Spring 2020
The important health issue we ALL need to know about Turn to p.18
Get active! Struggling with debt? HELP IS HERE
Pearl
Thusi is here to slay What to do when you disagree with your partner about
money
How to request your coupons each month
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win
Contents On the cover 4
Also inside
PEARL THUSI
4 LIFE 10 ENTERTAINMENT 11 QUIZ
“As a mom, I have to make sure my kids are going to be okay”
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SHARED MONEY GOALS
The key to a stronger relationship
3 Tips to ease the pressure
22 SPRING FITNESS
Hidden benefits of exercising in the cold
p.21
What kind of tipper are you?
12 MONEY 16 WHAT’S YOUR MONEY MINDSET?
12 REPAYING A LOAN?
1 of 10 Russell Hobbs sets worth a total of R10 000
If it needs some work, start here
18 HEALTH 18 FIGHTING OBESITY
How to avoid becoming a statistic
24 CLUB 24 YOUR MEMBERSHIP
22
+ Get to know a member
What has lockdown taught you?
“You’ve got to keep moving forward. Even during this time, I know seasons are going to change”
EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Browning-de Villiers Content editor Dominique Bowen Email mag@sanlamreality.co.za Contributors Angelique Ruzicka, Cebokazi Sotobe, Christine van Deemter, Pearl Thusi, Sanelisiwe Maliza, Tracy Lynn Chemaly PRODUCTION Head of production Nicky Scheepers Campaign manager Kelly Hendricks CREATIVE Creative group head Juan Geel Art director Marisa Steyn
NARRATIVE Managing director Robyn Campbell Business lead Lauren Brabant Chief content officer Sarah Browning-de Villiers Account manager Juwairiyyah Ismail CAPE TOWN HEAD OFFICE Tel: 021 487 9100 Email: mag@sanlamreality.co.za 50 Harrington Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 7925 PO Box 16258, Vlaeberg, Cape Town, 8001 SANLAM REALITY PROGRAMME Head of marketing and communication Francois Uys Communications manager Lucille Moore Communications coordinator Hasina Khan
PUBLISHED BY NARRATIVE FOR SANLAM REALITY
Photography: Shutterstock, supplied
Telephone 0860 007 325
SANLAM REALITY CALL CENTRE Email info@sanlamreality.co.za Website www.sanlamreality.co.za
“If you can’t avoid a crisis, embrace it. Let things fall apart, and use the moment to reimagine, rebuild and become better from the experience”
REAL FUTURES (PTY) LTD Real Futures is a wholly-owned Sanlam Ltd company managing the Sanlam Reality programme for the Sanlam Group. Chairman Jan Steenkamp Directors Gary Allen, André Larisma, Theesan Moodley Deputy company secretary Zuko Mgawuli
Sanlam Reality is the loyalty programme of the Sanlam Group and its strategic partners. The programme helps members to make the most of their money in a way that’s honest, meaningful and real. Sanlam Reality empowers its members to make responsible financial choices and enables them to live their best financial lives possible. All because Sanlam Reality believes that taking care of your money should be rewarding.
Published by Narrative. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the copyright owners, Narrative Media Group, Harrington Street, Cape Town, 7925. Printed by Novus Print. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, proprietors (Real Futures (Pty) Ltd) and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise from incorrect information. Printed by
All content and pricing correct at time of print.
A division of Novus Holdings
Printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests.
ON THE COVER: Photography: Jacques Weyers; Hair: Mary Gouveia; Make-up: Algria Ferreira; Styling: Cleo Marcopoulos
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Spring 2020
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life
COVER STORY
Pearl slay is here to
sanlamreality.co.za
Model, actress, entrepreneur, mother… Pearl Thusi dons many caps, more recently as the lead in Netflix’s first African original series, Queen Sono. DOMINIQUE BOWEN caught up with her about raising strong women, money-smart tactics, and what equality and justice mean to her.
Pearl Thusi is no stranger to the spotlight, with over a decade’s worth of acting, modelling and presenting gigs in the bag – not to mention entrepreneurial pursuits and philanthropy. Now she’s taking African entertainment to new heights, owning the (kick-ass) lead in Queen Sono, Netflix’s first African original series, which was renewed for a second season earlier this year. Spotlight aside, the star is fiercely vocal in the push for transformation, within her industry and the continent at large. Raising her two daughters, Thando and Okuhle, brings the task closer to home, where every day brings a new challenge for raising strong, smart women. Here, she opens up about motherhood, money, equality and more.
