If ever there was a universal cheat-meal week… it must be the week between Christmas day and New Years day. And that’s for the most diligent – if we’re honest, most of us view it as a two-to-three week cheat…

Everyone could use a boost of healthy eating come January!

Here, we’ve rounded up the best things to eat – and how to eat them – to improve concentration, creativity and productivity.

Egg in your face
Pass on the sugary cereal and have that most traditional of breakfast foods early: eggs. Not only do eggs have a decent amount of protein and energy-enhancing Vitamin B, they also have something called choline. Studies have shown that choline can help improve your memory long-term and your focus short-term because it’s a vitamin that actually increases the size of the neurons in your brain, helping them fire the electrical signals across synapses needed for thought better and faster. The result? Your thinking is sharper, quicker and more agile.

Eat less, more often
After your egg-rich breakfast, make sure not to gorge on big meals for the rest of the day but instead snack on smaller meals more often than the traditional three ‘square’ ones a day. That full stomach feeling contributes to secretion of serotonin, which makes you sleepy, and bloating which directly affects cognitive function. It can also spike your blood sugar, depending on what’s in the meal, and therefore lead to a crash both physically and mentally long before office hours are over.

Pump iron
So what should you eat? Iron-rich foods aside from red meat (which most bodies find difficult to process and which can ramp up your cholesterol long term) are great choices for work lunch. Iron increases the amount of oxygen getting into the bloodstream, body and brain. The result is improved alertness, mood and energy.

Sup on salmon
Fish may be a bit whiffy for the office or first thing in the morning, but the so-called ‘oily fish’ such as salmon, trout and mackerel are among the best things you can eat for a great work day. While most foods boost your energy levels or general health, these actually supercharge your brain – they contain omega 3 vitamins, plus iron and vitamin B, all of which combine together into a powerful cocktail that optimises memory recall, mental focus and reasoning. Truly a smart food choice.

No matter how busy your day gets – don’t forget to eat healthily!

If your to-do list is stressing you out now that the holidays are over, worry no more.

Sometimes productivity is not about trying to squeeze even more things into each day, which is still stubbornly refusing to be any longer than 24 hours, but rather about working smarter. Not harder – especially so soon after you’ve left your sun lounger.

We all want to be more productive when January rolls around, but can we be? Here are five tips… just in time for the new work year.

Print out your big picture goals and hang them
… and then keep moving them around. It’s so easy to miss the forest for the trees when the minutiae of each work week becomes your main focus. Prominently display your larger goals in an attractive way that gets you fired up. Then, because we’re masters at getting used to our environments, move it somewhere different each month.

Use a productivity app
Using a great productivity app is like outsourcing, but less stressful. Check out the suggestions for the best ones in last week’s post!

Monitor meetings
Everyone’s pet hate is work meetings. We can each count on one hand the number that have yielded real progress and decisions, yet have countless ones each month. Entering any meeting, clearly state the objectives of that meeting and it’s end time. Even better – try to have as many meetings on Skype, Zoom or telephonically, as possible.

Try the ‘pomodoro’ technique
So named because of the inventor’s egg timer being in the shape of a tomato (‘pomodoro’ in Italian), this technique means switching of all devices and alerts for a 45 to 50-minute period and working as hard as you can in that finite time on one task only Then, for 10 minutes, you take a mandatory break. This technique harnesses focus and it’s truly amazing the difference it makes.

Drink more
… water, that is. Research has proven that dehydration – which most of us have, let’s be real – can impair cognitive functioning by as much as 30 percent! Purchase yourself a glass bottle that is 500-750ml, and keep it on your desk at all times – filled with water.

Productivity is not an easy skill to master, which is why brand new books on this subject line the shelves of every book store throughout the year. Take each day at a time and be kind to yourself.

We’ve all done it – made New Year’s resolutions and never fulfilled them. This January, why not get some little helpers instead? These apps will make 2019 a breeze.

The ‘be more mindful’ resolution substitution: Kyō
Most productivity apps help you try and cram more into your already busy day, but Kyō does the opposite. The Kyō app helps the user to reflect at the end of each day on what was truly important, what was truly accomplished in terms of what really matters in life and to be grateful for it all. Not everyone is into journaling, so a big plus is that you can record voice notes, add pictures and write stuff. There’s even help from the pros in terms of interviews with meditation experts, gurus and fellow entrepreneurs who’ve got it right.

