mission to grow together because when we share what we’ve learnt and what we have, we all win.
Save money, make your own bread
April 28, 2016
The other day I was asked to write about a money saving tip and I thought to myself how could I save money and have fun doing it? And then it hit me, I could bake my own bread. Not only do you save a bit of cash making it yourself, seeing as the ingredients
Get fit without the gym contract
April 19, 2016
I’ve been pretty active most of my life, probably because I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm and was constantly outside getting up to no good, running through the wheat fields and collecting rocks on the mountain tops. I also went to schools that, lucky for me, were very sport driven.
The Money Museum
April 18, 2016
The Money Museum at Absa is still the only money museum in the country and plays host to the single most complete collection of South African Money in the world. Here are some things that you may not have known about the museum, and a few extra reasons to give it a visit.
Are you ready to DIY?
April 14, 2016
Hi my name is Angie and Im here to chat about how you can save money by taking on home renovations and makeovers by yourself. Owning your own home is amazing. Its like your own slice of the pie that you can do whatever you like with, and that is a pretty awesome feeling.
Chasing the Technological Tale/Tail
April 12, 2016
Have you ever watched a dog chase its tail? The poor beast spinning round and round in absolute frustration because it can’t get its teeth into the chosen prize. A totally futile experience that makes absolutely no real sense, at least to humans watching.
Stokvels: From Saving to Investing
March 29, 2016
If you’re one of the many South Africans already using the stokvel system as a means of saving money, it might be time to think about how you can adapt your stokvel for your own needs, making it stretch further and work harder for you.
![ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1](/content/dam/south-africa/blog/2016/03/savingstn.jpg "ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1")
The savings edition: Saving when you’re living on a shoestring budget
March 22, 2016
After graduating from university, the world feels like your oyster. An oyster that, unfortunately, can leave a bad taste in your mouth when you realise you have to deal with money – or a lack thereof – because of a less-than-desirable entry-level salary.
![ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1](/content/dam/south-africa/blog/2016/03/ABSA-blog-content-FEB-v1-14.jpg "ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1")
Set your 2016 financial goals
March 18, 2016
When setting objectives, one needs to be specific in terms of what you want to achieve, i.e. how much do I need to save over what period of time? In order to determine how much you will be able to save on a regular basis, one needs to set up a budget that contains sufficient detail about the income you are expected to earn and your monthly expense.
Couples count their costs – Three local lovebirds talk balancing budgets
March 15, 2016
You know how the wedding vows go? “For richer, for poorer…” We spoke to a psychologist and three South African couples to shed some light on how they handle their finances – and how they should. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies – but money shouldn’t be a barrier to the wind beneath your wings.
![ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1](/content/dam/south-africa/blog/2016/03/ABSA_Save-your-lunch-money-without-losing-any-joy-09.jpg "ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1")
Save your lunch money without losing any joy
March 07, 2016
Most of us know that packing a lunch to work is an effective way to save cash. We don’t need anyone to tell us that those extra rands spent in the canteen or the local takeaway are adding up and could be spent on something more memorable.
Budget Speech Bingo 2016
February 24, 2016
Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan is set to deliver the 2016 Budget Speech on Wednesday, 24 February. This is one of the most important government events of the year because you’ll hear, first hand, the plans government has for your hard earned cash.
![ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1](/content/dam/south-africa/blog/2016/02/ABSA-FICA-NOV-v1-BLOG-2.jpg "ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1")
What’s the fuss with FICA?
February 03, 2016
Is FICA just another acronym we need to add to our vocabulary? Read on and learn the facts about how FICA can keep your rands and cents safe and sound. Sometimes, wading through South African media can feel like swimming in alphabet soup – RICA, SARS, and now, FICA.
The clever money is on buying, not building
February 03, 2016
The Absa Housing Review for the fourth quarter of 2015 reports that the average nominal price of a new house was R1 713 800 in the third quarter of the year compared to R1 339 600 for an existing house. That is a nearly 20% difference.
What if you budgeted for tipping?
October 28, 2015
We’ve all been there. We draw R100 in two crisp R50 notes only to find that in a few days it’s gone. Did you use it to buy a book? Movie tickets? A big bunch of flowers? No. It trickled away slowly and reliably on tipping. How is this possible?
Understanding your credit record
October 28, 2015
You only become aware of just how important it is to have a good credit record when you’re applying for credit – perhaps for a store account to buy school uniforms, or when applying for a bond for your first home. In 2014, South Africa’s household debt to disposable income ratio was a shocking 78.4%
Flipping houses: does it pay off?
October 28, 2015
Flipping houses – in other words, buying a house with the intention to renovate and sell it within a short period of time – is becoming a popular way of growing your nest egg, especially if you plan on doing the renovations yourself to save money.
