New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Arden, is a breath of fresh air. The world took particular note of her leadership style during the unfortunate terrorist incident that took place in that country a few months ago. She appeared kind, empathetic and her government took swift action in the wake of the attacks by banning military-style semi-automatic rifles. On May 30th, she and her government released the first ever Wellbeing budget where the focus will be on […]
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More analysis on the current state of world happiness
More work is now being done on the state and drivers of general wellbeing of individuals globally. While the numbers such as income distribution, economic growth and unemployment rates are important, they only tell a portion of the story and what affect our overall wellbeing. Gallup describe themselves as a global analytics and advice firm that helps leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. They have produced a number of documents around this subject matter […]
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World happiness
I use social media a lot and I’m always shocked at how much negative content there is. Poor economic conditions globally, climate change, crime – keeping up to date with all of it can make you think that the world is generally in a bad state. The World Happiness Report 2019 was released in March and it’s always such an interesting read. This is the 7th year that the study is conducted and measures an array […]
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Starting early
I’ve mentioned in a previous article that I’ve purchased piggy banks for my 4-year-old daughter and her 2-year-old brother. For now, all we’re doing is collecting coins and, to them, it’s still a game about who’s piggy will fill up the fastest. Occasionally, we talk about what we’re going to do with all the funds collected but they’re still too young to fully grasp the actual value of the coins they’re collecting. David Whitebread and Sue […]
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Making a difference
StatsSA recently released the General Household survey 2018 results. Below are some of the findings that affect the youth in particular: The base of grant recipients is far too large and unsustainable in the long run. It is, however, undeniable that the beneficiaries of these funds would be in complete distress without them. There is also a direct correlation between access to grants and improved childhood development which further strengthens the case for them to remain. […]
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Youth month
What better way to commemorate youth month than highlight issues surrounding the youth of this country, and to also try and seek solutions to these issues. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a body, who’s mission it is to promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world by providing a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems. The […]
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My biggest financial mistake was an investment property
I know so many people who romanticize the idea of having an investment property. It’s always a sure bet – buy a second property, fix it up and watch the money roll in. In theory, this is a great idea and I know so many people who’ve been so successful at this. I used to hold this view until a few years ago. I bought, what I thought, was a great investment property in a well-kept […]
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Single women and property investments
Single women in South Africa were the biggest group of property buyers in the last year, according to the latest Lightstone property report. This trend has been gaining momentum since 2012 and can be attributed to a few factors such as higher education levels which have led to better paying jobs. The gender pay gap, however, is still a concern. Women in South Africa earn approximately two thirds of what their male counterparts earn. It then […]
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Home ownership versus your ability to accumulate wealth
Owning your own home, whether it’s a bachelor pad or five-bedroomed mansion, is a deeply personal and emotional attachment we have to a space that transcends rationality. It is bigger and more important than just being about bricks and mortar. For many, home represents a great sense of achievement, independence, protection, love, a refuge and so many other intangibles. In South Africa, the vast majority of the population was restricted from owning their homes and from […]
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Winter is here
It has become evident that burning excess energy unnecessarily is a no-no (in my world anyway). I’ve hung up my running shoes and have given my gym ensembles a break for now because winter is here. And yes, I am well aware that summer bodies are made in winter ???? I’m looking to buy a few good books over the next couple of weeks to keep me occupied while sitting snuggly near the heater. And I’m […]
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