“I’m excited about this new wave of change” “[Being the lead in Queen Sono] means a lot to me. It’s the dawn of a new era. It’s a rising of women on the continent, especially
black women on the continent. I hope that this part of my journey – and the journey that’s been happening with African entertainment – will be a landmark in the direction it took in this particular moment. “The glory of it all is nice, but it doesn’t supersede the idea that I’m part of a bigger moment for the continent where artists are bringing revolution and growth for those who are to come.”
you. It’s not rejection – it’s just you, ready for the next opportunity. “You’ve got to keep moving forwards. That’s really helped me – even during this time, I know seasons are going to change. Right now it’s definitely winter, but it’s winter for the entire planet in terms of the mood and the energy. But things will always change. Find a way to survive and prepare yourself for another time when the pendulum swings back.”
“Don’t call me an activist” “It’s supposed to be normal to call out racism. It’s supposed to be normal to call out xenophobia or Afrophobia. It’s supposed to be normal to cast out
Keep moving forwards. That’s really helped me – even during this time, I know seasons are going to change. “Rethink how you understand, and handle, rejection” “I think rejection is so misunderstood. It shouldn’t even be called rejection. It’s just someone making a different choice. And that choice is not saying ‘not you’; that situation has chosen someone else other than
classism. Why are you an activist for doing the right thing? There are people who are true activists, who risked their lives. “I just want to leave this world in a better place, in whatever way or fashion I could’ve contributed. Maybe it won’t be me – maybe it’ll be my kids and what I taught them. I want Spring 2020
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COVER STORY
to die having nothing left to give to the world.”
“I’ve got to make my daughters like warriors” “I hope that I give my children healthy, challenging situations that will make them strong human beings. “You’ve got to connect with them, love them, draw the line between friendship and motherhood with them. Both relationships should exist, but it should be understood that [the line] exists.”
“I didn’t have the financial education that I think was necessary” “I want to change that for
my kids. The little things that you do when they’re young can make a difference. When Thando was still trying to figure out numbers, I would only buy her what she wanted if she could read the price. Sometimes I’d give her the
popcorn at Pinetown Girls’ High School. So, I shared that story with her and she tried to do it.”
“I empower my children financially” “The way I’ve set my personal finances up is
It’s not about living within your means, but also having savings. money in the store and say ‘Find what you want, but I want this much change’. Then she would have to do the math. “Funnily enough I made extra money when I was a kid, selling muffins and
to catch them if anything were to happen to me. As a mom, I have to make sure my kids are going to be okay. “I have a personal section of savings for Thando in my account. The next step will be to put the account in her name, like, ‘Here’s your account number, this is how much money you have, this is how much you’re going to get every week, this is what you have to do to earn that money, and by the end of the year, whatever you have left, I will double it’. I think that’s something practical to do.”
“It’s not just about living within your means, but having savings” “Especially now that I spend more time at home, I’ve started preparing a menu for the week so that I buy all of the things I need for that week, so that our fridge isn’t overstocked. So I’ve actually just had a plan and budget.
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“It’s more about just living on what is needed. Because sometimes your means are way above what you need. Do what you need to do and save the money, and once you have more than enough savings, then focus on giving and sharing, before you fill up your fridge for no reason.”
“Sometimes self-care is just stillness” “Self-care is whatever brings you stillness, whether it be meditation or cutting the world off – like putting your phone away for an extended period of time or removing social media. Just stillness is self-care, because when you choose to be still, you’re able to examine, and do a full ‘X-ray’ of what’s happening with your mind, body and soul.”
“Equality and justice are products of love” “Since 1990 we can sit at the same benches, we can sit in the same classrooms and airplanes, and on the same toilets, but how does the system dictate who can afford that? I feel like there needs to be some sort of stronger reparation that will create a system that is just, so that it creates equal opportunities.” “If anything oppresses anyone, you cannot have equality, and that means there is no justice. Justice allows equality to reign.” sanlamreality.co.za
Photographer: Jacques Weyers; hair: Mary Gouveia; make-up: Algria Ferreira; stylist: Cleo Marcopoulos
life
life
MONEY & YOUR RELATIONSHIP
What to do when you and your partner
DISAGREE ABOUT MONEY
It may be easier not to talk about money, but having shared financial goals can actually make your relationship stronger.
Budgeting your money alone can be difficult, but it can get even more complex when you’re in a relationship. This is because it’s hard to keep track of what’s going in and out of all the separate accounts. Even if they’re living under one roof, couples sometimes don’t talk about money. You may even be dealing with different spending personalities, i.e. one partner may be a saver, while another may be an impulse buyer. According to Stats South Africa (2018), four in 10 couples get divorced before their 10th wedding anniversary. Money stress is the number-one reason marriages end in divorce. You don’t necessarily have to agree on everything money-related – but if you want your relationship to work, then it’s best to take these steps, according to Nicolette Mashile, founder of financial education agency Financial Fitness Bunny.
Meet monthly and create a joint budget This can get technical, but needs to be done, especially in the beginning. To ensure you do a thorough budget, you should bring: a list of your accounts and the amount in each, a list of your debts and the associated interest rates, your total income, money that is owed to you, and a list of long-term financial goals.
