About RSA Retail Bonds

RSA Retail Bonds are issued by the government’s National Treasury as a way of financing the budget deficit of the government. Retail Bonds are one of the various types of financial services and investment opportunities that are used by personal investors, brokers, pension funds, banks, as well as foreign investors. RSA Retail Bonds are under the responsibility of the Asset and Liability Management sector of South Africa’s National Treasury. The Liability Management unit of this department is charged with managing the liquidity needs of the government.

It was in the 2003/2004 Budget Review that the Minister of Finance declared that South Africa’s National Treasury would introduce new retail bond securities to target a new source of funding for the government, to encourage the general public to save their money, and to increase the diversity of the market’s financial instruments.

There are two types of RSA Retail Bonds: RSA Inflation Linked Retail Savings Bonds and RSA Fixed Rate Retail Savings Bonds. Each of these RSA Retail Bonds are geared to making it simple and accessible for the general public to earn market-related, secure returns on the money they choose to invest. The RSA Inflation Linked Retail Savings Bonds will mature after 3 years, 5 years or 10 years; and the RSA Fixed Rate Retail Savings Bonds have a maturity of 2 years, 3 years, or 5 years.

Who is eligible for RSA retail bonds?

• You must be a permanent resident of South Africa.
• You must have a valid South African identification document.’
• You must have a South African bank account.
• If you are under the age of 18, you must receive consent from your parents in writing before investing (unless you have been granted majority status or you are married).

Now what you have the answer to the question “What are RSA Retail Bonds”, you may want to know: “How do I invest in an RSA Retail bond?” Simply put, there are three basic steps in the procedure; first, you need to register your relevant details at the National Treasury, then you can select the bond and maturity of your choice and apply for the retail bond. Lastly, you will pay for the accepted application.

1. 1.       Register your details

To start the application process for your RSA Retail Bond, you can go directly to the National Treasury at 240 Vermeulen Street, Cnr Andries and Vermeulen Streets, Pretoria, 0002 or call the department on (012) 315 5888. Alternatively, you can visit any South African Post Office Branch, or the RSA Retail Bonds website (www.rsaretailbonds.gov.za). However, if you are under the age of 18 and have not been granted majority status you cannot apply electronically on the website as parental consent is required in writing for you to apply. After the registration process, you will be given an investor number which can be used as a reference when you make payments to your RSA Retail Bond bank account.

1. 2.       Apply and select the bond and maturity

Like the registration process, there are a number of places you can select the bond type and maturity:

• Any Pick ‘n Pay branch
• The RSA Retail Bonds website (www.rsaretailbonds.gov.za)
• Any South African Post Office Branch
• You can also do directly to the National Treasury (240 Vermeulen Street, Cnr Andries and Vermeulen Streets, Pretoria, 0002) or give them a call on (012) 315 5888.

1. 3.       Pay for your RSA Retail Savings Bond

You can make a payment:

• At any Pick ‘n Pay Branch
• Via internet banking
• Through a direct deposit at the bank
• At any South African Post Office Branch.

If you choose to pay by cheque, the cheque must be made out to the place of payment. In other words, if you paid by cheque at Pick ‘n Pay, you must make the cheque out to Pick ‘n Pay.

In South Africa, there are more unit trusts (nearly 1000) than there are shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This makes the South African stock and investment environment a complex one. It is the role of Symmetry Multi-Manager to make this confusing environment more accessible by offering a range of funds to suit any types of investor.

What does Symmetry Multi-Manager do?

Rather than placing investment in individual shares, the top asset managers at Symmetry Multi-Manager make the best investment choices for their relevant clients, meaning that clients get the benefit of having multiple asset managers making the right decisions for them. It is up to Symmetry Multi-Manager to conduct extensive research into the individual strengths, performance, philosophy and strategy of asset managers. Symmetry Multi-Manager investments therefore carry lower risk than other investment options.

What funds are offered by Symmetry Multi-Manager?

There are two categories of fund available to individuals: Life Funds and Unit Trusts. Both of these types of investments are suitable across the risk spectrum but there are minor differences between the two so it is worth contacting a financial adviser to see which option is best suited to your circumstances.

Why Symmetry Multi-Manager?

Although Symmetry Multi-Manager is a relatively small firm, they are still able to offer advantages that one can usually only find in big corporations, such as:

• Up to the minute administration and data technology
• A comprehensive management system for various portfolios
• Customised software for monitoring purposes, tracking bond, absolute, international, equity and money market solutions.
• Clients benefit from thorough manager research conducted by Symmetry Multi-Manager. In fact, over 10 000 hours per year is spent by the investment team on manger research. This is a way of ensuring that the right manager decisions are made.
• Symmetry Multi-Manager was the first company of its kind to take home an ASISA/Personal Finance Raging Bull Award. For over five years Symmetry Multi-Manager have also won the Best in Sector for the Defensive Fund of Funds award from Micropal; and can boast 7 Standard & Poor’s/Financial Mail awards given for the best risk-adjusted returns in different categories.
• Every single decision made about any investment is managed by a highly qualified and experienced team of professionals specialising in investment solution.
• Symmetry Multi-Manager is able to offer comprehensive solutions as the company is part of the Old mutual groups, allowing them access to other resources and back-office systems. This allows the company to focus on profitable returns as costs and processes are streamlined through the Old Mutual systems.