The ‘exercise more’ resolution substitution: Done
The best way to create a healthier lifestyle is to cultivate a habit. Done makes this a cinch, with a visual and un-preachy interface that allows you to input your new desire habit or habits and then tick them off each day, getting a sense of accomplishment as you do. The best part? It tracks your progress and sends you reminders and reports.

The ‘better productivity at work’ resolution substitution: Forest
Sometimes, to get more done, we need to do less, by blocking out distractions while focusing on a task. The famous ‘pomodoro technique’ is a great way to do this, but no one really likes to hear an egg timer or alarm clock going off all the time and making you think you’re back in school. Enter Forest: a timer-based app that blocks your use of all other apps on your phone for that set time and, instead of ringing annoyingly, makes a tree grow while you work. Over the set time it sprouts branches and leaves that will die if you look at your phone too early. It’s a great reminder that you’re not just finishing that one report – you’re trying to cultivate a lifestyle and make something grow.

The ‘be more informed’ resolution substitution: Overcast
Experts the world over agree that being well-read is the number one key to thought leadership in an uncertain future. At least an hour a day. But who has time? You need audiobooks or, even better, podcasts. Get informed on your morning commute, at the gym or standing in queues at the grocery store. Curate all your best ones and find new favourites with Overcast.

You’re welcome.

When 1 January rolls around, most of us are a little worse for wear: we’ve overindulged, under-exercised and are more than a little tired. It’s the same with our finances – many of our wallets take a financial overindulgence through the festive season.

Fear not – with a few simple commitments, you can get keep your finances in shape and fighting fit for 2019 in no time.

Deal with debt once and for all
Merlin famously said to Arthur in The Sword in the Stone that ‘the cure for fear or sadness is to do something’. Debt’s crippling power often comes from the shame and procrastination most people succumb to when they are in debt and, like unwashed dishes, the problem grows the longer you leave it.

True wealth cannot happen with debt in the mix, so your first resolution should be to get yourself to an expert as soon in the new year as possible. Be transparent about what you owe, what you make and how you spend. Just the act of talking about it and getting an action plan from a professional will fire you up to slay the debt dragon in 2019.

Try to invest every month
Most savvy people interested in wealth creation are already saving each month – but are you investing with the same regularity? Forbes magazine points out that most bank accounts earn less than 1 percent interest per annum, while inflation is 2 to 3 percent. That same money put into an investment can potentially earn ten times that. So how do you invest as often as every 30 days?

Luckily, this is the 21st century and, yes, there is an app for that – several in fact. Ask around with money-savvy friends to see what they use, or create a recurring calendar item in your calendar to remind you. Try something out, see if it fits and keep on trying.

Write down everything you spend – and get the family to do the same
This one is incredibly powerful. We all operate under some illusion of what we really spend money on and a wake-up call can be just the thing your January budget needs. Create a note on your phone or buy a notebook and jot down every single thing you spend money on and try to get your spouse, kids or flatmate to do the same. Just this act alone will make you spend more mindfully – which often means less.

Try a one week – or one month – cash detox
Just like the detox plans many of us go on physically, your money can also benefit from a cleanse after the splurges of the festive season. Use your handy notebook or phone note from the previous resolution and calculate what you spend in a week. Now, draw that money in cash. We can be very flippant with our finances when they are as intangible as swiping a card. With physical cash it’s easier to truly picture your wealth and how you’re stewarding it.

It’s a terrible misnomer, but the festive season – which is all about cheer and goodwill to all in various religions – is one of the most wasteful of the year. There are piles of present wrappings, tons of unwanted toys and lots of leftovers – but it doesn’t have to be that way. To enjoy less wasteful and more charitable festivities this year, just follow these tips:

Wrapping waste
Recycle all your wrapping paper or take it down to the local dump and try and encourage family and friends to reuse wrapping from last year. You can also look to wrapping gifts… in other gifts. T-shirts, scarves, towels and bags can all be used as innovative wrappings with rafia or ribbons; no plastics, tapes or wasteful paper needed. Remember, there’s no shame in eliminating waste!

Leftover lunch (and dinner… and snacks!)
Three words – cook, compassion or compost. There are plenty of websites for how to use leftovers the next day and beyond, from gammon sandwiches and gourmet lamb burgers to reused mince pies and end-of-the-month salticrax snacks. Alternatively, as is the Boxing Day custom, a more compassionate and charitable option is look online for a local charity collecting and giving away food. You could even ask on your local Facebook community pages and join a drive to spread festive cheer to those less-fortunate. Try searching on www.giveback.co.za or www.forgood.co.za if you’re really stuck. Finally… compost, but this only applies to vegetable leftovers. Meat scraps that are headed for the bin are probably best wrapped in foil, frozen and then donated to your local animal shelter.