What to cook when Eskom cancels your dinner plans
October 28, 2015
Loadshedding is something we have all had to adjust to in recent times. But what happens when it cancels even your dinner plans in the kitchen? You need to be a little creative. TRY out our healthy, cheap and cheerful, no-cook family meals below.
Save your lunch money without losing any joy
October 28, 2015
Most of us know that packing a lunch to work is an effective way to save cash. We don’t need anyone to tell us that those extra rands spent in the canteen or the local takeaway are adding up and could be spent on something more memorable.
The savings edition: Saving when you’re living on a shoestring budget
March 11, 2015
After graduating from university, the world feels like your oyster. When you have a small income – and perhaps even a student loan weighing you down – saving for emergencies or longer-term needs tend to take a backseat. SEE how you can manage your money better below.
Fueling your opportunities in the fuel sector
Whether you’re considering taking a leap into entrepreneurship or thinking of adding to your growing business portfolio, investing in the fuel retail sector might offer you the financial independence and wealth creation opportunities you’ve been seeking.
What’s the fuss with FICA
The FIC Act requires the accountable institution to verify the identity of every bankable person and entity. This makes it easier to spot – and lock out – accounts that aren’t legitimate. So it is not another word to just add on to our vocabulary. READ on to know more.
Strike while the ideas are hot
Ideas, new concepts, business, and innovation – these are some of the words associated with “Intellectual Property.” But what does it all mean? We spoke to Taryn Simpson: Head of Group Intellectual Property Counsel to explain it all.
Spending your SARS tax rebate
For those not quite in the know, your tax rebate/refund is essentially the result of SARS acknowledging that you’ve paid more taxes during the year than you should have, and the government is liable to pay you back for an interest-free loan.
Surviving your first day at a new job
So, you just got a new job and now the day has finally arrived. You have to get out of the car, make your way around, meet your new colleagues and learn the office etiquette. Not to worry, we have the tips below to help you prepare ahead of time.
The kids aren’t all right
South Africa stands on a precipice. As of 2015, the youth unemployment rate in SA (younger than 25) stands at roughly 63.1%. This has steadily increased year on year and evidence suggests that if we do not address this with urgency and ferocity, it is only going to get worse.
Franchising 101: The Franchisee
If you’ve ever considered opening a franchise, but never felt informed and confident enough to put pen to paper, fear not – you’ve gotten hold of the right reading material. We spoke to Henk Botha, a Franchising Specialist and asked him to share some of the key tips that he has collected.
![ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1](/content/dam/south-africa/blog/2015/12/cashflow_block.jpg "ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1")
Ways to avoid problems in your new business
The word “cash flow” is what keeps budding entrepreneurs up at night. We asked South African entrepreneurs how they tackled cash flow problems when they were starting out. FIND out more on what they had to say.
Franchising 101: The Franchisor
Franchising is an arrangement where one party grants another party the right to use its trademark or trade-name as well as certain business systems and processes. Ever thought of starting your own franchise? READ all about it below.
Love local Fridays: Part one
The best part about buying local is that we get to address the economic challenges of our country through shopping. This is not a sacrifice in any way. JOIN us on this journey as we feature local designers, producers or manufacturers.
Internships: paid vs unpaid
You’ve received the offer to intern at a company. So what exactly is an internship and how worth it is it to take up a paid or an unpaid offer? We’ve spoken to two interns – READ below to find out what their take is.
Tools for the weekend entrepreneur
From the undiscovered fashion guru selling vintage clothing through an online store, to the high-flying tax attorney peddling artisanal jams at the farmer’s market, we're a nation of opportunities. CHECK out our five essential tools that weekend entrepreneurs need to ensure they prosper.
Top five franchise trends in 2017
South Africa’s economy is under significant pressure and does not promise a great deal of progress for business or consumer – with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicting only 0.8% growth in 2017. Below are the top five industry trends for 2017.
Tackling tax as an entrepreneur
It’s said that death and taxes are life’s only two certainties and in the interest of getting you off to the right start with your SMME tax situation, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 essential steps to take to ensure that SARS is in your corner.
Save with renewable energy
The first thing you need to know is that this technology is not as expensive as you might think, plus it will also last a lot longer. Before we explain why it’s a cost-effective option, it’s important to define exactly what is meant by ‘renewable energy’. READ on for more information.
Things I wish I knew before my business
Starting your own business can be exhilarating. Fuelled by passion and a great idea, new entrepreneurs enter the world of owning their own business with bright eyes and a deep desire to succeed. Here’s what some of South Africa’s entrepreneurs wish they’d known when they started out:
An ATM that remembers your language
While we seem to get new developments in the technology and capabilities of consumer and enterprise devices such as smartphones, the humble Automated Teller Machine (ATM), is also gaining momentum at the same pace. And it is set in the language that you choose. Interested? READ more below.
