Second Quarter 2023

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second-quarter-2023

Mark and Alan recently attended a Ninety One Investment Conference in the U.K. Pictured above, starting from the left: Clyde Rossouw (Head of Quality), Mark Jurgens, Nazmeera Moola (Chief Sustainability Officer), Alan Botha, Mimi Ferrini (Co-Chief Investment Officer) and Jeremy Gardiner (Director).

Message from Mark Jurgens

As we head into the second half of the year, we have seen markets continue to recover after the difficult year we experienced in 2022. We hope that this will continue for the remainder of this year.

In the history of money market and fixed interest deposits in South Africa, the banking sector is currently sitting on a record amount of cash. One of the reasons for this is due to global and local uncertainty. Investors are often reluctant to invest their money, and they may hold onto cash for longer periods of time than they originally planned.

In light of these statistics, Ninety One initiated a study to determine the consequences of holding cash for extended periods of time. They analysed the ideal time to invest in equity markets, the worst possible time to invest, and the benefits of investing monthly rather than via a lump sum. They also considered other scenarios. This was done to see the effects of investing in the current climate. For this exercise they looked at the South African market and Global markets.

The results showed that only when investing at the “perfect time” (lowest entry point in each calendar year), which is in any event unrealistic; trumped investing immediately. On both studies, even investing at the worst time (investing at the highest entry point in each calendar year) performed better than staying in cash.

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With inflation getting the better of these investment returns, we encourage you to consider the funds you have in the bank and look at an alternative vehicle that will at least help beat inflation going forward.

‘Wealth Beyond Financial Prosperity’ from Alan Botha

In today’s society, wealth is often associated solely with financial prosperity. However, true wealth encompasses more than just monetary assets. In fact, there are six distinct kinds of wealth that contribute to a well-rounded and fulfilling life. By broadening our perspective and acknowledging the various forms of wealth, we can cultivate a more holistic approach to success and happiness. This article explores the six types of wealth beyond financial gain.

 

Financial Wealth

Financial wealth is the most conventional and widely recognized form of wealth. It refers to the accumulation of money, assets, and investments. While financial stability is important, it is essential to recognize that monetary wealth alone does not guarantee happiness or fulfilment. Nevertheless, when managed responsibly and used wisely, financial wealth can provide opportunities, security, and freedom to pursue one’s goals and passions.

 

Physical Wealth

Physical wealth pertains to the state of our physical well-being. It encompasses good health, vitality, and energy. Taking care of our bodies through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest is crucial to maintaining physical wealth. Without physical well-being, other forms of wealth can lose their significance. By prioritizing self-care and leading a balanced lifestyle, we can enhance our physical wealth, enabling us to enjoy life and pursue our ambitions to the fullest.

 

Intellectual Wealth

Intellectual wealth encompasses the knowledge, skills, and wisdom we acquire throughout our lives. It includes formal education, continuous learning, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills. Intellectual wealth empowers us to make informed decisions, adapt to change, and contribute meaningfully to society. Nurturing intellectual wealth involves engaging in intellectual pursuits, seeking new experiences, and embracing lifelong learning opportunities.

 

Emotional Wealth

Emotional wealth refers to our emotional well-being and the quality of our relationships. It involves cultivating self-awareness, empathy, compassion, and nurturing meaningful connections with others. Building emotional wealth requires developing emotional intelligence, practicing effective communication, 

and fostering positive relationships. True wealth is often measured by the love, support, and joy we experience in our interactions with loved ones and the community.

 

Social Wealth

Social wealth encompasses our social capital and the strength of our networks. It includes the quality and diversity of our relationships, the support systems we have in place, and our ability to collaborate and connect with others. Building social wealth involves actively participating in our communities, fostering mutually beneficial relationships, and contributing to the common good. Strong social connections not only enhance our overall well-being but also provide valuable resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Time Wealth

Time wealth refers to the freedom and control we have over our time. It involves having a healthy work-life balance, pursuing leisure activities, and prioritizing personal growth. Time is a finite resource, and how we allocate it impacts our overall well-being. Cultivating time wealth involves setting boundaries, managing priorities effectively, and being mindful of how we spend our time. By achieving a healthy balance, we can enjoy the other forms of wealth and live a more fulfilling life.

In conclusion, wealth encompasses far more than just financial prosperity. By acknowledging and nurturing the six types of wealth discussed above—financial, physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and time wealth—we can create a well-rounded and fulfilling life that extends beyond monetary gains. Striving for a balance across these areas can lead to greater happiness, success, and overall well-being.

Quote of the Day

“Read fewer forecasts and more history.”

Short Term News Update from Greg Brits

Gosh, how time has flown in 2023, one can’t believe that we are basically halfway through the year. From our short-term division, we do trust that all our clients are well and keeping snug with winter upon us.

There have been many changes in the South African insurance market over the past three years, most of which we have mentioned in our quarterly newsletters, and via our email correspondence headed “Important Notice”. We do urge you to please take a couple of minutes out of your day to read these short articles via the above channels, as they are aimed at creating awareness when you claim.

To further expand on what I have said above, please take note of the below points which will guide and assist you, so that your claim runs smoothly.

  • Please ensure that you notify us if your commercial or residential property, whether leased or not, will be unoccupied for a period of 30 days or longer. This is a material change in risk and hence the Insurer must be made aware of this circumstance.
  • Please ensure that you use the emergency call centre number in the event of a vehicle accident, burst geyser or electrical fault. Insurers have set fees with their preferred suppliers so as not to be overcharged for a service offered to customers. Please do not authorise a towing company, plumber or electrician yourself in the event of an emergency, without prior approval from ourselves, the call centre or your Insurer. Additional fees that fall outside of the Insurer approved rates, may and can be, for your own account. Given that our clients are insured with various Insurance Companies, please contact us should you not have an emergency call centre number.
  • Please ensure that your motor vehicle complies with the necessary security requirements, as set out by your Insurer and stipulated in your policy schedule. Non-compliance in this instance may result in a claim being rejected. If you are unsure of these requirements, please contact our office soonest.
  • The above security measures also apply to your Home and Business premises. We have found that in certain instances, linked alarms have been disconnected, or in some cases the contract has come to an end and not renewed. This would be a material breach or non-disclosure issue, which again could result in a possible rejection. Please remember that if your contract of insurance stipulates a “linked alarm warranty”, it must be activated when the home or business is unoccupied at all times and kept in working order.  

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal clients for your continued support. We are here to assist at all times and keep you abreast with industry updates and news.

Should you have any questions with regards to the above points, please do not hesitate to contact our office

Congratulations Jordan

Congratulations to Jordan Busch on the birth of her beautiful baby boy, Maisyn. We wish Jordan all the best as a valued member of the Jurgens Finance team.
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