Text: Angelique Ruzicka; Photography: Shutterstock, supplied
Be truthful about your debt Mashile says: “This is a tough topic for many couples to talk about, especially if there are a few financial skeletons in the closet. You want to have an honest conversation about where you are financially and what your current expenses entail. It’s hard to share those numbers, but once you do, it can create a level of communication that builds unity.”
SPEAK TO AN EXPERT Speak to a Sanlam financial planner for personalised advice to plan your finances. Call 086 123 5433 or visit sanlamreality.co.za/ contact-an-adviser to book an appointment.
Create a joint savings account Mashile is an advocate of couples having an ‘Mjolo account’ – a simple savings account that both partners can contribute to equally. She adds: “Having an Mjolo account is a good way to fund dates, but it can also be a savings account used to save towards a bigger financial goal, like a holiday or to help you take the next step in your relationship by saving for the deposit for your first place together. Another benefit of a joint savings account is that you can
HELP EASE YOUR MONTHLY BUDGET You get free discount coupons to redeem at Shoprite and Checkers when you do your monthly grocery shop. Request your coupons monthly by dialling *134*20019# or by visiting sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/discount-coupons.
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40% Of couples get divorced before they reach their 10th wedding anniversary. Money stress is the number-one reason marriages end in divorce. Source: Stats SA
track how much you spend together and what you’re spending it on,” says Mashile.
Share financial goals It’s important to talk about future money goals. Do you want to save for a house or rent in a nicer neighbourhood? Perhaps you’d like to go on a luxury holiday? These should all be discussed and then saved for together if you both agree to it.
Stay on track To keep your finances on track it’s vital to check
your household finances on a monthly basis, if not more frequently. Also meet with your financial planner to ensure you have a professional opinion to advise on more complex matters such as your pension, share and trust investments, insurance and wills. While keeping track of spending may sound unromantic, Mashile points out that this could bring you closer together. “Every time you save together, you’re doing something for your combined future goals. What could be more romantic than that?” Spring 2020
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life
ENTERTAINMENT
Puzzle at home! Struggling with stress? Take your mind off of worries with these fun games. MAZE
NUMBER PYRAMID Each blue triangle connects a set of three numbers. Two numbers must add or subtract to equal the third. All numbers must be between 1 and 12 and no number can 8 be repeated in a horizontal row. 4
8 3
8 11
5 4
12 5
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We’re not sure when next it will be safe to go to public events again. But when it is safe to do so, you will still have access to your discounted Nu Metro bookings and buy one, get one free (up to R80) on Computicket. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/benefits/ entertainment for more.
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3 8
9 12
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9 5
1 7
10 1
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4 3 9
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4 6 7 3 1 2 5 9 8
7 1 3 2 9 8 4 5 6
9 4 2 5 7 6 1 8 3
5 8 6 1 4 3 7 2 9
6 2 1 9 8 4 3 7 5
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SUDOKU 7 1
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3 9
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6 8
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SOLUTIONS
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YOUR ENTERTAINMENT BENEFITS
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The goal is to fill in a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains digits from 1-9. Use logic to fill in the missing digits and complete the grid. The rules are: no rows, columns or 3x3 grid can contain more than one of the same digit between 1-9. sanlamreality.co.za
Text: Dominique Bowen; Illustration & puzzles: Shutterstock, supplied; Pricing correct at time of print
For many people, the go-to cure for stress involves spending time on mindless distractions like vegging out in front of the TV. But a UCLA study has revealed that brainsharpening activities can actually be more helpful, lowering the chance of being side-tracked and therefore getting a better grasp on stress-inducing thoughts. Feeling overwhelmed? Try your hand at this maze.
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QUIZ
life
What does your tipping say about you? Are you a penny-pincher or a joyful giver? And how does it impact the people around you? Take this quiz to find out. 1. Great meal! How do you work out the tip?
3. You need to fill your tank. How do you budget for this?
A I always add R20 to any bill and call it a day. B My rule of thumb is 10% of the total bill. C Let me see if I have any coppers…
A I always make sure there’s extra cash in my wallet for the petrol attendant. B I sometimes include a tip, but if I don’t, I’m sure someone else will. C Whatever the petrol pump screen reads, that’s how much I pay.
2. Who deserves a tip? A Car guards, waiters, my hairstylist…
any service provider. B The person who goes the extra mile in carrying out their services. C It’s less to do with who, and more to do with the mood I’m in.
4. Where does tipping fit into your monthly budget? A I factor it into my expenses and draw cash for it each month accordingly. B It’s not a line item, but I somehow manage to make it fit. C I’ve never thought about it.
Text: Dominique Bowen; Photography: Shutterstock
5. To me, tipping is... A Part of ubuntu – paying it forward, and everyone’s social responsibility. B Nice to do, but only as and when you can or want to. C For others to worry about.