6 ways to start making money with no money
One of my favourite sales trainers, Grant Cardone, says you can’t be broke as long as you have energy because with that you can create something that will add value to the world and thus make money. I believe the same thing and I am about to share ways you can start generating an income
Pocket money strategies for your kids
Giving your children pocket money is a great way to teach them how money works, how to budget and how to save. We asked a few mom bloggers and parents of South African children of all ages, what their approach to pocket money is, and their tips for raising money-savvy kids.
Mind the Gap: Understanding the Difference Between Your Current and Available Fund Balance
Have you ever logged into your online banking portal only to wonder why there are two separate, and often differing, balances listed within your various bank accounts? You may have pondered over why you have a ‘current’ and ‘available’ balance listed there; aren’t they the same thing?
Five Ways to Make Your Life More Productive
Life is about making more out of what you have. You always have to be conscious of where you’re spending your most valuable resources: Time and Energy. So I am going to share a couple of productivity hacks that will help you make more money from your time and energy.
How Do Changing Interest Rates Affect Your Pocket?
Let’s face it, when it comes to the world of finance and trying to make sense of fluctuating rates and market announcements, many of us are left in the dark. We’re constantly inundated with facts and figures that are dauntingly difficult to comprehend, and, if you’re not exactly clued up on what it all means
The #MTBPS 2016 in a Nutshell
You’ve probably been hearing about the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, otherwise known as the #MTBPS2016, over the past few weeks – especially since the country’s economy hasn’t been in the most stable state.
The kids aren’t all right
South Africa stands on a precipice. A nation that once held such promise for prosperity has seemingly lost its way, trapped in a mire of controversy and corruption. And as we struggle to stay afloat in a sea of social and political turmoil, perhaps the most poignant of all our problems is the reality that
Property Management 101
So you want to rent out one of your properties, but you’re scared that you might not find the right tenant, or that your property will get damaged. The questions maul through your mind. What if the tenants don’t pay you on time? How do you build a positive relationship with your tenants?
Investing In ETFs – What You Should Know
Investing does not have to be a scary endeavor. In fact, it can be interesting and help you gain control of your financial future. We caught up with Ridwaan Moolla, Head of Digital Enablement at Absa Wealth, Investment Management & Insurance, to get the lowdown on one of the best investment products around.
Be Productive
Technology was supposed to make things easier, was it not? All these gadgets designed to go everywhere with us were meant to make it easier to get the things that must be done, done. The birth of the app ecosystem was supposed to change the way we operate completely. Ecosystem definition: A system, or a
![Absa Evergreen [APR16]](/content/dam/south-africa/blog/2016/04/Absa-Evergreen-APR16-Thithi-Cover2.jpg "Absa Evergreen [APR16]")
How to be stylish and financially savvy this winter
Mastering the art of being stylish and financially savvy at the same time is actually easier than it sounds, and it doesn’t have to involve shopping sales or discount outlets. Unless you are a shopaholic and you really do get a rush out of walking out of a mall with shopping bags
Investments in times of uncertainty
Are you looking for expert portfolio managers, liquidity, a reliable regular income and a unit trust fund with income solution suitable for you, view the infographic below: Click here to view the full infographic For more information call us on +27 (0) 860 111 456, email utenquiries@absa.co.za or speak to your financial adviser.
When free isn’t
The age of the smartphone is all but ubiquitous, and as the technology for powerful pocket processors becomes cheaper and more readily available to nearly everyone, we are also entering into the age of the app. Apps have no doubt been a revelation, optimising processes in our daily lives and providing quick, seamless solutions
Can I buy a house on my budget?
Who hasn’t wished for a little more to spend – especially when you’re thinking of buying a house? And, since this is a massive investment, you need to be realistic about what you can and can’t afford. To help you make this big decision, SEE our flowchart to guide you.
Growing your assets with Absa Investment Management
We believe in the importance of continuously striving for the exceptional, whether at home, work or when it comes to your finances. You might have seen our Investment Management advert that focuses on the process of champagne making as a metaphor for the investment process.
