Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, proclaimed in January this year that “Cash is Trash”. He reiterated this sentiment in April warning investors to be conscious of the dangers of cash, that it is seductive because of its low volatility, but is almost always the worst investment.

When it comes to estate planning, you should always consider the objective at hand for deciding on the type of trust to use. A Testamentary Trust is the most commonly used form of trust in South Africa and is an effective Estate Planning tool.

In six short weeks Covid-19, initially a regional epidemic confined largely to the Hubei district in China, has become a global pandemic. The brutal, and in this case ruthless, power of exponential growth has been on display for all to see.

Where you are “at” in life, will determine your strategic plan for your estate, and which techniques to use in order to implement in the plan. Each plan will be unique and structured according to an estate planner’s own unique set of circumstances, goals and objectives, and reviewed regularly to take account of personal and legislative changes.

Trusts have recently come under the spotlight from a SARS perspective. With the recent amendments, it is important for a trustee to fully understand their role and responsibilities.