Ultimately, what Symmetry Multi-Manager executives see as the factor that separates them from the competition is their staff. The company specifically chooses to employ managers who have different strategies and styles when it comes to investment. This ensures for well-though out investment decisions and decreases the risk of Symmetry Multi-Manager funds and also reduces the dependence of investments on the current market conditions. In fact, the team is so confident in the performance of the investments they make on behalf of clients that each investment team member invests their own personal money in the same portfolios selected for their clients.

Contacting Symmetry Multi-Manager

To take advantage of the investment opportunities offered by Symmetry Multi-Manager, you can find the company at Mutual Park, Jan Smuts Drive, Pinelands 7405. Alternatively, give them a call on +27 (0)21 509 6566, fax on 27 (0)21 503 4079, or shoot them an email on symmclientquery@symmetry.co.za.

If you are now wondering how you as an individual can invest with Satrix then all you need is either R1000 as a lump sum that is paid up front, or R300 to be paid to Satrix monthly. As Satrix mention on their website (www.satrix.co.za), “In the past, it took a wealthy man to own the top shares on the JSE”, this however is no longer the case as you now have a partner with over a decade of experience to help you on your journey.  Satrix is therefore a sort of security blanket that keeps you protected and provides you with sound investment strategies to help you grow your money from strength to strength. How it works is that they will buy you an investment portfolio of some of the top shares on the JSE. This enables them to spread your risk and in the long term grow your profits for a very small investment amount.

There are also two ways as an individual that you can invest in Satrix:

1. Stockbrokers

A stockbroker is a registered member of the JSE and therefore has the ability to buy or sell through the JSE trading system. This means that if you use a stock broker, they can purchase and sell shares on your behalf. What is more is that they will always try and find a sell order for Satrix securities in the market which can be matched by your buy order.

If you have no idea what I am talking about then let me explain it to you in layman’s terms. For example, if your broker becomes aware of a share on the market that he thinks that  is going to gain value, he will try and sell some of your shares in something else in order to make you more money in the share that is about to take off. Satrix additionally have commissioned official market makers who can provide liquidity to the market for Satrix securities. This means that Satrix is always looking out for your interests and will do everything in their power to turn your initial R1000 into much, much more.   The only downside to this type of investment plan is that you will be required to pay a minimum fee and monthly fee to the broker you choose.

1. Satrix investment plan

The Satrix investment plan is a secure way of making some money from a very low investment. All you have to do is visit the Satrix website, download the application form, follow a couple of other steps that include getting FICA accreditation, and then you are on your way. By investing in a Satrix investment plan you will be able to personally manage your investments, and all via the internet. You can swop from one Satrix stock to another and also make further investments. This is your opportunity for you to personally “Own the market” should you be able to read the market successfully.

It really is that simple. All you have to do is take a look at their website, see what they have to offer and get on your way to making a lot of money. Who could ask for more?

There are so many variables when it comes to investment:

• How much money will I put down?
• What are the current financial or investment trends?
• Should I invest local or offshore?
• Which investment houses have a good reputation and who can I trust?
• What investment vehicle should I be using?

It is important to have a goal for your investment, a reason as to why you want the investment in the first place. The goal or desired outcome will have a large influence in terms of what your investment will be.

Here are a few examples of goals:

• I want to set up an education fund for my children;
• I want to make sure I have enough for when I retire;
• I have some spare cash lying around and want to make it work for me;
• My business is taking off and I want to set some money aside to cover for the bad times;

Your goal or reason for investing will determine the vehicle you make use of.

At this point it makes sense to consult about what investment vehicle you choose. Making use of a broker is never a bad option but also be sure to consult any family or friends who work in the financial profession, be they accountants, traders etc.

Having a sounding board will ensure that you are asked the right questions and then are able to make a more informed decision as to what you want to achieve and how you are going to get there.

In addition, you will also get a feel for what type of investor you are by understanding your risk profile. Do you like to take risks, or would you rather sit back and let your money accumulate over time? By speaking with a financial consultant, broker or specialist, you will be able to ascertain this.

Now that you have consulted and realized that you want to go large and investing for huge profits is your goal, you need to be aware of the pros and cons:

• Pros

• • By taking the risk your returns will be far greater than lower risk profiles;
  • The more you invest, the larger your return will be;
  • You do not have to tie your money in for too long to see a great return;
  • If you catch the markets at a downward point, you stand to gain massively when it spikes up;

• Cons
  • Because you stand to gain a large return, you are also at risk of losing large;
  • Your return is dependent on market sentiment and therefore at huge risk;
  • If you get in at the wrong time, even if the market is low, then you may lose initially before you see any upturn;

Depending on your risk profile will depend on whether you will be investing for huge profits or not. At the end of the day, you want your money to work for you, not disappear before your very eyes.