![Absa Evergreen [APR16]](/content/dam/south-africa/blog/2016/05/Absa-Evergreen-Blog-MAY16-BC02.jpg "Absa Evergreen [APR16]")
Healthy foods that won’t break the bank
Healthy foods can be expensive… Unfortunately foods that are good for you tend to be a bit pricey. There are however a number of foods and dishes that won’t break the bank! Bananas are one of the most economical fruits one can buy! They’re easy to eat, particularly when you’re out and about
Managing your home expenses
Not only did Eskom recently increase their electricity rates by 9.4% on the 1st of April, but the City of Johannesburg also hiked their prices by almost 7% on the 1st of July. With everything becoming more and more expensive – especially when you’re a new home owner – we know that it’s hard to
Protect yourself (and your money) from the latest scams
We live in a fast-paced world where the times are ever-changing. Think about it: you have social media accounts on almost every online platform, you shop online, you search for almost every bit of information online.
Investing In The Stock Market
You’ve probably watched movies like The Wolf of Wall Street and The Big Short that depict the process of investing and trading in the stock market as a glamorous and highly rewarding experience. Who wouldn’t want to make millions in just a few weeks and then live the good life?
Fresh Out of Varsity? Here’s How to Save Your Salary
It’s a struggle – living from pay cheque to pay cheque. It’s not ideal, but sometimes your expenses get the better of you. Whether you’re 20, 30 or 40 – spending money is inevitable. The trick lies in how you spend it – and if you are saving at all.
Gearing up for winter | Renewable energy
If the recent bursts of cold fronts are anything to go by, there’s no denying that we’re in for a chilly winter. And while we can’t press a fast forward button to summer, there are ways to ensure that your energy consumption doesn’t cost an arm and a leg this winter
A Homeowner’s Guide to Insurance
Getting homeowner’s insurance cover is merely one step in making sure that your most prized asset is protected. So we spoke to the Home Owners Comprehensive (HOC) Product Manager from Absa Insurance to get a better understanding of the importance of reading and understanding your homeowner’s cover policy, what responsibilities a homeowner has with respect to their property.
Clinton vs Trump: How the 2016 US Election May Affect the SA Economy
As the 2016 U.S. presidential election draws closer, the world waits in heightened anticipation for the outcome of one of the most talked-about elections in recent memory. With its many complexities and huge doses of drama and controversy, the election is nothing short of attention-grabbing. But beyond the entertainment value of the campaign trails.
Credit card spending
A colleague walks into the office wearing the latest designer trench coat and boots while you’re still wearing the wool cardigan your gran made for you last Christmas. Your red cardigan is warm and protects you from the winter cold, just without the compliments.
Loan Star: Understanding Personal Lending and How to Make It Work for You
In our fast-paced society, many of us find that the cost of living is becoming hard to maintain. We struggle to keep our heads just above water and balance the cost of essential items and those little indulgences that keep us sane, so it’s no wonder that we often find that our larger expenses
How #JunkStatus affects your pocket
The threat of being downgraded to junk status, casts a shadow over South Africa’s future and the prosperity of its citizens. Newspapers headlines, Twitter trends and braai chat regularly weigh-in on 'mission: avoid junk status'. Before you start stocking up on tin food and batteries we thought it wise to have Chris Gilmour, Investment Analyst
How to get it all: fashion and travel
Getting your fashion fix and being able to travel abroad is a reality that most of us don’t think we can achieve without breaking the bank. The reality of the weak rand can seem like a deterrent, however if you do a little bit of research and use some of these travel-booking hacks.
The Butterfly Effect of Financial Crime
Most of us carry more advanced technology in our phones than was used to run the entire London Stock Exchange in the 1980s – and the environments we work in are unrecognisable from those of 20 years ago.
Unlock your potential with ReadytoWork
The transition from education into the working world can be tough and the job market uncertain. We want to encourage you to grow your skills and keep developing yourself – and our Shared Growth philosophy allows us to do just that.
Shop for Groceries Like an Economist
Your grocery bill is influenced by more than just your chocolate cravings. Droughts, the strength of the rand and other factors have an impact on the number at the end of your grocery bill. However, some planning and smart decisions will not only help you save on food but engage with our local agricultural industry.
What to do when you fall behind on your bond repayments
Ever wondered what to do when you, as a homeowner, find yourself missing payments? We’ve outlined what happens if you miss payments and the steps the bank takes to try and ensure that you keep the roof over your head. Let’s clear up some confusion.
Your Journey To Mobile Banking Mastery
Mobile banking is almost ubiquitous in this age of technology. It’s the height of convenience to simply whip out your smartphone, log onto your bank’s website or mobile app and manage everything from account administration to beneficiary payments and so much more. But with this convenience comes an inherent level of danger.
What counts as a ‘valid proof of residence?'
Everything is online these days. Well, almost everything. As our customer, you may have called on one of our branches for your banking needs, only to find out you need to have a 'valid proof of residence.'
Understanding your money personality
Each and every one of us have a unique personality profile. Our profile determines the way in which we get energised, how we prefer to gather information in order to make decisions, how we prefer to make those decisions, as well as determining our general approach to life.
