Stephen Leppan - Talk Money

Discovery Somerset West

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 12:52:00 +0000

Discovery Financial Consultants Somerset West

Our offices are located in Shop 107, Lion's Square, Main Road, Somerset West.

We offer excellent advice, claims and support on all Discovery Products:

Discovery Life

Discovery Health

Discovery Insure

Discovery Invest

Discovery Vitality

Contact:

Stephen Leppan:

074 1367775

021 8517078
stephenlep@discovery.co.za
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Discovery Invest Big Winners Raging Bull Awards 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 09:03:00 +0000

Discovery Invest was one of the big winners at the Raging Bull awards last night with its Moderate Balanced Fund receiving first prize in the medium equity multi-asset category. The awards ceremony celebrates top performing unit trust funds based on risk-adjusted performance across a range of sectors. Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Invest, Kenny Rabson, proudly points out that the winning Moderate Balanced Fund has delivered solid returns to investors, despite a volatile environment. It has consistently beaten peers and performed in the top quartile since inception and over 1, 3 and 5 years*.

*Source: Returns to the end of December 2018 sourced from Morningstar.

Discovery Bank

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 08:02:00 +0000

Discovery Bank

Discovery Bank will launch March 2019 and is set to disrupt banking in South Africa and Worldwide.

Discovery Health Rates 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 06:19:00 +0000

Medical Aid Review for 2019

It's that time of the year to make your medical option for 2019. Discovery Health Rates are out this month. It is crucial that you receive advice on selecting the plan that will be best for your health needs and your budget. You can only upgrade once year, so this is your chance to receive advice and make sure you are selecting the correct plan for 2019.

To make an appointment call: 021 851 7078 or e-mail: stephenlep@discovery.co.za

Discovery Health Rate Increases 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 06:37:00 +0000

Discovery Health

Announced at it's launch yesterday, that it has managed to keep the weighted average of all plan options below 10%. This, includes the new VAT increase of 15% and Medical Inflation. It also launched a low income medical aid which will be R890.00 pm.

Financial Sector Authority (FSCA) South Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 13:02:00 +0000

As at 1 April 2018, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and its sister organisation, the Prudential Authority has officially taken up the mandate from the FSB.

This marks the formal implementation of the Twin Peaks model of financial sector regulation, as envisaged in the Financial Sector Regulation Act (FSRA).

The website: www.fsca.co.za

Why invest in a Retirement Annuity?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 08:11:00 +0000

Tax-efficient

Legislation which became active on 1 March 2016, we saw an increase in the percentage of your allowable tax-deductible contribution (personal income tax) from 15% to 27.5% of your taxable income or remuneration, whichever is the greater, up to an annual limit of R350 000.

This means that if you have an existing provident fund at your current employer to which you contribute 15%, you can now enjoy an additional 12.5 percentage points as an allowable tax deduction in an RA.

Furthermore, an RA is exempt from tax on dividends and interest, and you won’t have to pay capital gains tax on the growth earned on your investment.

You will enjoy a boost on your total retirement savings of up to 30% with the Discovery Retirement Optimizer.

It teaches us discipline

Many of us are simply not doing enough to ensure a comfortable retirement and delay saving enough. An RA is like a safe that can only be opened at retirement when you need it.

You will have yourself to thank for a comfortable retirement

The reality many South Africans are facing is having to retire and survive on only the current government pension grant. I have touched on this subject so many times before, but I will say it again: the more you can save towards your retirement the better especially while you still have time. In today’s terms you would need to have R3 million saved just to pay your medical aid for twenty years.

Cutting back on luxuries may not be much fun, but you will be extremely thankful if you are able to someday retire and still be able to, at the very least, maintain your current lifestyle.

Your RA benefit is not subject to estate duty

In the unfortunate event of your death prior to retirement, your RA benefit will not be subject to estate duty.

Make and appointment today, to discuss your retirement plan. Call 074 136 7775

Medical Aid Options 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 09:56:00 +0000

MEDICAL AID OPTIONS 2018

Your scheme choice in 2018 needs to be carefully considered, especially if you belong to a bottom end plan. New legislation was imposed on all Medical Gap Cover policies which comes to effect in 2018. Previously a low end medical aid combined with GAP cover insured sufficient cover. In 2018, however GAP companies are limited to R150,000 per person per year.