Answers*: MOSTLY As: You see tipping as a way to financially empower others. “If you’re in a good financial position, be generous!” says Marusha Nadar, a financial planner at Ravi Naidoo’s Financial Solutions.
MOSTLY Bs: You see tipping as a thank-you for good service. When you plan your weekly expenses, add 10% onto your entertainment budget, for example, so that you have cash for tipping if you feel the service was good.
MOSTLY Cs: While how you tip is your choice, consider that it could help others in a meaningful way. “Tipping is necessary when the people who serve us aren’t earning huge amounts per hour,” says Nadar.
*This quiz is not intended to replace the advice of an expert, a professional financial planner or a debt counsellor.
sanlamreality.co.za
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WAYS TO SAVE BETTER…
SO YOU’VE GOT EXTRA CASH TO SHARE WITH OTHERS
+ SPEND INTENTIONALLY Tipping is a form of spending, so ensure your budget can cover this expense like any other. Set it up by downloading this handy template: sanlamreality.co.za/wealthsense/setting-up-a-familybudget-that-works/. + SAVE REGULARLY Use this calculator to find out how much you should save monthly based on your own personal goals and needs – stash this away, then use your monthly spare change for things like tipping: sanlamreality.co.za/wealthsense/savings-calculator/. + SPEAK TO AN EXPERT Make the right financial decisions to reach your savings goals by speaking to a financial planner. Book a meeting here: sanlamreality. co.za/contact-an-adviser. Spring 2020
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money
REPAYING A LOAN
HELP!
I’m paying back a loan I didn’t want! Has an unexpected, expensive emergency forced you to take a loan that you’re now struggling to pay back? Help is here. By SANELISIWE MALIZA
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LIFE HAS A WAY OF THROWING UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES AT YOU that can leave you feeling completely unprepared. It could be an expensive medical emergency or the need to fix a broken-down car. In the face of a costly emergency, a loan can be a quick way to create cash flow if you don’t have enough personal savings. We spoke to three financial experts about what to consider when taking out a loan, how to manage your debt and how to plan for an emergency. sanlamreality.co.za
CAN I NEGOTIATE MY INTEREST RATE? + You have the freedom to negotiate your interest
rate when you are taking out a loan for a house or car. Your loan provider may decline, but you are free to ask. + You do not have a lot of freedom to negotiate interest rates when taking out a personal loan or a credit card. You can choose to accept or decline offers from an institution. + Have a good credit score: your credit rating can impact how much the interest rate will be for your loan. You can maintain a good credit score by paying your debt on time and not defaulting on any payments or amounts owed. + For the best interest rate, compare offers from different providers while also comparing the T&Cs for each, to understand why one offer may appear cheaper than another.
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BEFORE YOU TAKE OUT A LOAN
“The first thing you need to ask yourself before applying for a loan is, ‘Can I do without what I’m planning to buy or pay for, for another few months, and save in the meantime?’” suggests Paul Slot, a debt counsellor and director at debt-counselling company Octogen. Even though loans are always there for your time of need, good financial planning and saving can help you avoid unwanted debt and wasteful spending. “It’s important to sit with a financial planner to plan for a rainy day. They will help you prepare for whatever financial emergencies that may occur. They will sanlamreality.co.za
recommend savings and policies to ensure you are protected from any crisis that has the potential to totally destroy your financial health,” says investment specialist and senior financial planner at Vestpro Wealth BlueStar, Marcello Thompson. “A car insurance policy or a funeral plan is a cheaper way to help you deal with an unforeseen event,” adds Thompson. He recommends considering options like getting a funeral policy, life policy and income protection to ensure you are financially prepared for anything that may happen in your life. In an instance where a loan is absolutely necessary to get you out of a tight spot, it’s important to research the best personal loan provider. In an industry filled with questionable lenders, it is important to find a legitimate credit provider. While it may be quick and easy to access small, short-term loans from loan sharks, it is also dangerous. Loan sharks have incredibly high interest rates. Always make sure that the company you apply from is registered with the National Credit Regulator. “As a registered credit provider, Sanlam is a responsible lender that takes great care in ensuring that a thorough credit assessment is done and that clients are not given a loan that they cannot afford to pay back,” says Sanlam Personal Loans’ Strategic Business Development Manager, Ayanda Ndimande. Spring 2020
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REPAYING A LOAN
If you invest in yourself by taking a loan for your education, that is good credit. It makes financial sense, as it could give you a better income in future. The problem is inefficient debt, which only gives you pleasure or solves a problem for a short time. It’s not good for your long-term financial independence.
WHEN YOU’RE APPLYING FOR A LOAN
Only apply for what you can afford to repay The decision to apply for a loan should be taken seriously and responsibly. While access to lots of money always seems great when you are applying, this decision impacts your future and finances. There are several factors you need to think about when deciding on the loan. Consider your financial situation: can you afford the loan, and how will you pay it off? “People always take loans thinking they can afford the repayment cost at the moment, but they don’t think about the future. A lot can happen over time. You need to prepare for whatever event that may happen in six months’ time,” says Thompson.