Applying for a home loan
So you have reached a point in your life where you’ve started looking at the option of buying property. But before you plan too far ahead, you may need to focus on the first part of this process – applying for a home loan. We spoke to Roger Mortimer, Head of Risk Management at Absa.
What’s mine is mine: The benefit of pre-nups
A prenuptial agreement might still seem to carry the voice of doom in your mind if you’re about to get married in the name of true, romantic love, but it doesn’t have to spell imminent divorce. The term made familiar thanks to TV is somehow only considered synonymous with marriages teetering on closure.
Currency Fluctuation: What it is and why you should care
If you’ve filled up your fuel tank or bought any basic commodity over the last couple of months, you’ve probably noticed an increase in prices. But have you ever wondered what causes the rise and drop in commodity prices?
![ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1](/content/dam/south-africa/blog/2015/12/money_museum_block.jpg "ABSA blog tax season [oct] v1")
Reasons to visit Absa Money Museum
Money makes the world go round and it can be an interesting object to children, but how much do you really know about it? SEE the three reasons to visit the Absa Money Museum and feel a connection to the history of South African currency.
Fred's creating jobs one wash at a time
When Fred Ndlovu served coffee and cake at Absa Corporate Investment Bank five years ago, he may not have seen the potential in himself to one day head up a growing business. He was just passionate about creating the best coffee he could and serving his many customers with a smile each morning.
What if your bank card could talk?
squiggle’ or ‘wave’ behind the Absa logo on the refreshed card designs for MegaU and Islamic Youth. Those lines are a graphic representation of the card talking, creating dialogue with the cardholder; the squiggle is the waveform created if you were to say the word 'Absa' out loud.
Water scarcity drives the Cape Winelands
In the last two decades, South Africa has lost close to 30% of its farmlands due to water scarcity. This means that farmers face the challenge of producing more fruit, while reducing the imapct they have of the province's water supply.
Economic participation with the youth
Unless young people are given the chance to access the right education and training, or employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, Africa's development potential will not be realised in full and young people may become a source of instability. READ more
How do we want to be remembered?
We have taken time to carefully consider the needs of our communities and the direction in which the world is moving, and weighed this up against our capacity as a business. We have made careful choices about how we go about contributing to the development of our continent.
Absa's Rising Eagles graduates
Aligned with our Shared Growth philosophy, Absa created Rising Eagles, a graduate programme that helps nurture young talents in a range of of fields and through the guidance and mentoring of industry experts. SEE our graduates below
Get your Smart ID at Absa
The Department of Home Affairs launched the eChannel, which simplifies booking your application for your Smart ID and passport. As opposed to queuing for hours, you can now schedule your appointment online, and you will be assisted in a branch within that 30-minute time slot.
Beyond carbon footprint and sustainability
Apart from the fact that Absa Towers West, which forms part of Absa’s CBD campus, is the first 5-star “as built” green building in South Africa, ATW has one of the largest grey water systems in the country, fully fitted with light sensors in the offices – and even the water in the building is heated via heat recovery from the gas turbine.
The tech revolution transforming Absa
You may have heard of a Hackathon, but you’ve probably never heard of Absa’s 2016 Technology Hackathon. It is essentially an internal challenge in which 40 teams, comprised of Absa employees from around the country, get together to identify business problems within the company, conceptualise tech-based solutions and then code working prototypes to address them.
Giving start-ups the wings to fly
While it’s exciting and liberating to start your own business, most startups are met with a multitude of hurdles right from the onset – chief among them being the lack of funding and mentorship. How are we fighting this? Through the Barclays Accelerator programme. READ below for more information.
Thanks a million South Africa
We wanted to reward our customers for simply being, well, our customers. So, we launched our Thanks a Million campaign in 2016 and gave Absa customers a chance to win their share of R20 million. All they had to do was have their salary paid into their transactional account and use their Absa card.
Absa statement following Public Protector's report
Barclays Africa Group notes media reports today regarding a provisional report by the Public Protector (12 of 2016/17) dealing, in part, with the financial assistance Bankorp received from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) from 1985 to 1995. We have co-operated fully with the Public Protector’s investigation and will continue to do so.
Understanding Absa's acquisition of Bankorp
Absa's acquisition of Bankorp has been in the news reports from a leaked report of the Public Protector's investigation, in which she recommends the government to pursue a claim against Absa Bank. READ below on the history of our involvement.
The Zuckerberg generation: Yasaman Hadjibashi
Like many hungry young professionals taking the first tentative steps in their careers, Yassi wasn’t always primarily focused on creating and innovating. Starting out her career towards building her resume at PricewaterhouseCoopers in San Francisco, she felt under-compensated. READ more about her journey as Chief Data Officer.