To get proper advice book a consultation for expert advice with no obligation:

stephenlep@discovery.co.za

The Medium Term Budget Speech in a Nutshell October 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 08:12:00 +0000

The October 2017 South African MTBS in a Nutshell:

Growth forecast almost halved from 1.3% to 0.7% (now in line with ours)

Revenue shortfalls of R50.8 billion (17/18), R69.3 billion (18/19) and R89.4 billion (19/20) expected

Tax buoyancy expectations may still be too optimistic

R13.7bn bail-out for SAA (R10bn) and SA Post Office (R3.7bn)

Debt forecast to rise to 60% of GDP in 2020, but task team to investigate remedial action

Rising odds of December downgrades, rather than 1H18, with risk of even further downgrades over the MTEF.

The Rand Weakened to R14.19 to 1 USD

Discovery Health Rates 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 13:18:00 +0000

Good Afternoon,

I just returned from our Discovery 2018 Launch. There are over 50 new exciting enhancements across our product range!

Discovery Health managed to grow membership in 2017 to just over 55% of the open medical scheme market. Our contributions are 15.1% below the market average.

This has resulted in an increase of plan specific between 7.3% and 8.3%. This is way below the medical inflation of CPI + 3. Once again in 2018 Discovery Health will be adding enhancements across our plans.

1. Digital Technology – Discovery DrConnect can be downloaded today from Google Play Store or I-Tunes

2. Young Families – Comprehensive Risk Funded Maternity and Post Birth Benefits and My Pregnancy and My Baby App

3. Smart Plan will have cover for Schedule 0-2 medicine with an annual limit

4. Premier Plus GP Network - Priority, Saver, Smart, Core and Keycare

Vitality Move:

Vitality Move will be available to ALL Discovery Health Members for R35 pm this will give you up R100 p/m off your Gym Fees R100 in Pick ‘n Pay Health Food Rewards and up to R100 off movie tickets at SK and also a chance to win your full shopping spend back.

Vitality:

1. Up to 100% off your Gym Membership

2. Up to R1,000 cash back from Woolies or Pick ‘n Pay

3. Up to R2,000 cash back from Clicks, Dis Chem, Total Sports and Sportsmans

4. Up to 75% cash back on a new Fitness Device

5. Up to 25% cash back on a new Bike – Bike Booster

6. Instant Rewards – Integration with Discovery Drive and Surprise Rewards (Dream Holidays, Grand Prizes, Retail Rewards, Bonus Rewards, Core Rewards)

****NEW****

Vitality Purple

1. 50% off Discovery Executive Assessment

2. 75% off any Virgin Active or Planet Fitness Gym

3. High Quality Home Gym Equipment at the lowest monthly rental rates

4. Personalised Coaching Programme

5. 50% off top of the range Fitness Devices

6. Exclusive Access to Iconic Global Experiences

7. Up to 25% off Premier Bicycle Brands

8. Up to 50% off a range of luxurious spas

Our latest rates for 2018 will be sent out as soon as available and remember you have until around the 12^th of December 2017 to upgrade your medical plan for 2018.

Please feel free to book a consultation with my Vitality Consultant to improve your Vitality Status and feel free to contact me for any advice needed.

Regards,

Stephen Leppan

H.Dip Wealth Management (USB)

Financial Adviser

074 1367775

DFCR Western Cape

Invest / Life / Insurance / Medical

South African Political Uncertainty Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 13:25:00 +0000

Diversification SA Political Uncertainty

Uncertainty makes any investor nervous. When it comes to South Africa uncertainty is a certainty for investors. Two credit rating downgrades, mass protest action of hundreds of thousands of South African citizens last week and our economy is still digesting the aftermath. South Africa is officially junk status.

One would expect an immediate global sell off of bonds, equities, properties and a currency in free fall. However, the expected financial storm has not yet hit. The question is why? Many economists believe that investors are taking a wait and see approach especially the upcoming vote of no confidence and how the newly appointed finance minister will behave. Others believe that our markets have already priced in "junk status".

The long term effects of junk status are much more worrying. South Africa has a shrinking tax base many wealthy and young graduates are seeking opportunities abroad. Unemployment is rife at almost 45% of the population and the need to attract foreign investment is crucial to the future of the South African economy.

