Why January Medical Bills Can Hit Hard: And How Gap Cover Helps

man walking on a tightrope

January has a way of exposing the cracks in even the most carefully planned budgets. After the festive season, households are met with a flood of unavoidable expenses — school fees, uniforms, stationery, debit orders that quietly restart and medical scheme increases that feel steeper every year. It’s the month where bank balances feel thinner, patience runs lower and even small surprises can tip a budget off balance.

Q&A with Deenash Pillay, Head of Small Enterprises at Standard Bank

Deenash Pillay Head of Small Enterprises at Standard Bank South Africa

South Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and determined — but running a small business today still comes with real obstacles: access to capital, skills development, the right networks, and the ever-evolving digital landscape. Few institutions understand this better than Standard Bank, and at the heart of their Small Enterprise strategy is Deenash Pillay, a leader who believes in meeting entrepreneurs where they are, walking the journey with them, and unlocking the tools that turn potential into sustainable growth.
In our exclusive interview with Mr Pillay, we unpack Standard Bank’s three core pillars for advancing SMMEs: Access to Funding, Skills & Non-Financial Support, and Market Access through Digital Enablement.

Momentum Multiply: The Reward of Living Well

Lady stretching in the park, part of Momentum Multiply‘s reward for living well

At Hello Lifestyle Magazine, we’re constantly curious about how everyday choices can shape a better, more fulfilling life. So, when it came to South Africa’s rewards programmes, we decided to dive in, explore what’s out there, and see which one truly delivers on more than just rands and cents. One programme stood out above the rest for its depth, vision, and future-facing approach: Momentum Multiply.

Crypto at the Checkout: Binance Pay Now Accepted at Over 31,000 South African Stores

A woman smiling in front of a Binance Pay hat

Cryptocurrency is stepping out of the digital wallet and into real-world spending. In a major move for local fintech, Binance Pay has gone live at over 31,000 South African merchants, thanks to a new partnership with Zapper. That means you can now pay with crypto at places like Dis-Chem, FlySafair, Bootlegger, Pick n Pay, and even KFC drive-throughs.

Old Mutual x SheInvests: How South African Women Are Rewriting Their Financial Stories

Old Mutual x SheInvests 2025

Money talk isn’t always glamorous, but for South African women in 2025, it’s deeply personal. Between rising costs, career juggling, and the daily pressures of running households, many women are feeling the financial squeeze. Yet, if there’s one thing the latest Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor (OMSIM) 2025 shows us, it’s that women are […]

Financial Myths Women Should Finally Ditch

Financial myths about women

For generations, women have been told who they should be, what they should aspire to, and even how they should handle money. Many of us grew up hearing outdated financial advice, often rooted in cultural norms, family dynamics, or social stereotypes. The result? Too many women still hold themselves back from taking charge of their […]

G20 Summit Puts SA on the Tourism Map with R1.2 Billion Income

G20 Summit to bring in R1.2-billion for Tourism Sector.

The G20 Summit is set to take place in Johannesburg late November this year. It is projected to bring in R1.2 billion in Direct Tourism Revenue, with an increased demand for accommodation, travel tours and food and drink services. This is South Africa’s chance to prove why we should be on the tourism map and […]

Money Hacks for Moms: How Hard Can It Be?

Money hacks for moms from moms

In a world where things seem to become more and more expensive by the minute, it’s easy to get upset. Especially when you’re a mom who just wants the best for her family. Here are some clever money hacks for moms (from moms), which should help lighten the load (or at least, the mood). Online […]

Malta & Money: Tax Benefits and EU Market Access

Malta as a strategic hub

Apart from its idyllic location in the Mediterranean Sea – between Sicily and North America – Malta is becoming increasingly popular due to the financial benefits it boasts. There are numerous factors that have played a part in the rising trend of South Africans exploring residency, citizenship and business expansion options in Malta. These include […]

Money Talk: Transforming Africa’s Financial Wellbeing

Old Mutual has launched their Moneyversity+ Financial Edutainment platform

Written By: Renate Engelbrecht With an ambition to continuously democratise financial topics, Old Mutual is making money matters and talk around the topic more accessible. They have introduced Moneyversity+, their financial edutainment platform, guided by consumer needs. Why Enrol At Moneyversity+ Much thought has gone into building Old Mutual’s Moneyversity+. It has a dedicated team […]

Year-End Celebrations: What to Spend Your Bucks On

Brahman Hills year-end celebrations

When the excitement of year-end celebrations catches on, it’s easy to overspend on things you think will make the party. Yet, these things often end up being unnecessary and short-lived. So, spending your year-end function budget wisely should be top of mind. We’ve asked Brahman Hills’ CEO, Orrin Cottle to share some insights on where […]

Investing in (B)leisure Could Be The Best Idea Yet

Investing

Many of us grew up with holiday points and sectional titles, allowing us to visit exciting destinations over vacation periods. While some people don’t mind the stress of planning and budgeting for every holiday, others prefer investing in a holiday home for that much-needed leisurely escape. Of course, as with any investment, there are risks […]

Piggybanks Are Back, Baby!

Piggy Bank

Searches for ‘ceramic piggy bank,’ ‘aesthetic piggy bank’ and ‘piggy bank design’ are on the rise. Here are some tips to help kids save money.

Debunking Crypto Myths and Misconceptions

Macbook with Binance

When delving into the realm of cryptocurrency, it’s only natural for newcomers to have a multitude of questions. The first and most obvious frequently asked question (FAQ) would turn the emphasis towards the definition of cryptocurrencies. With October being National Crypto Month, celebrating the cultivation of new economic growth opportunities cryptocurrencies bring, Binance is taking […]

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