WHERE ARE SOUTH AFRICANS SPENDING THEIR CASH? + The average South African consumer spends
66% of their income on debt. + The biggest expense in a household is groceries: 16% of household expenditure goes to groceries. + The average South African consumer spends 5% of income repaying clothing accounts. + The average South African consumer spends 23% of income repaying microlenders. Source: Octogen Consumer Budget Assessments Report 2019 (data of 60 000 people).
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He suggests thinking of any future costs that may arise, like increased petrol costs or maybe your child starting at a new school, and make decisions on how much your repayments need to be with this in mind. When deciding how much you will need, you also need to consider for how long you will be able to pay the loan back, given your employment status and financial situation. The amount of time it takes to repay the loan impacts the monthly repayment amount. “When deciding on the repayment terms, you can choose to repay the loan in a shorter time, with a higher repayment amount, or over a longer time with a more affordable monthly repayment fee, but you would pay more in total over a longer period,” says Thompson Taking longer to repay the loan means the total amount you spend repaying the loan would be higher because of the interest. To be safe when deciding on monthly repayment costs, you can follow the industry rule. The suggested industry debt-to-income ratio for loans is that debt should not be more than 35% of your salary. This gives you enough room to still live a comfortable life and be able to afford overall expenses including rent and groceries.
USE OUR FREE SAVINGS CALCULATOR Work out how much you need to save to reach your goals, short- and long-term, by using our free savings calculator at sanlamreality.co.za/ wealth-sense/savings-calculator.
sanlamreality.co.za
Photography: Shutterstock
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– Ayanda Ndimande, Strategic Business Development Manager, Sanlam Personal Loans
SANLAM OFFERS DEBT MANAGEMENT HELP Get access to a free credit dashboard and the help of a credit management coach. Sanlam provides you with a free tool to help you understand your credit profile. Sign up at sanlamcreditsolutions.co.za.
To understand the limit for your debt repayment cost, here is a suggested guide to help you figure it out: Total salary amount
-75%
The amount that your debt repayment cost should not exceed.
Make sure you understand the loan terms When deciding on the repayment terms, you should never assume that you will be repaying the exact same amount every month; you also need to consider the interest terms for a loan, as this may impact the monthly repayment amount. “On a fixed contract, the interest stays the same for the duration of the loan. On a variable interest contract, the interest can increase or decrease depending on changes to the prime rate,” explains Ndimande. Having a variable contract means that your monthly repayment fee may change based on the prime rate. Ensure that you plan for this in your budget. “Always take what you need, nothing more,” adds Slot. He cautions that you should never take the full amount that has been offered by a credit provider. “You need to make sure that if you end up in another emergency, you do have the option to borrow more,” he adds. sanlamreality.co.za
GET TRUSTWORTHY ADVICE Speak to a Sanlam financial planner for personalised advice to plan your finances and wealth. Call 086 123 5433 or visit sanlamreality.co.za/contact-an-adviser to book an appointment.
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AFTER YOU’VE RECEIVED YOUR LOAN
Part of making sure that you have the option to borrow more in an emergency or when you are ready to make big purchases like a house or car, is to be strict with your repayments. According to the Payments Association of South Africa, every month there are approximately. 1.2 million unpaid debit orders in South Africa. To protect the future of your financial health, it’s important to never miss a payment. This will ensure your credit record is clear, so you can borrow money in the future. Your credit record isn’t just important for other loans like a car loan, but also for when you apply to rent a home, or to get a phone contract. While loans are not always recommended, it is often good to have the option as a backup. To reduce the chances of ever having to take out another loan for an emergency, Thompson urges you to save more and not to tap into these savings unnecessarily. “Saving anything is better than nothing,” he adds. Sanlam is a Licensed Financial Services Provider.
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MINDSET
How your HOW TO upbringing affects CHANIT GE your money mindset
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NOMPUMELELO ZULU, 35, WAS RAISED BY A SINGLE MOTHER in Jo’burg. Her mother died suddenly in a car accident. The tragic loss meant she went to live with her grandmother in KwaZulu-Natal. “I went from not having to worry about things to sometimes going to bed hungry,” she says. “Now that I’m a working adult, I worry about not having enough food and so I tend to overspend.”
We are all the product of our experiences Marcello Thompson, investment specialist and senior financial planner, says that we are all a product of our experiences; especially those we had as a child. “Financial stress can cause a child to grow up to be more careful with money, or to go the other way and not consider financial choices at all.” “I was 10 when my father lost his job. He was
paid weekly, so his income stopped immediately. My parents had to make a lot of drastic, sudden changes,” shares Sibu Mnyamana, 27. Experiences like this will absolutely impact your future money mindset.