Our debt to GDP ratio is at almost 50% and this year the past finance minister had to increase the tax rate in the high income bracket to 45%. How is South Africa going to manage it's debt repayments going forward with debt now at a much higher price.

Zuma seems to be steering the South African economy aground and likely his careless actions will put South Africa into a recession. A recession will have dire consequences especially to the poor.

From an investor view point, diversification is key to riding out the storm ahead. My view remain overweight offshore assets and cash.

Zuma, Gupta and Treasury South Africa Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 11:24:00 +0000

Zuma sent out an order yesterday morning, immediately recalling Finance Minister Gordhan to return from an international roadshow. Today it seems likely that Gordhan will be axed shortly. This has caused turmoil in South Africa markets and the Rand tumbled against all major currencies.

The Guptas want Gordhan out for standing up against the state capture project. This is all out war between the Guptas and Treasury. It is expected that Zuma will announce a reshuffle of his cabinet shortly.

Important Changes To Your Financial Plan 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 10:23:00 +0000

There are some very important things to take note of that will be effecting us all, in this newsletter I cover the most important changes which will have an impact on your financial plan in 2017/18.

These are:

Medical Aid Gap Cover – New Legislation April 2017

Increased PAYE and deductions for the new tax year starting 1 March 2017

Change in legislation Medical Gap Cover:

Medical Gap Cover is a short term insurance product and covers the medical gap between the medical scheme tariff and the actual cost charged by medical specialists. Having medical gap cover in place allowed consumers to enjoy full cover on lower medical aid schemes. Instead of taking the more expensive medical aid options that cover 300%, they could opt for a scheme with a 100% cover and take GAP up to 500% effectively giving 600% cover on a 100% scheme. From 1 April 2017 this will no longer be possible to new Gap Cover Applications and existing Gap Cover Policies will have to be amended on 1 January 2018. The new legislation coming into effect on 1 April restricts Gap Cover to R150,000 per family per year.

The problem with this new legislation is covering major procedures and oncology which can run into millions of rand and leaving large differences between actual costs and the tariff paid for by your scheme. This means that this year you will need to pay close attention to the scheme you choose for 2018 and how you will be ensuring that you select the correct scheme suited to your needs.

PAYE INCREASES FOR 2017/18

With personal Income Tax increases from 1 March 2017, close attention should be paid to taxable deductions and allowances.

Retirement Annuity Contributions should be increased in accordance to your tax tables. The best way to save for your retirement and to enjoy a refund of your contributions from SARS. The maximum allowance is 27.5% of your gross retirement funding income up to a maximum R350,000.

Here is an example of using a retirement annuity:

	No RA Contributions	With RA Contributions
Gross Taxable Income (P/A)	R800,000	R800,000
RA Contribution (27.5%)	R0.00	R220,000
PAYE (Marginal Tax Rate 38%)	R300,720	R217,120
Rebate SARS / RA	R13,635	R13,635 + (RA) R83,600
Net Earnings after Tax	R512,915	R460,115
Earning with RA Contribution	R0.00	R680,115

Note: The individual with the RA contribution is better off by R167,203 than the individual without an RA

Clearly, leveraging the use of a Retirement Annuity for tax purposes and savings for retirement makes a lot of sense. The Discovery Retirement Optimizer has a fee pay back and a boost of up to 35% of your retirement savings at retirement date, which is dependent on the years left to your retirement date.

Sincerely,

Stephen Leppan

H.Dip Wealth Management (USB)

Finacial Advisor

e-mail:stephenlep@discovery.co.za

The Cost of Educating a Child in South Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 13:23:00 +0000

START BEFORE YOUR CHILDREN ARE BORN

Investing in our children's education is one of the most important investments parents can make. A good education is critical to our children's future in a fast changing extremely competitive world. Private education used to be luxury in South Africa, however there is a critical shortage of government schools and the majority of them are oversubscribed. A good education does not come cheap.

Sending your child to private school from grade R to grade 12 in South Africa will cost you around R3.7 million, according to the City Press. The newspaper calculated the figure based on a child who starts school in 2016 and leaves matric in 2028. Stationery, uniform, and boarding costs were included in the figure, with the annual schools fees based on the rates of a private school in Johannesburg.

Then comes a tertiary education, many fields such as medicine in South Africa enroll students on a race quota system. Many A grade students are been turned away from SA Universities and to follow their dreams will have to study overseas. Some publications report 1 in 4 matriculants applying at a University were accepted.