Unwanted gifts
A powerful and useful practice to try as a family could be to spend a portion of your Christmas Day giving out unwanted gifts (like those from your office party…), combined with something more immediately sustaining like leftover food, to the homeless (yes this was covered earlier, but it’s Christmas – who’s counting?). Encourage the family to be honest about what isn’t their taste – it could really make someone else’s day and be a great bonding experience for you and your kin.

December should be a time of rest and relaxation – but for South African investors, the month comes with ominous memories. ‘Nenegate’ and Zuma’s infamous cabinet reshuffle, the Steinhoff collapse and several other rand-slaughtering incidents occurred in the month of the year when everyone was hopefully on holiday; plus the ANC elections occur next December too.

So, what is an investor to do when the last month of the year rolls around and disaster strikes? In the words of Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: don’t panic.

The first thing to do is remember the bigger picture. Many tend to look at the short term. For example, the rand recently dropped below the R14 benchmark to the dollar due to America’s elections and its divisive results, which is positive for the Rand strength. The same person looking at this news is likely to panic if, say, President Trump signs an important new trade agreement and the dollar strengthens or geopolitical risk in South Africa causes the rand to falter.

This will cause anxiety and is also an inaccurate way to view the market. Markets do not work off individual events, but rather longer cycles of bull (growth) and bear (decline) periods. Globally, we are coming out of a very long period of bullish growth. Since 1 January 2009, after the 2008 global financial crisis, the MSCI World Index has come up 292 percent, according to Sygnia Asset Management. This means we are in for a long bear period that has little to do with fluctuations caused by what President Ramaphosa says in his next speech.

The second thing to do is breathe and to remind yourself that all things work in cycles, including the market. We have just come out of a period of high growth globally, but all good things come to an end. So do all bad things. If we are entering a bear market now, that will surely give way to a bull market in due course. It’s also comforting to note that, as Sygnia Asset Management points out, bear markets have historically been shorter than bull markets.

The third thing to do is remind yourself that every season has its usefulness. Many investors focus on the selling aspect of investing that can be such a rush and godsend in the sunny outlook of a bull period. However, a bear market is often when the best opportunities are found at the most reasonable prices. Avoid the temptation to sell out of an emotional place of anxiety when slow growth sets in, and you’ll reap the rewards from all those others surrounding you who sold when the price was low. If you aren’t panicking, you don’t need to make that mistake.

Lastly, give it time. Your portfolio wasn’t built in a day and, if you act rationally, it won’t topple in one day either. All downturns work themselves out and the good investors play the waiting game while they do. It’s all about time in the markets, not timing the markets.

It’s that time of year again, when loved ones begin asking: ‘what do you want for Christmas?’

Your PA is also going to look at you with expectant eyes in terms of what gifts to order for clients, seniors in the company and such. Answering ‘nothing’ is not going to get you very far with either and, so, we’ve compiled a list of the coolest gift ideas that’ll equip and excite for work in 2019 before it’s even begun.

A VR headset
Virtual reality is the future, as we know, and this gift gets serious kudos for being both productivity-enhancing and escapist at the same time. A good headset will cost a few hundred bucks, but it’s so worth it. Any decent model is compatible with most smartphones and you can download content easily from the Apple or Google app stores. The newest VR headsets also have things like adjustable lenses, a soft eye cushion and augmented gaming function to keep you having fun for hours.

A Moleskine Evernote Smart Notebook
The brightest people are ideas people, likely to get hit with a moment of inspiration in the most unlikely places. You need some way to get those thoughts down before they evaporate, and everyone who’s anyone has at least one Moleskin, and now you can up your gift-giving game by presenting clients with an Evernote smart notebook. These Moleskins allow you to write on paper but still have digital backups of your scribbles by simply taking a photo.

A magnetic cellphone holder
For something smaller but still unique, why not try a magnetic mobile device holder? Only costing a couple of hundred bucks, it looks seriously cool seeing your phone stand up by itself on your desk and, at the same time, is useful in that it doesn’t contribute to that inevitable office clutter. The force is strong with this one…

A subscription to Audible.com
Thought leaders are notoriously voracious readers, while at the same time being too busy for anything as sedentary as reading a book. If you want to up your thought leadership status – or help someone else do the same – an Audible subscription is a great way to stimulate your mind with all the latest great reads while stuck in traffic.

