Investing is a crucial step towards securing your financial future, and Old Mutual offers a variety of investment options to suit different financial goals and budgets. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, understanding how much to invest can help you make informed decisions. Here’s a guide to help you determine the right amount to invest at Old Mutual in South Africa.
General Investment Guidelines
A good rule of thumb is to aim to put away about 5% to 10% of your income. This ensures that you are consistently saving and investing without straining your finances. However, the exact amount you should invest depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and current financial situation.
Investment Options at Old Mutual
- Tax-Free Savings Account: You can invest up to R36,000 per tax year and R500,000 over your lifetime in a tax-free savings account. This option is ideal for those looking to maximize their savings without worrying about taxes on the returns.
- Unit Trusts: For as little as R500 a month, you can start investing in Old Mutual Unit Trusts. This option allows you to invest in a diversified portfolio managed by professionals, making it suitable for both new and experienced investors.
- Flexible Investment Plan: Start investing from R500 per month with an Old Mutual Flexible Plan. This plan offers the flexibility to manage your investment online and choose how long you want to invest your money.
- Investing for Income: If you’re looking to draw an income from your investments, you can invest a once-off sum of R10,000 or more in certain funds from Old Mutual’s unit trust range. This option is perfect for those seeking regular income from their investments.
Factors to Consider When Deciding How Much to Invest
- Financial Goals: Define your short-term and long-term financial goals. Whether you’re saving for a home, education, or retirement, your goals will influence how much you should invest.
- Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance. Higher-risk investments may offer higher returns but come with greater volatility. Ensure your investment choices align with your comfort level.
- Current Financial Situation: Evaluate your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, and existing savings. This will help you determine a realistic amount to invest without compromising your financial stability.
Conclusion
Investing with Old Mutual offers a range of options to help you achieve your financial goals. By aiming to invest 5% to 10% of your income and choosing the right investment products, you can build a solid financial foundation. Whether you opt for a tax-free savings account, unit trusts, or a flexible investment plan, Old Mutual provides the tools and support you need to grow your wealth.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.