How much education costs

The table below is based on the figures calculated by the City Press – taking annual school fee increases and other price hikes into account.

Education costs in South Africa
School
Institution	Total cost: Grade R – Grade 12
Average fee-paying school	R253,404
Upper-income former Model C school	R676,306
Private school	R3,721,293
University(3-year BA degree)
Unisa	R189,918
Wits	R360,211
UCT	R472,528

Saving for your children's education

The sooner you start to save for your children's education the better. Prospective parents should start saving for the children before they are even born. The reason is simple it takes time to save money. Many parents due to the high cost of living can't even keep up, never mind save money for their children's education. However for many South African's this mistake could deprive their children of a quality education.

Start an Education Plan

Start saving for your children's future today, for expert advice on starting your child's education plan click this link Education Plan . Ensure your children's tomorrow today.

A New Word Order - Donald Trump and World Economics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 09:52:00 +0000

The world gasped just a few weeks ago when the reality hit home of the victory of Donald Trump the elect President of the USA. Main stream media during the election campaign sent out an illusion that Hillary Clinton was leading the campaign polls and aired as much negativity as possible about Donald Trump. Main stream media had made up their minds that Clinton would certainly be the next prescient of the USA. However behind the scenes hundreds of millions of people turned to the disruptive world of social media networks for their source of news and information that traditional media has no influence over. Trump will be the next President of the USA. An historic victory using the power of social media. The DOW is flirting with an all time high and it seems that even the markets are looking forward to Trump Government.

Festive Season 2016 Client News Letter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 09:58:00 +0000

Client News Letter - December 2016

Wishing all my clients the very best over this festive season. Please take the time to store these important numbers in your phones, as you never know when you may need them.

Discovery Emergency (Medical or Insure): 0860 999 911
The same number is used for Road Side Assistance.
ER 24: Medical Emergency 084 124

Discovery App:

You can submit Insure or Medical Claims via the Discovery App. Please take the time to download the app on your phone it is available on i tunes or google play store. When traveling please make sure you have your medical aid cards on you and also that you have your insurance policy number in your vehicle.

My office will closed until the 4th of January 2017.

I look forward to engaging with you in 2017, there are lots of exciting new changes to Vitality and new rewards for making healthy decisions in 2017.

Safe Travels,

Stephen Leppan and Team.

Investment Talk with Discovery Invest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 07:21:00 +0000

October 2016 Investment Talk

Discovery Invest and Harcourts Platinum

AN Investment Seminar between Cape Business Connect, Harcourts Platinum and Stephen Leppan was held at Lord Charles Somerset West. Discovery Invest Sponsored the talk with Steve Watson Marketing Director of Investec "Bananas in Alaska".

Steve Watson gave a very insightful overview of the global economy and the search for yield and also a macro view of South Africa.

This was followed by a talk on South African Property with a focus on Investment Property in Somerset West by Steve Craradoc-Davies CEO of Harcourts Somerset West.

Market Turmoil South Africa Minister of Finance Gordhan Charges

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 07:48:00 +0000

Political Uncertainty South Africa - Gordhan Charges

South Africa remains vulnerable to a sudden shift in investor sentiment. The charges laid against Pravin Gordhan by the National Prosecuting Authority is another incident in a series of events relating to our leadership crisis. The immediate reaction by the markets indicates that there is concern. However, the markets are seemingly adopting a wait-and-see approach as the selloff has been nowhere near as extreme as what we saw during ‘Nene-gate’ in December 2015.

There is a heightened level of uncertainty around the leadership of the National Treasury which has eroded investor confidence. The prevailing global tailwinds supporting economic growth like the growing demand for emerging assets

(bonds and equities), improved Chinese growth and capital inflows received by SAB Miller shareholders have done little to allay investor concerns. So while we acknowledge these tailwinds can be positive for our economy over the long term we cannot tell what the immediate future holds for our equity markets and the ZAR.

Advice to investors

Investors can expect a period of heightened volatility and uncertainty ahead.

Portfolio Weighting Advice

Underweight JSE (Hold Resources, Dual Listed)

Offshore Overweight

Local Property Hold

Cash Overweight

Medical Aid Options 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 15:14:00 +0000

Discovery Health Rates for 2017

The close off for upgrades is 15^th December 2016. All medical aid companies have been forced to increase tariffs for 2017 due to medical inflation. Discovery has had the lowest increases out of all schemes for 2017 with an average of 10% across plans.

