Christel Troskie - Sanlam Financial Adviser, Pretoria East

01/04/2026

Some steps to follow to get them wise early on

Your child’s ability to manage money now and into the future is highly dependent on the money habits instilled at a young age.

01/04/2026

Copy & Paste:

9 essentials of a sound financial plan

A solid financial plan can help you stay on track, prepare for the unexpected, and build a future with confidence. Discover the key components that make financial planning effective and empowering.

FinancialPlanning

https://www.sanlamadvice.co.za/bluestar/indwe/blogs/9-essentials-of-a-sound-financial-plan/13038921523880

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27/03/2026

Budget speech changes at a glance

Here are some talking points to take up with a financial planner at Indwe BlueStar
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🇿🇦 BUDGET SUMMARY 🇿🇦
The 2026 National Budget Speech brings a mix of relief and pressure points, with inflation-linked adjustments to personal income tax brackets and stronger incentives to save, alongside familiar increases like the fuel levy and sin tax.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Personal Income Tax brackets as well as rebates and age-related tax thresholds have been adjusted for inflation.

• Tax-Free Savings contribution limit has increased to R46 000 per annum (was R36 000).

• The threshold has increased to R430 000 per annum (was R350 000) for the tax deduction of contribution to a retirement fund.

• Excise duties on to***co and alcoholic beverages have increased in line with inflation.

• General fuel levy: 9c increase per litre for petrol, and an 8c increase per litre for diesel.

• Social grants rise in 2026/27 (incl. child support to R580).

Roxanne Tobias, Actuary and Head of Marketing & Communications at Sanlam Risk & Savings, says, “The tone of this year’s Budget was noticeably more constructive. The key is to translate those announcements into practical steps in your own budget."

27/03/2026

Get control over your debt and stop feeling overwhelmed.

Debt can be useful in moderation, but too much can trap you in a cycle. This blog shares practical ways to regain control, break free from over-indebtedness, and take confident steps toward a healthier financial future.

27/03/2026

Easter's close, have you booked your getaway?

16/02/2026

Blogs / Financial Planning

Money can't buy love, but talking about it can create happiness!

Couples are 10 times more likely to break up if they think their partner has poor money habits. This finding in a recent survey by Policy Genius probably echoes the harsh reality that money issues are a driving force in 55.6% of divorces.

It’s crucial to play open cards with your partner if you want to keep your relationship ship-shape. Even if your finances are totally separate, it is best to be on the same page and have shared goals you are working towards. Money can’t buy happiness but being open about it can ‘earn’ you a healthier partnership.

In fact, couples who are open to talking about their finances often find it easier to reach long-term goals such as saving for a home or holiday. Be clear on what you are saving for – a rainy day, education, a holiday, house deposit, etc. and agree and/ or get help on how much you will need to put aside. Then decide how each of you can contribute towards your savings goals.

Despite the intimacy couples have on other levels, they are often very awkward and uncomfortable when it comes to discussing what they each earn – plus their debts and assets – and how they plan to go forward together financially.


getting started with the conversation

Below, are some tips from Life and Relationships coach Leah Sefor on what couples should discuss during intimate conversations to unpack their financial priorities, goals, expenses, and spending.
Uncover your money story with your partner

Sharing your money story can be extremely insightful. It can lead to an understanding of entrenched childhood belief systems around money and could change the way you react to each other around undesirable money behaviours.

Budget together

Healthy relationships are about supporting your partner with their life visions. Prioritise making clear financial plans and a budget together so both your goals can be met. Discuss income and expenses and come up with a plan you are both comfortable with for how you will manage finances together. This helps with money talk.

Come clean about debt

You have to let your partner know what your debt situation looks like early into a long-term relationship because it is going to impact them down the road. It is important to understand that there is often embarrassment and shame around opening up about debt, especially to your significant other. So, getting angry with the person who has the debt is not conducive to creating a safe space for honest conversations to happen. Be constructive in these discussions, not destructive with finger pointing and attacks.

Know your worth

The most common money issue that often occurs in relationships is when one partner earns more and is the primary breadwinner and the other either earns significantly less or is unemployed. The most important perspective to shift with this is to know that your worth in a relationship is not determined by how much money you earn. Money is only one way of contributing value to a relationship. Partners who do not work still bring a huge amount of value and worth into the relationship by managing the home, the household shopping, the kids, the social arrangements and organising your lives.

Appoint a family CFO

Whoever is better at handling money should be the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the relationship. This isn’t a competition! We are all good at different things. There is a difference between controlling the money and managing the money. The CFO’s job is to manage the money, not control it by excluding their partner from decisions or becoming a dictator.

13/02/2026

Show you love them by getting your finances in order

Money can strain relationships, but it can also bring you closer. Learn how open, honest conversations about finances can ease tension, build trust, and turn everyday money moments into stronger, more loving connections.

13/02/2026

Life partners need to ensure they have a will in place

💡 Planning for the future is an important part of caring for the people you love. Having a will in place helps ensure your wishes are respected and your life partner is protected.



https://www.sanlamadvice.co.za/bluestar/indwe/blogs/life-partners-need-to-ensure-they-have-a-will-in-place/13038921523880

06/02/2026

And get taxtim help free when you join Sanlam Reality - making your tax return so easy...!

February marks the end of the 2026 tax year, and it’s your final chance to make a move that could reduce your tax and strengthen your retirement. 😀

Contributing to a Retirement Annuity before the tax year end is one of the most effective tax decisions you can make.

You can contribute 27.5% of your taxable income, capped at R350,000, which can significantly lower the tax you owe while boosting your long term savings.

Find out more 👉 https://www.taxtim.com/za/calculators/retirement-fund-lump-sum-tax

06/02/2026

🤑💸
1. Make a lump sum, tax-deductible contribution to a retirement annuity (RA), or increase your monthly RA debit order.
2. Open a tax-free savings account (TFSA), or add to your existing TFSA – you can contribute up to R36 000 per tax year (and up to a lifetime maximum of R500 000 in aggregate).
https://www.sanlamadvice.co.za/bluestar/indwe/adviser/christel-troskie/13038921523880

29/01/2026

Protect your business with keyperson insurance on your 'key' individuals. Essential for every business!🇿🇦📣