Those who use Bidwest investments will watch the finances of all the countries involved, and also the technological, population and governmental changes and this will predict how others will be investing in the currencies. If you would like to get involved in these foreign exchange currencies it is advisable that you get help from a professional involved in currency exchange that will be able to help you with all of your payment needs. You will find that Bidvest Bank will have the tools needed to simplify the process of foreign exchange and also the business dealing that will benefit your account. You should locate a Bidwest branch today if you would like to acquire more information about their foreign exchange currency services.

Making sure that you learn about foreign exchange is beneficial when it comes to international trading and also money transfers. Make sure you always read financial news, learn and interact in forums; sign up for the forex courses and get any information from your financial consultant working a Bidvest Bank. If you are looking for ways to make money, consider their investment opportunitys and do what is required if you would like to get anywhere.

As short term investment opportunities go, those in the financial markets usually offer the most short term liquidity, with, currencies, shares and CFD’s (contracts for difference) giving you an option in which you can invest in the morning and sell the very same day. With modern technology now available, anyone with money to invest most probably has access to any of the world’s major stock exchanges as all you need is Internet access. Naturally day trading has most risk, but can also offer the highest, quick return. Don’t be fooled into thinking that day-trading is easy though; many people all over the world have done so and lost a lot of money trading.

The best way to start up is probably to do a “fantasy” investment challenge wherein you run a portfolio with real prices based on the stock market, but without using real money. This way you pick up how to trade, what to study in terms of fundamental and technical analysis and you also realise that it’s not as easy as some financial institutions make it out to be. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange and FNB run an investment challenge open to all students and scholars in South Africa which is a great way to get involved. There are also many ways for non-students to get involved in “fantasy” portfolios though. Check out www.jse.co.za for information on how to invest and what options are out there.

There are also short term opportunities in business investment, but not on a day-to-day basis, but many entrepreneurs and small business operators looking for seed or growth capital, some of whom will make repayments within weeks or months www.investmentnetwork.co.za is a great portal for connecting those looking for business capital with those looking for a way to find sensible business based long or short term investment opportunities in South Africa.

The JSE, or Johannesburg Stock Exchange, is the home of trading for stocks and bonds in South Africa and is one of the central exchanges in Africa. Each day the price of these shares varies, which is why investing comes with great risks and sometimes great rewards. Beginners should be careful of placing all of their investments in one portfolio, and should consider the advice that is available online and through your financial broker to be essential. Soon you will learn which portfolios are the most practical places for you to put your money on the JSE to make money quickly.

If you are in the market for a long term investment, then speaking with your financial advisor, or your local banker, can help you to find investments that are stable and dependable. For beginners, these tips are essential. If however, you are hoping to make money fast, you might find that there are more risks involved. Here you will need tips from those who are in the know, which will help you learn how to move quickly and make your investments grow. So don’t be afraid of finding out more about stocks and bonds in South Africa.

A beginner can easily learn ways on how to invest wisely using the Internet. Many people are willing to give advice, but remember that not all of these people know what they are talking about. Ask them questions and when you’re happy that more than one person gives the same answer you are ready to begin. When you’ve had a look at a couple of sites, then you should have an idea of how to go about making simple investments with a small amount of capital to get a good return. Stocks and shares vary in value, and it’s good to start with something that has been growing in value for the past year or so, so that you don’t immediately make losses. The bigger investment you make, the more you can gain, but similarly the more you can lose.

You shouldn’t let the terminology of the market scare you. Words like ‘stocks’, ‘shares’, ‘bonds’, and ‘capital’ can feel meaningless which is why a bit of Internet research can help beginners answer all their questions. When you feel ready, take a small amount of money and make simple investments.

All beginners that want to know how to learn the stock market trading scene have to start with research. If they are interested in investing, they have to discover what they would like to invest in and just how much. Doing your homework online is a good thing, but it might not be enough if you have just started out and know absolutely nothing about the trade and markets. It would be in your best interests to get a stock market controller to explain it to you and give you tips and advice, and you can ask questions wherever you feel the need to. Sometimes these services are offered for free, but there are courses and consultations that you have to pay for too.

Beginners have to understand what they are doing in order for them to make money, otherwise they have to hire someone who knows the markets and makes all the moves for them. However, this is going to cost you money, so it would be a wiser decision for you to learn the trade yourself and handle your own financial affairs. So that’s all there is to it, find the necessary information or consultants online and they will teach you how to learn the stock trading so you can go about doing your business on your own.

When you are looking for retirement villages in Gauteng, one that stands out is the Jakarana Retirement Village among many. If you are interested in one of the retirement homes in Cape Town, there is Eldandshaven and Riverside Place among many others. On the other hand, in Durban there are places like The Village Retirement Home, Rob Roy Hill Lifestyle Village and Caister Lodge among others. The research for the home to retire might be for you, or it could be for an aged loved one who needs the assistance, but either way, there are plenty of affordable homes for you to choose from in the country.

In these retirement homes your family may come and visit you on certain days and only at certain times. However, some homes are different so this rule might not always apply so strictly. Go and visit the retirement villages that seem worthwhile in the correct area, and you will soon be able to tell whether you like the place or not; you will see what the inside looks like and if the entire atmosphere of the place will strike you.