Understand what your subconscious money mindset is According to 2018 research by The University of Michigan Center for Human Growth and Development, sanlamreality.co.za
Photography: Shutterstock
Some of us grew up hungry, others with plenty. Our experiences as children play a part in how we behave with money as adults. If your money mindset needs a reboot, start here. By CEBOKAZI SOTOBE
by the age of 10, we have already formed our attitude towards money. Often, these attitudes are subconscious – we don’t realise we have them – but they impact our decisions. For example, going to bed hungry as a child could drive us into any number of attitudes towards money. It could make us worship money, or avoid it because it’s been a source of stress.
Go back to basics Breaking any bad habit requires effort; it’s never easy. These days we have so many professionals and experts available to help with the difficult process of getting out of bad habits and behaviours. Thompson suggests you get in touch with a professional financial planner, who can assist you with the process. This person can be like an accountability partner.
By the age of 10, we have generally formed our attitude towards money based on our experiences. To shift your mindset – even if as a child you experienced financial challenges – Thompson says it’s about knowledge, and taking action based on this knowledge. “If poverty and financial difficulty is all you knew, it will always be the place from where you make your decisions. The key is to expose yourself to new things. One of the ways to achieve this is by exploring how others approach money decisions.” Start with learning the basics of good personal finance – this will lead to more confidence. Speak to a financial planner to gain knowledge; visit Wealth Sense, your financial education portal from Sanlam Reality (sanlamreality.co.za/ wealth-sense). sanlamreality.co.za
“We learn skills to do a job in order to earn an income, but not many of us enter the job market with the necessary skills to manage our finances once we’re earning. The best time to start with good financial habits is now.”
Good financial habits to start practising
1
Get into the habit of creating a monthly/ weekly budget based on your income. This means that you map out your income and expenses, and your expenses are never higher than the money you have coming in each month or week. Stick to the budget at all costs. This is how you start managing cash flow so that you
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avoid going into debt, and can start setting aside even very small amounts for saving. Plan for your future. Speak to a financial planner about the goals you should be planning for; then set up savings or investment funds to help you start achieving these. Plan for the unexpected (the things that you have no control over, but that would have a severe impact on your financial wellbeing if they happened), for example, funeral cover, income protection and medical cover. Savings should be part of your budget. Save first, then only spend what you have left after this. Money has the power to give us a false belief system. Once a behaviour has become part of our lifestyle, it becomes difficult to change it. One of the best ways to help change your attitude towards money, and to taking control of your financial future, is with the help of an expert financial planner.
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SPEAK TO AN EXPERT Speak to a Sanlam financial planner for personalised advice to plan your finances. Call 086 123 5433 or visit sanlamreality.co.za/ contact-an-adviser to book an appointment.
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health
MUST-KNOW
OBESITY: South Africa’s killer disease
Obesity affects almost 30% of our population, but there are lifestyle choices that can change this.
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION’S MOST RECENT STATISTICS (2016) state that 13% of the global population is obese, while nearly 39% is overweight. Comparatively, South Africa’s numbers are alarming. We have more than double the rate of obesity (28%) and over half of our population is overweight (54%).
How did this happen? Beauty Wright-Sipondo, health promotions officer at The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, says our reliance on the modern supply of cheap, non-nutritious food, coupled with our sedentary lifestyles, is contributing to our weight gain. “Factors such as poverty and the way our culture aspires to a fuller body image also play a role,” she says. Jo’burg-based dietician Mbali Mapholi
points to the high consumption of sugarloaded beverages and the excessive use of alcohol. “South Africans consume an average of 29 litres of alcohol per person per year,” she says, “which hugely contributes to weight gain, especially if accompanied with poor dietary intake.” She adds that the average food-plate distribution lacks nutrition. “People pile half their plate with starch, with very few vegetables,” she says.
Why should we care? Dr Marion Morkel, chief medical advisor at Sanlam, says obesity contributes gravely to the development of non-communicable diseases (a disease that can’t be directly transferred from person to person) and is currently the fifth leading risk factor of disability-adjusted life years (the number of years lost due to ill health, disability or early death) for non-communicable diseases. It follows on after unsafe sex, interpersonal violence, alcohol abuse and tobacco smoking. “Obesity has a direct effect on hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes,” she states. It can also lead to heart disease, strokes, cancer and mental-health issues.
Obesity contributes gravely to the development of non-communicable diseases.
DIET VS EXERCISE? “If you want to address obesity, don’t separate diet and exercise”, says WrightSipondo. Mapholi recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week and suggests finding inventive ways to work out that don’t require a gym. Think of taking the stairs instead of using the lift, going for a walk at lunchtime and doing sitting and stretching exercises at your desk. “But still, you cannot out-run a bad diet,” she says.