Absa helps to build Soweto’s tech skills
Absa has committed to partnering with communities by providing support to address challenges overcome by many schools. Our beneficiaries, Sebetsa-O-Tholemoputso Secondary School and Tetelo Secondary School, have received our high-tech computer and science labs respectively.
Annah Watkinson's dual careers
Annah has an interesting and relatable approach to balance. When asked the typical ‘how do you balance it all’ question, she responds by simply stating that her life has no balance, but duality. Hers is all at once a rewarding and gruelling lifestyle.
Talking AI and Banking 2.0 with Peter Rix
Chief Technology Officer at Absa, Peter Rix, speaks about his role in the bank's technology revolution. has made it a priority for the Bank to explore the ideas that arose from the event and his team is creating a forum to push for the top 10 or 12 ideas to be developed and rolled out through the business.
YouX: The customer centric design
As with most significant corporate change, Absa’s shift to customer-centric design started by identifying a shortcoming, the fact that they were underperforming in a specific area: in this case, the digital space. JOIN us in conversation with Absa's Head of Digital, Craig Corte below.
Bankorp bailout explained in 10 questions
Absa was mentioned in the Public Protector's investigation in the bailout of Bankorp and the SA Reserve Bank based on a leaked report. As a result, parties involved have to provide further information. FIND out all the answers to questions below.
Absa Foundation gives a gift
The settlement of Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay was ravaged by a fierce blaze, the worst ever to occur, which ripped through the settlement displacing over 15 000 people and destroying 3 500 structures. Absa, together with Gift of the Givers Foundation, provided relief to the community with donations.
Tour de France meets Absa Cape Epic
Two Tour de France legends, Cadel Evans and George Hincapie, will be riding the 2017 Absa Cape Epic. The two may compete in the Masters category and neither of them have raced in a team event before. READ more about their race to the finish line.
Immerse yourself in South African culture
Looking for something to do to celebrate the South African culture? Or maybe you need to know information on other parts of our history and nature. We’ve got three local spots that you can go and hangout at. CHECK them out below.
How to not lose your card at an event
According to their website, Kamers – as it is affectionately known – can be described as genuine and gentle. But how is Abs a making this event an enjoyable experience? Through cashless payment. READ more on how it works.
Your Google search history is art
Would you ever have imagined that your Google search history is a piece of art? Don’t be deterred - Battson’s art merges tech and culture, making the subject matter relatable to the man on the street. To know more about this, FIND out below.
Wanyama’s field of dreams
"They say it doesn’t matter where you come from, only where you’re going to.” All it took was one phone call, at age 15, for Victor’s life to change its course forever. He joined the National team and within a year he was playing matches across Europe. WATCH his prosper story.
The Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy
What does it mean to #ConquerAsOne? We had a chat with Benni, Pule and Melody who are the three beneficiaries of the Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy (DMA) to find out how the Absa Cape Epic has become part of their journey.
Saving for your sporty child's dreams
When your little one is born, you will move heaven and earth for them and to give them the best you can offer. As they develop into an active and cute little person, you can already picture them excelling at everything they take on. So how do you save for them? READ our tips below.
Great Race? No, this one’s Epic
The Absa Cape Epic is in its 13th year and hundreds of riders from across the globe will flock to the Western Cape and attempt to Conquer as One in the grueling 700km stage race. SEE all the stats below.
What to see, do and eat at KKNK 2016
The 22nd Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) kicks off on 24 March 2016. Whether you’re a first-timer at the KKNK or a veteran festivalgoer, you’re bound to find this offering interesting. Oudtshoorn is well known for its tourist attractions, but this tour gives you the chance to see the townships where 90% of Oudtshoorn’s residents live.
Food for sport
In our prosper film, we feature Tsepo Nyirenda, the Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy team captain, as he moves from strength to strength through inspiring the youth of his community to follow his footsteps. He tried something new, and ended up in the kitchen. WATCH his story.
The 2016 PSL Awards: A league of its own
From heart-stopping goals to up-and-coming Absa Prem stars, the 2016 PSL Awards was one for the books. CATCH up on all that happened on the night of the glitz and glam, and all the winners.
The Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy triumph
Through our sponsorship of the grueling and internationally renowned Absa Cape Epic mountain bike challenge, Absa has become a proud and active supporter of the DMA in its mission to foster hope and empower their 70 members, aged 9-23 years of old.
Celebrating 30 years of art heritage
More than 30 years ago, we launched the prestigious L’Atelier Art Competition to promote South African art, and this has launched many careers over the years. As we celebrate the heritage our country, we embrace and highlight all that makes us unique.