A change is as good as a holiday, and a holiday is a good place to start a positive change. For those lucky enough to be going away at the end of this year, we’ve rounded up some of the books the world’s brightest sparks are raving about to get you feeling excited about 2019 while still on your sun lounger.

Anything you want: 40 lessons for a new kind of entrepreneur
This short book is jam-packed with horizon-expanding ideas and out-of-the-box thinking written in a simple way that’s not overwhelming. You’ll find yourself pumped up instead of daunted. It’s an enormous bestseller for a reason, and light enough on both your suitcase and your overtaxed mind.

The Happiness Project
A great pick-me-up but still a non-fiction book in which you’ll learn something, The Happiness Project is a sunny, upbeat book full of practical ideas on how to be more happy while living your best life. Author Gretchen Rubin speaks on practical things like how to fight in an emotionally healthy way, organising cupboards and singing even when you don’t feel like it in a non-preachy way that’ll put a smile on your dial.

The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win
Sometimes we pummel ourselves to work harder, when productivity isn’t really the problem. If you like peering into the cogs of how things work psychologically, this one is for you. Ghostwriter, speaker, LinkedIn Influencer and author, Jeff Haden says you can make yourself more motivated in simple ways, no need to beat yourself up.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
If 2018 has left you feeling a little overwhelmed, this wonderful book is different to many productivity manuals: it’s not about cramming more into your day but discovering what truly matters in terms of productivity and doing that excellently.

However you plan to spend your downtime this season, remember these words from Confucious; “No matter how busy you may think you are you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”

Various factors, such as employment prospects, family situations, lifestyle choices and investment goals, come in to making the decision about whether to buy or rent a home.

In any market, there are different reasons for why you may choose to do one or the other, as there are good arguments for both renting and buying that depend on individual circumstances. Here is a brief overview of the options in today’s climate.

To Buy

In South Africa, there is generally a culture of preferring to own a home, as purchasing a property is widely considered to be a sound medium- to long-term investment decision. Furthermore, buying a property allows you to enjoy lifestyle benefits, such as decorating to your tastes, owning a pet, and generally doing as you please.

That said, South Africa is currently experiencing a stagnating property market in which the annual growth in house prices is slowing. Taking inflation into account, it would seem that the growth of property prices is actually in decline.

These days, people are understandably becoming more cautious when it comes to buying property. However, although the residential property market is correcting itself — most notably in the Western Cape where property prices had previously increased by 650% in certain areas in the past 15 years — some property managers believe that it is still best to buy, and to get a foot on the property ladder as soon as possible.

Interestingly, the Western Cape is still the top performing regional market, and had a 10.6% price increase from January to June 2018, while the national average was only 4.25%. Furthermore, the slowing of price appreciation in some of the hotspots has had the effect of boosting the market in other parts of the city.

It is important to gather as much information as possible on which to base your decisions, especially when it comes to investment properties, as margins have become much slimmer. However, if finances are tight, a potential option is to rent a house for you and family to live in, while investing in a more affordable apartment, which you should then be able to rent out at approximately 0.5% of the purchase price. This way, you can get a foot into the market, while enjoying a monthly income stream and long-term capital growth on your investment.

It is also possible to create further wealth by upgrading or refurbishing your property, then selling it and buying a more expensive property. However, it’s important to decide carefully what you spend on your home, as you need to consider what will add value for a potential buyer. It’s worth seeking advice from experts if you are unsure. Also bear in mind that, according to Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group, “the old saying that it is better to purchase the cheapest house in an expensive suburb, than the most expensive property in a lesser area, remains true.”

It is also important to take into account the upfront costs involved when purchasing a property, such as the deposit, transfer duty, legal costs, homeowner’s insurance, bank charges and municipal rates. Not to mention the maintenance costs and any levvies that you may need to pay once you are a homeowner. You should also be aware that if you have a bond, the interest rate can fluctuate too.

To rent

An increasing number of people simply don’t have the means to buy a property, and the rental market has benefitted from a generation that is financially not yet able to purchase their first home. Renting can be especially attractive as it does not come with additional expenses, such as rates, taxes and maintenance, which fall on an owner.

However, there are other reasons for why you may choose to rent rather than buy, which are not related to affordability. For example, many people want the flexibility and ease of mobility that renting provides.

