Janet Hugo CFP

01/05/2025

Happy Workers’ Day!

30/04/2025

Over the past month or two, fear has dominated the market as global sell-offs, driven by Trump’s tariffs, sent the JSE All Share tumbling, along with worldwide stock exchanges.

As per the Trump administration, tariffs are at their stated ceilings (assuming no more retaliations), and negotiations between many trading partners (apart from China) have apparently begun. While we monitor conditions closely, we encourage you to stay focused on your long-term goals.

Market downturns, though challenging, have historically created attractive entry points for investors. We are here to support you – please reach out with any questions.

29/04/2025

Artificial intelligence appears to be omnipresent these days. Some celebrate its potential, while others worry it will make human jobs obsolete. Regardless of your perspective, AI is undeniably here to stay.

At Sterling Private Wealth, we're fascinated by how this technology is transforming our industry. Despite its impressive capabilities, however, AI cannot truly think, feel, or understand consequences. It processes information but lacks human judgment and ethical reasoning.

The most exciting potential lies in how we, as investment professionals, harness this powerful tool to deliver better outcomes for you. After all, while AI handles the data crunching, the wisdom behind your financial strategy remains distinctly human.

Please let me know what you think after watching the video. I’d love to hear your perspective.

27/04/2025

Happy Freedom Day!

23/04/2025

Tired of giving SARS more than you need to? I’ve shared a few low-risk, often-missed ways to hang onto more of your money.

Check it out here:

When it comes to tax savings, most South Africans are familiar with Retirement Annuity (RA) contributions, Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), and endowments. However, there are several lesser-known tax-saving strategies that are not only practical but also low-risk.

18/04/2025

Happy Easter!

15/04/2025

Navigating life's transitions can be tough.

Career changes. Marriage. Divorce. Inheritance. Retirement.

Life's big transitions don't just change your daily routine. They transform your financial landscape. Having a financial partner who understands both the technical aspects and the psychological implications of these changes can make all the difference in maintaining your financial well-being.

08/04/2025

Recently I heard an account of how a 70-year-old man with a R20M home was advised to restructure his estate through a complex trust arrangement.

The hidden costs? R3.1M in immediate Capital Gains Tax, R2.3M in transfer costs, and R600K+ in annual tax obligations. Meanwhile, a simple will leaving everything to his spouse would cost virtually nothing.

Don't let complexity masquerade as sophistication. Read my full analysis: https://janethugo.co.za/articles/the-illusion-of-financial-wizardry-a-cautionary-tale/

02/04/2025

"I don't need a financial advisor, I have Excel!"

Financial planning is about so much more than balancing your finances on a spreadsheet. It's about having someone who understands that your relationship with your pay slip is more complicated than your relationship status.

Seasoned financial advisors help you integrate money decisions with your broader life goals. Let’s get you to where you want to be.

31/03/2025

To me, market ups and downs aren't just statistics - they represent real moments when my clients feel anxious about their financial futures.

What struck me most in this video was the revelation that even during the strongest decade-long market runs, we still experience negative months about one-third of the time.

At Sterling, we firmly believe in preparing for this reality rather than being caught off guard by it. I've sat with clients through several of those 27 bear markets mentioned in the video, and what distinguishes successful investors is precisely what this video concludes with… so be sure to watch it!

And then let me know your thoughts. How have you managed market volatility over the years?

27/03/2025

While we may concentrate on building retirement funds, research indicates that investing in social connections could be equally valuable for healthy ageing.

New article: The Community Cure - Unlocking the Secrets of Healthy Ageing https://janethugo.co.za/articles/the-community-cure-unlocking-the-secrets-of-healthy-ageing/