Absa Cape Epic: Beyond the bike
In partnership with the Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy (DMA), and with the assistance of the event organisers and other event sponsors, 14 young DMA students were awarded internships by Absa as part of this year’s event. We have been a proud supporter of the DMA since 2014.
Absa Cape Epic 2017
With two reigning Olympic champions, a Tour de France winner, previous Absa Cape Epic winners, including record holders Christoff Sauser and Karl Platt, and loads of world champions, this year's race is expected to be more competitive than ever.
Absa Premiership is getting ReadyToWork
We are all getting ReadyToWork – this is an Absa initiative that was launched after noticing the need the youth have to upskill themselves and as we launch the Absa Premiership season for 206/17, we are promoting the awareness with them.
Breathing life back into art
Seeing the world through the eyes of an artist can be a beautiful, but often painful experience. You get a peek into the life of the artist while they are at their most vulnerable. WATCH the prosper story of The Last Drawing.
What to do after getting your first job
It’s time to put your knowledge and skills to the test by starting a career. We’ve put our heads together and made this guide to help you explore job opportunities, and then find and land the best full time job. Get ready to start working!
Paving the Road to Success with Absa and the Digital Academy
Absa, in partnership with the Digital Academy, aims to educate the youth of South Africa in giving them hands-on training that will take them to the workplace. READ about the three young coders on our blog.
A Truly South African Story
A lot of things make Johannesburg a great place to live in. Think about the beauty of the sprawling metropolitan, as well as the abundance of opportunities that make the city a place where dreams can come true. READ the story of Jamad, a Somalian native who relocated to Johannesburg after fleeing war.
Rise Again – The Story of Gaynor Young
You would need to have a heart of stone to watch Gaynor Young’s story and not feel a pang of emotion surge through you. She is an inspiration and a born survivor who overcame a great tragedy that changed her life forever. Gaynor was a talented actress whose burgeoning career was cut short in 1989
The Women Before Us
Owethu Makhathini, a respected young business owner, a student in politics and a lecturer, finds inspiration in the women before her. READ her story on why she is determined to succeed in her life goals.
Know your affordability
It’s good to know exactly how much you earn and spend in a month, right? This especially comes in handy when you’re looking to buy property or even just maintain a good credit record. Samistha Harcharan, a member of the Acquisitions Team in Home Loans answers some of the burning questions.
Dealing with divorce in your family
If problems in your marriage just aren’t getting resolved, your whole world can feel like it’s turning upside down. Divorce is a scary topic, so we’ve put together some basic tips to help you walk out of this situation a happier and stronger person.
Advice on buying your first home
Congratulations! You’ve just reached a huge milestone in life: buying your first home. We spoke to some of our experts and came up with this quick guide to help you get your dream home the right way.
What to do once you retire
Retirement is your long awaited ticket to freedom, where you can relax, play and learn at your own time. Regardless, you’re probably a little nervous about it. Following our advice will help you turn this new leaf into a journey of reawakening and adventure – all while staying financially astute.
How to start planning your wedding
Organising a wedding is a great mix of hard work and fun. Stay calm, we’ve got you! This guide will help you plan a perfect wedding that you can afford.
How to prepare for your wedding day
You got through the hectic – but fun – part of planning your wedding and now the big day is around the corner. We’ve created this list of last minute things to consider before you take that walk down the aisle.
Saving money during pregnancy
Congratulations, you’re having a baby! That’s so exciting. You’re probably a little bit nervous though and that’s okay, change is never easy. We want to help you, so we put together a few tips on getting financially ready for starting a family.
The real price of owning a car
Do you know how much your car is costing you? You can save every month if you pay attention to minimising your expenses. We've put together a few tips that will help you figure out better ways to save money on owning and driving a car!
Planning your studies
With so many options in front of you, planning your next move after high school is quite tricky. This guide breaks down the different things you must consider to make the best decisions.
Handling the death of a loved one
If problems in your marriage just aren’t getting resolved, your whole world can feel like it’s turning upside down. Divorce is a scary topic, so we’ve put together some basic tips to help you walk out of this situation a happier and stronger person.
Lets help you buy a car
It's time to buy a new car, which is really exciting, but a little daunting at the same time! We've put some guidelines together that will help you make a smart and affordable decision easily.
Guidance on starting a family
You and your loved one are thinking of starting a family, and that’s great news! But you realise what a massive responsibility it’ll be, so don’t feel bad if the idea makes you a little bit nervous.
Starting a new job
Finding a job was a challenge on its own, now you’ve got a new milestone to tackle. We’ve prepared this list of things you should know from day one to ensure you reach the height of your success when you start your first job.