Renting can also be a good option if you are returning to South Africa, but are still unsure of where you are going to work or what your future plans involve. Furthermore, renting gives potential buyers a ‘recce’ opportunity so that they can first get a feel for an area, its security, and its access to local amenities, frequented places and transport links.

Renting also buys you the time to do a thorough property search so that you can eventually purchase a suitable home at an attractive price, without having the pressure of needing to urgently find somewhere to live. It will also give you time to analyse potential growth opportunities of different properties and locations.

If you do wish to rent, it’s important to ensure that you have a written lease that covers payment, duration, and all the landlord’s and the tenant’s obligations. Before you sign anything, be sure that you are happy with all negotiations, and that all agreements are clearly stated in the lease. Be aware that a rental contract will often be fixed for at least six months or a year, so be sure to stipulate if you require anything different.

If you keep the property in good condition and honour all your obligations in a timeous manner, you should have no issues in renewing a contract or being reimbursed your deposit. However, the downside to renting is that losing your deposit is always a risk, monthly rental can be expensive, and you will need to ask permission to make any changes to the property.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to do proper research on an area and a property before committing to renting or buying. And it’s also advisable not to over-extend yourself when making a decision — be aware that the rental costs are likely to increase each year; as will levvies, insurance and rates if you purchase a property. Don’t hesitate to arrange a meeting to discuss whether buying or renting a home would be best for your financial situation right now.
Information for this blog was sourced through Fin24.co.za.

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that finances, operates or owns real estate that produces an income, and is a way for investors to have a liquid stake in the real estate market.

According to Nareit, which is the representative voice for REITs, more than 225 REITs were trading on an American stock exchange earlier this year. At the start of 2018, a quick look at diversified REITs suggested that 23 were yielding 5% or more, with market capitalisations of greater than US$1 billion. And that was only when reviewing one sub-sector of the industry — if you took into consideration other areas, such as retail and office, the number increased to 60 REITs.

Given the vast array of REITs available, it can be hard for investors to know which one to choose. However, while the attraction to REITs can be strong — especially as they are required by law to distribute at least 90% of their annual taxable income to shareholders — not every REIT is worth its salt. Even if one has a dividend yield of 5%+, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should want to own it.

To hedge or not to hedge?

Cross-border real estate investment is becoming more popular as more people develop their understanding of the role that real estate can play in a multi-asset class portfolio. Many investors have also become aware of the potential diversification benefits that can be gained from international real estate exposure.

However, it’s important to appreciate the complexity that currency can bring to the table when it comes to investing in property. Returns can be hugely impacted by currency movements, and performance can look very different when measured in different currencies. For example, over the course of 17 years, one global property index’s annualised total return was 7.4% in its local currency, but if measured in South African Rand, the total return would have been 11.2%, and in Swiss Francs, it would only have been 4.9%.

If you do have a foreign currency exposure, it is, therefore, important to carefully consider how you intend to manage your exposure. Certain risks can potentially be mitigated through currency hedging. According to an article published by the Pension Real Estate Association (PREA) “forwards, swaps, and options are some of the commonly used instruments for hedging currency risk in a real estate portfolio. Some investors may also borrow in foreign capital markets to reduce their foreign exchange exposure. However, the latter approach may simply substitute financial risk for currency risk, and the cost of borrowing offshore may be higher. Certain large global investors may also see their portfolios as sufficiently diversified to provide a natural hedge and not actively hedge at all.”

You may also wish to consider other factors, such as when is the right time to hedge and what should be hedged. And it’s also worth considering the cost and regulatory hurdles when it comes to managing currency risk. Many decisions are not always straightforward, but it’s important to be aware that currency volatility could become a source of investment risk as real estate becomes more global in nature.

Although many investors appreciate the unique nature of REITs, it’s important to only invest in REITs that you’ve thoroughly researched. In order to protect your principal, try to find a REIT that comes at a price that allows for a safety margin against market risk. It’s also advisable to not consider a REIT that could potentially cut its dividend, and be sure to pay attention to underlying cash flows.

If you’re interested in REITs that can serve you in good times and bad, you may wish to look for stocks that provide an income while minimising risk — for example, stable business operations that have good balance sheets. Although the yields from certain REITs may not make you super rich, they can still reliably contribute to your financial goals and wealth portfolio. Don’t hesitate to arrange a meeting if you wish to discuss the value of real estate as an income-generating investment and how to best manage your cash flow.

(Information gathered from Forbes and InvestorPlace)