However, the Coastal Core plan will be increasing by 14.9%. This is mainly due to increased claims and the cost of coastal hospitals has reached a parity with inland hospitals.

Discovery has reacted to try make medical aids affordable by offering the Classic Smart Plan and the Essential Smart Plan as an affordable alternative to Core and Saver Members.

In summary:

GAP COVER:

It is advisable to have medical GAP cover on ALL plans, especially if you are going downgrade. If you do not have GAP cover please advise immediately.

Coastal Core Members:

Should consider the following plans for 2017:

Single Members: Upgrade Essential Smart Plan

Families: Upgrade Classic Smart Plan

Added Benefits: Unlimited GP Benefit, Dental Check Up and Cover for Scopes with co-payments.

Network Hospitals for pre-planned procedures.

Possible Alternative for downgrade:

Essential Delta Core

Network Hospital for pre-planned procedures.

The Smart Plan GP’s and Hospitals are available on www.discovery.co.za

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me for advice on selecting your health plan for 2017.

Stephen Leppan

0741367775

Steve Watson "Bananas in Alaska" Talk

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 10:07:00 +0000

Tax Free Investment Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 10:57:00 +0000

1. You can invest only R30 000 a year in a tax-free savings account, and once the amounts you have invested (without taking growth into account) add up to R500 000, you cannot contribute any more. It does not matter how much growth you earn on your annual contributions, as long as the amounts you put in do not add up to more than the annual or the lifetime limit.

2. The benefits of the tax free investment; you pay no tax on any interest income or dividends earned by the investment, regardless of how long you stay invested, and you do not pay any capital gains tax (CGT) when you withdraw your investment.

3. The tax free flexible plan is a unit trust and the proceeds can be drawn at any time unlike a policy.

Maximum Tax Deduction For Retirement Annuities 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 15:59:00 +0000

New Retirement Saving Tax Benefits 2016

You are able to contribute a maximum of 27.5% of your gross salary/taxable income to a retirement annuity fund and the full amount will be allowed as a tax deduction as from 1 March 2016 to a maximum threshold of R 350,000 p/a.

For a free tax planning consultation and/or a quote contact Stephen Leppan
(0)74 12367775

Next Talk 24 August 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 15:45:00 +0000

Business Network Meeting:

Freedom, is the ability to choose to do what you want to do. It is linked to our core beliefs. Our spirits were born free, yet were educated to be enslaved. Breaking free is a process of eliminating what we were taught to believe. Join.us the 24th August at Lord Charles Cape Business Connect Meeting email: helderberg@capebusinessconnect.co.za

Insured Value of Motor Vehicle At Write Off

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 15:25:00 +0000

Write Off Insurance Value

For many there is nothing worse than having your motor vehicle written off by an insurer. Insurance companies in South Africa use at inception of your policy Trade, Market or Retail Value. Most direct insurance companies use the difference of trade and retail value.

With the state of the South African economy, the strong dollar and the weak demand for new vehicles. Most popular makes of 2nd hand vehicles are been sold above retail especially older models.

When it comes to write off you may not be able to replace your vehicle with the write off value especially when your excess is deducted from your claim.

So, how do insures get to the insured value? All vehicles are registered and updated monthly to the trade through Transunion. Vehicle Dealers, Banks and Insurance Companies use these values to determine the value of a motor vehicle for financing, suggested retail and insured value.

Make certain on your insurance policy what your vehicle is insured for ie. Retail or Trade or difference. Also keep in mind that replacing your vehicle for the insured value may not be possible if it is a high demand vehicle that sells for above retail value.

You can be paid out more if you select retail booster and select a lower excess on your vehicle.

If you need any assistance you have the right insurance cover in place contact:

stephenlep@discovery.co.za

US Dollar to South African Rand Long Forecast

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 15:32:00 +0000

This is a very interesting forecast of the US $ to ZAR; The ZAR suddenly strengthened after the decision for Britain to leave the EU. There has also been a rally in resources which has helped strengthen the ZAR but will last?

http://longforecast.com/fx/us-dollar-to-south-african-rand-usd-zar-forecast-for-2015-2016-and-2017.html