Working towards retirement
Even if you’re doing a great job saving for retirement so far, there’s always more you can do. Here’s a guide to managing your finances so that you can have a happy and stress-free retirement.
Advice on renting out your house
As a landlord you can make a lot of money out of your property, but your tenants could end up costing you more. We investigated the problems that property owners run into. Here's a quick guide that will help you rent your house out the right way, so that you can make the most income possible.
Keeping your family healthy
One of the most important ongoing responsibilities as parents is to keep your family healthy and happy. Sounds tough! But if you begin with the basics, everything will fall into place.
What it costs to be a homeowner
You have to make sure you know exactly what you're paying for before you buy a house. Even if you're already a homeowner, make sure you're not wasting money. Industry experts helped us create this homeowner’s budget checklist for you. Use it as a guide to make the right decisions and save money.
Three ways to sell your car
There are different ways to sell your car and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. We want you to make the best decision possible, so here is a quick guide that will help you decide!
Advice on growing a business
Things are going well with your company - it’s time to take advantage of the position you’re in. We’ve got the insights that will help you expand your business and maximise profits.
Tips for business owners
As a business owner, you’ll run into hurdles inevitably – but you should never let these affect your business growth. We’ve gathered the most important information that will help keep your business profitable and successful through it all.
Planning for retirement
How and when you stop working is entirely up to you - but we all take similar steps to get there. Working towards a wealthy and happy retirement could take between 20-40 years. Follow this guide to know what you must do during this time.
What to do when its time to sell your house
As one door closes another one opens - today you’re opening a new door to a family who is looking to buy your home. You want to get the best value out of your house when you sell it. We’ll help you through the process from start to finish. Read these tips on how to get your house sold easily.
Life as a student
New people, new atmosphere, new freedom – university is the best time of your life! But it comes with a new set of challenges too. We’ve put together the most important tips that will help you make the most of your student life.
Important tips for first time renters
The time has come to rent your own place! Do you know where to start? We’re here to settle your mind by answering all your questions. Follow this 5 step process and you’ll be living in the perfect place in no time.
How to start your own business
You’ve got a business idea, and the drive to make it a success – now it’s time to get started. Our entrepreneur experts put this guide together to help you build a successful business from the ground up.
Arts and Sports
Supporting South African talent
The Absa Scholarships Touch Real Lives
I am because you are.’ The popular adage of Ubuntu makes all who live in Africa an integral part of the continent’s success. CEO of Absa Group Limited, Maria Ramos, has given full consideration to how growth can be of value to the development of communities we serve with the Absa scholarship. READ about one of our beneficiaries.
Life at Absa
Insider Stories and events
What we’re about
Share. Grow. Prosper
Moving from Passion Projects to Sustainable Investments – The Evolution of Corporate Philanthropy
Our role in corporate social responsibility is identified in three areas, namely, education and skills development, enterprise development and financial inclusion. FIND out more on why our core business objectives and goals are aligned and how our role impacts societal needs.
Can’t find a job? Create your own
Every year, universities launch hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic, newly qualified students into the job market. Unemployment rate is on the rise in South Africa, but there is no reason why you can’t use your skills to create your own job right? CHECK out some tips to start your career on our blog.
Coping with loss the phases of bereavement
A great wave of painful and unfamiliar emotions washes over you when someone you love dies. The intensity of it all can affect your mental and physical health. We’re here to guide you through the five different stages of grief to help you understand your feelings and begin a healthy healing process.
How to handle the divorce process in South Africa
You never thought you’d see yourself getting divorced, but now you’re facing a host of new challenges, and some serious heartache on top of it all. Since this is all new to you, we’ve put this information together to help you understand what the steps of a divorce are in South Africa.
Finding a job
It’s time to put your knowledge and skills to the test by starting a career. We’ve put our heads together and made this guide to help you explore job opportunities, and then find and land the best full time job. Get ready to start working!
Savings, Insurance And Investments: The Golden Triangle
We all know people who, looking at the cost of medical insurance, the benefits offered, and the limits that apply, say this: “I’ll just save that money instead. That way if I have a health crisis, I’ll be able to pay for it.
Teaching your child how to save
It's never too soon to teach your child the importance of saving and the relationship they will have with money. Good financial skills are essential to ensure we're able to get through life as adults. SEE our tips on teaching your young one to save.
My Money Matters
Manage your personal finance
The Absa Art Gallery
The Absa Gallery has been described as an example of a “marriage between creative and corporate worlds.” We’re just a block away from the Carlton Centre building. So “pay” us a visit – free of charge.
The Absa Art Gallery
The Absa Gallery has been described as an example of a “marriage between creative and corporate worlds.” We’re just a block away from the Carlton Centre building. So “pay” us a visit – free of charge.