What can we do? “Improving the quality and quantity of our food is an effective solution,” says Mapholi. She recommends reducing portion sizes
SAVE WHEN YOU SHOP You get free discount coupons to redeem at Shoprite and Checkers when you do your monthly grocery shop. Request your coupons monthly by dialing *134*20019# or by visiting sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/discount-coupons.
sanlamreality.co.za
Spring 2020
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MUST-KNOW
AM I OVERWEIGHT? A person is considered overweight if they have a BMI of 25 or above. For example, a person 1.65m tall and weighing 68kg has a BMI of 25. Someone is considered obese when they have a BMI of 30 or higher. A person 1.75m tall and weighing 92kg has a BMI of 30.
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and including at least two vegetables at lunch and dinner. “Dish them up first to take up half the plate before adding other components.” She also suggests drinking more water and less alcohol, and being more active. “Start small if you are not used to doing exercise, and gradually try to do some physical activities,” says WrightSipondo, who adds that consuming less salt, fat and sugar will aid in this transition.
Isn’t healthy eating costly?
that doesn’t matter when it’s eaten with a variety of other foods that contain fibre.” She indicates that only a quarter of the plate should contain this or any other starch.
Obesity in children “Obesity in children often originates with poor feeding habits during early childhood,” says Morkel. “Contributing factors include the early introduction of complementary feeding – babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months – using food as a reward, and the early introduction of unhealthy foods to the diet.” “Ironically, undernutrition can lead to obesity later on,” says Wright-Sipondo, advising that parents need to teach children to eat properly and be active from an early age by being role models themselves. Mapholi agrees that parents should lead by example. “If parents eat from the fridge and pot, kids will eat from the fridge and pot.” She recommends keeping wholesome foods at home such as fruit, vegetables and dairy products, and regularly offering children drinking water rather than sugar-sweetened beverages.
The key is choosing foods that nourish, that we can afford and access, and that we can enjoy.
“There is a false perception that healthier foods are more expensive,” says Morkel. “Yes, ‘fast food’ is generally easier and cheaper to come by, but this doesn’t mean that it is impossible to achieve a healthy diet on a small budget.” She recommends adding whole grains (wholewheat starch, oats and brown rice) to meal plans, along with a variety of fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans. “The key is choosing foods that nourish, that we can afford and access, and that we enjoy,” says Mapholi, singling out spinach, morogo, mielies, bananas, apples and oranges in season. “Salmon is pricey, so pilchards are a good option in the oily fish category. They’re cheaper, but have a similar nutritional value.” She suggests swapping brown rice for brown pap or ting, and yoghurt for maas or amasi when living in rural settings where these are more readily available and cost-effective. Even maize meal has its place in a healthy eating plan when consumed in moderation. “Maize meal is fortified with vitamins and minerals in South Africa,” says Mapholi. “It lacks fibre due to the milling process, but
GET FIT & SAVE! When it’s safe to go to the gym again, you get up to 20% off monthly gym fees at Planet Fitness, and up to 60% off at JustGym. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefits/health for more.
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Text: Tracy Lynn Chemaly; Photography: Shutterstock
health
competition
win 1 of 10 Russell Hobbs sets worth a total of R10 000! Simply use your Discount Coupons benefit by 31 October 2020, and you’ll automatically be entered!
HOW TO ENTER
Competition closes 31 October 2020. Prizes: 10x Russell Hobbs sets individually worth R1 000. Terms and conditions apply – for full T&Cs, go to sanlamreality.co.za/terms-and-conditions.
health
EXERCISE IN SPRING
The benefits of being active in cooler weather GO ON, HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON before dragging yourself out of bed for a mug of Milo and series binge – what else are you going to do on chilly, dark mornings? Think again! Cooler temperatures may not inspire you to greatness, but early spring mornings are excellent for getting active and staying fit. The root for this lies in science: Japanese researchers have found that exposure to cooler temperatures during workouts may have a number of unexpected benefits, including the fact that shivering actually burns calories. The research has also shown that, in order to adapt to cooler temperatures, the body converts some lazy fat cells into
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heat-producing, metabolically active fat, which, in turn, increases the amount of calories you burn. Another reason exercising when it’s cooler could be good for you is that the body doesn’t have to worry so much about temperature regulation when it’s not busy overheating from exercise. It’s a bit like the heat you produce from running and the cold temperatures you’re doing it in cancel each other out, so your body can focus on training and performance. You still need to dress weather-appropriate though – don’t go freezing off your extremities thinking it’s going to help you fit into last summer’s jeans!
sanlamreality.co.za
Text: Christine van Deemter; Photography: Shutterstock
It’s the last thing you want to do, but that 5am spring morning jog has a few tricks up its sleeve to help keep you fit.
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE BODY…
WHAT ABOUT DIET? “Indulging in too much comfort food through cooler weather can leave you feeling bloated, sluggish, and a million miles away from feeling healthy,” says Monique Piderit, a registered dietician at Nutritional Solutions. “You can influence the body’s ability to fight illness by providing the immune system with healthy foods.” Piderit suggests:
BROCCOLI: Did you know that broccoli has more vitamin C than oranges?
