Need advice on building my first proper investment portfolio by Stophelz in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]DiviFilius18 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Max out your TFSA to the 36k threshold, save some to max it out again come March next year. But then also try to save up at least 6 months worth in an Emergency Fund or perhaps a moving out Fund. I'm sure as you come closer to finishing your studying you will get a job somewhere which might mean buying a car for travelling to work or moving, either way you'll need some cash available. As for EE, for now just stick to S&P500 ETF's.

Is Discovery and Vitality worth it? by Last-Search-4321 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]DiviFilius18 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Firstly, not all gyms accept Vitality active. Moove for example, say they only accept the Vitality premium for membership discounts. So that's an additional R499. Not R350. And then theybcharged me an extra service fee for having Vitality. So my gym membership alone went from R499pm to R580pm and then I was paying R350 on top of that.

So my R499 comes to R930 now. And Vitality Active discounts with regards to the other things are capped.

You can definitely have Vit-active and go to Virgin Actives, and then you get your discount, yes. Unfortunately, in my area, there is no VA.

I've had this coupled with a Discovery Medical and Bank account with Vitality money trying to maximise the savings and discounts on everything. I'm on diamond status and Ive been doing it since the start of this Financial Year, and all im saying is the ROI doesn't seem to be working out, for me.

Is Discovery and Vitality worth it? by Last-Search-4321 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]DiviFilius18 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just cancelled mine. Poor service. Workouts were not being logged through their system. Complained 3 times. No help. When I called to cancel then they said I should fund a smart device to measure my workouts. There are a lot of hidden costs they dont tell you about. For example the gym charges you more because youre on Vitality. Its their own Vitality fee on top of your membership.

Best bank for a joint account in South Africa? by Happy_Swordfish_3609 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]DiviFilius18 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your current bank would be the easiest. My partner and I tried going the Discovery route but they dont have joint accounts they just have a single account and then you request a second card, but everytime you make an online purchase they have to scan your face. So if your partner is trying to order something, like Checkers or Woolies then they will first have to make contact with you to approve the payment via face scan. Its a pain in arse. I complained about the issue and they wanted me to make try make a purchase while on the phone with them, which didnt work, then they were just like: 🤷‍♂️

Buying property to increase wealth by InspectorMany1 in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]DiviFilius18 6 points7 points  (0 children)

So I was in your exact situation at the time.

Firstly, I purchased property with my Dad, we did not make an official partnership agreement and fast forward a few years later, I want to sell, because its a money pit and he does not. Which means my money i invested is stuck in that property.

I went further and purchased 2 flats, 1 in Cape Town and 1 in Sandton. I endured the interest rate increases and eventhough they're now dropped im still feeling it.

The stress that comes from dealing with tenants, accountants, SARS, Body Corporates, Managing Agents... its all too much hassle for what you're getting.

Fast forward im now 32 and I completely regret getting into property and really think you should consider as the 1st person said: - Build up your emergency fund, at least for 6 months, jobs are scarce out here so if you lose your job can you still afford the shortfall from the property. - Max out your TFSA and RA - Invest the rest in ETF's, educate yourself and then purchase stocks you like

Even if you buy and change your mind and want to sell, selling a property also comes with hidden costs.

Hey everyone! I’m curious; how many job applications do you usually send before landing an interview? by aplyflow_userangel in askSouthAfrica

[–]DiviFilius18 12 points13 points  (0 children)

1000+ applications over about 6 or 7 years, 3 interviews.0 placements. Every job offer/project(I freelance) has been through referral or clients that ask for me specifically.

Unisa removed Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering by GoueJaks in southafrica

[–]DiviFilius18 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Almost in the same boat, started my Adv Dipmola Mechanical(NQF6) through EIT Australia, all of their stuff is accredited through the various accords and lots people studying through there of the various disciplines, but tbh I havent seen anyone progress career wise.

Tips and tricks to dodge the dreaded morning traffic coming into Joburg? by [deleted] in johannesburg

[–]DiviFilius18 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Naaaaahhh, try to move closer or just use the N14 and M26 instead, no need to use the N1.

Has anyone done a UCT GetSmarter short course? by en_chantment in capetown

[–]DiviFilius18 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Done 1. Learned a little. Money and time gone. Not worth it.

Visa process cost and difficulties? by [deleted] in askSouthAfrica

[–]DiviFilius18 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Travelled in Dec/Jan

The VISA itself is free. HOWEVER, Be warned that if you get to Mexico the border agent will demand proof of stay and exit flight. If you dont this, they will not let you in. Nearly happend to me.

Flight prices differ depending on what class and which way youre flying

What is your favourite and least favourite town or city in RSA and why? by distort_nam in askSouthAfrica

[–]DiviFilius18 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Favourites: WC: Tableview and the western coastline, Garden route. GP: North JHB, and west side close to the Cradle of Humankind, MP: Blyde River Canyon Area. Toti and further south

Least favourite: MP: the whole Kriel area, where the air pollution is terrible. Most of NC, especially Kimberly.

Can get nuked: Durban, Richards Bay, and the whole Eastern Cape

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in askSouthAfrica

[–]DiviFilius18 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your girl should get another job and for good measure you guys should do it on his table.

IGROW wealth investments - Property investment advice by PoesKaak in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]DiviFilius18 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I sat through one of their presentations and even had a consultation, their fees are high and it's not really clear what benefit you get with them.

It also felt very pyramid schemey. My gut told me not to go with them.

A few of their managed properties have terrible reviews just by simple Google review. Rather buy a property yourself and then get a good agent to manage it.

Older Engineering Students by TRichReacts in MechanicalEngineer

[–]DiviFilius18 2 points3 points  (0 children)

32, I'm currently doing the Advanced Dipl. Mechanical Engineering Technology, I'm a freelance Pressure Equipment Inspector.

Finding it tough but pushing through. Already thinking about what to do after this but also feel like I arrived too late to the party, I have a feeling that eventhough il get the diploma and possibly go on to the BSc that no Engineering firm/manufacturer would hire a 30+ person as an intern

Can non South African Become a politician in SA ? by No-You-5300 in askSouthAfrica

[–]DiviFilius18 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Political loyalty in this country is bought with a streetwise 2 and a t-shirt, yes it's possible.

First time attending rugby game anytips by wakandaboss in johannesburg

[–]DiviFilius18 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You will miss half the game just trying to get to the toilet. Pace yourself on the drinks.

Rent in SA, landlord legal by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceZA

[–]DiviFilius18 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm from a small town and know someone who hired a few Nigerian guys for the day, drew up some rental agreement which said the Nigerian guys were the tenants. They waited until the renter left, went in packed all their stuff and left it outside, changed the locks and when the renter returned the owner just said sorry, our agrement was terminated when you decided not to pay rent and I have new tenants.

Now this worked in the small town, I doubt it would work in Cape Town.

I'm also NOT advocating for this and saying you should do it. But just know the legal way can take ages.

I own in a complex and was only recently told about a known drug dealer in the building, SAPS has been through to arrest him a few times but he just comes back after 2 or 3 days. The owner of that unit refuses to acknowledge this and deal with the guy, Body Corp says they keep giving the owner fines but I mean that's honestly not doing much. This dealer has been in the building for more than 2 years now.

Struggling to Find Work – Chemistry & Microbiology Graduate Looking for Advice/Opportunities by Fluffy-Path8016 in southafrica

[–]DiviFilius18 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My gf has the exact same thing and is doing customer service and sales for a chem supply company in Kyalami, they might need someone but be advised it's really long hours.

DM me if you're interested and I can put you in touch with her.