BEETROOT: Rich in betacyanin, a phytonutrient that helps maintain and modulate immune function.
YOGHURT: The live cultures from fermented food like yoghurt help keep the gut healthy.
Your mind can also reap the benefits of a cold-temperature workout, even though it’s your inner voice telling you it wants to stay under the duvet! Exercise stimulates serotonin, our feel-good hormone, which can help combat the cold-weather blues. Being outside also gives you your daily dose of vitamin D, which you need for strong bones.
SAVE WHEN YOU SHOP You get free discount coupons to redeem at Shoprite and Checkers when you do your monthly grocery shop. Request your coupons monthly by dialling *134*20019# or by visiting sanlamreality. co.za/benefit/ discount-coupons.
SWEET POTATO: Your skin is the first line of defence against bacteria and viruses, and healthy skin needs vitamin A – which sweet potato is chock-full of.
ROOIBOS TEA: Rooibos can help regulate the immune system, since it stimulates the production of immune cells.
HOW TO DRESS FOR SPRING EXERCISE GET FIT & SAVE! When it’s safe to go to the gym again, get up to 20% off monthly gym fees at Planet Fitness, and up to 60% off at JustGym. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefits/health to learn more.
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1 Dress dry, not just warm. Think synthetic fibres that don’t soak up moisture, instead of cotton. 2 Protect your head, ears and fingers from the cold by wearing a lightweight, moisture-wicking beanie or headband and running gloves. 3 Layer your clothes: start with a thin base layer that will wick sweat away from your skin, add a warm middle layer, and end with a protective shell. 4 Spring is still dark – wear bright, light-reflective clothing so you can be seen, for safety.
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club
GET REAL
MEET THE
MEMBER
Mother of two, ZANELE KILANI, 32, works as a teacher in Jo’burg. She’s been a Sanlam Reality member for two years.
Make the most of your Reality Club membership
“We’re living in tough economic times” “With Sanlam Reality I get to enjoy the finer things in life for much less. The monthly premiums are affordable and there are so many benefits for everyone in my family to enjoy.”
“With discount coupons, I save throughout the month” “Day-to-day life is becoming very expensive, but with Sanlam Reality I save on basic necessities using the monthly discount coupons, which are easy to redeem.”
“Thanks to Sanlam Reality, we can enjoy movies as a family” “Previously we didn’t go out much because of the prices we were paying. With discounted movie tickets and
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HELP FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY You get free homeschooling help for the kids thanks to your Dial-A-Teacher benefit. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/dial-a-teacher to learn more.
BENEFIT
OFFER
Wealth TaxTim
Easy tax returns with TaxTim
Wealth Sense
Online financial assistance
Day-to-Day savings Discount Coupons
Savings at Shoprite and Checkers
Health Planet Fitness Gym
20% Off a 12-month contract
JustGym
Up to 60% off a 12-month contract
Travel Intercape Bus
Get 50% off; two tickets per year
Entertainment
SAVE ON MONTHLY GROCERIES Save rands on your grocery bill with discount coupons that can be redeemed at Checkers and Shoprite stores nationwide. Dial *134*20019# or visit sanlamreality. co.za/benefit/ discount-coupons to request coupons.
Nu Metro movies and refreshments
R30 for a 2D ticket, R35 for a refreshment combo (10/month)
Computicket shows and sport
Buy one ticket, get one free (up to R80)
Reality Club magazine
Three times a year
Personal services Personal Assistant
On call, 24/7, 365 days a year
Dial-A-Teacher
Educational help and call-back service
Legal Assist
Legal helpline (24/7)
Trauma, Assault & HIV Assist
Expert assistance helpline (24/7)
Use this benefit in your Sanlam Reality App.
refreshments, we get to visit Nu Metro and enjoy movies as a family.”
For more, call 0860 00 7325, visit sanlamreality.co.za or email info@sanlamreality.co.za. Benefit T&Cs apply. sanlamreality.co.za
Interview: Xxxxxx; Photography: Xxxxxxx Supplied, Shutterstock Interview: Dominique Bowen; Photography: Shutterstock, supplied. Pricing correct at time of print.
These are all the benefits and discounts available for you to enjoy.
We’ve got your back in tough times
As a Reality Club member, you have free access to benefits designed to help ease the load during challenging times: • Medical and trauma expertise, a phone call away • Legal assistance, 24/7 • Homeschooling help for your kids via Dial-A-Teacher
Visit sanlamreality.co.za/benefits/personal-services. T&Cs apply.
Tap into your benefits from your phone
Simple. Convenient. 24/7. Chat to your Personal Assistant & track your to-dos
Access your digital membership card
Activate your Uber discount
Book discounted Nu Metro tickets
Download or find out more
Visit sanlamreality.co.za for more. T&Cs apply.