Martin Hesse

Cape Town

Content Editor at Personal Finance, Independent Newspapers. I also do some classical music compiling for Fine Music Radio

Featured in: Favicon

iol.co.za

independentmedia.co.za Favicon

msn.com

pretorianews.co.za Favicon

sundaytribune.co.za Favicon

dfa.co.za

persfin.co.za Favicon

tios.co.za

star.com.tr

Articles

Words on Wealth: how markets fared in the first quarter

6 days ago | iol.co.za | Martin Hesse

In this article, we analyse the performance of investment markets in the first quarter of 2025, focusing on the JSE's impressive gains and the challenges faced by the US market amid economic uncertainties. Image by: AFPPublished 9m ago | Published 9m agoIn this column, I look at how the investment markets performed in the first quarter, up until March 31.
Words on wealth: how quickly can markets recover from a crash?

1 week ago | iol.co.za | Martin Hesse

Explore the historical recovery times of stock markets after significant downturns and understand what investors can expect in the current economic climate. Image by: (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)Published 9m ago | Published 9m agoHow quickly do markets recover from a crash?
Customer moves R1 million from bank due to poor service

2 weeks ago | persfin.co.za | Martin Hesse

A 76-year-old customer withdrew R1 million from his bank after repeated failures to address his complaints regarding unexpected fees. The case highlights the importance of customer service in banking. Image by: File photo.
Why South African banks must improve customer service

2 weeks ago | iol.co.za | Martin Hesse

This article explores the shortcomings of South Africa's major banks in customer service, highlighting personal experiences and industry reports that reveal a need for improvement. Image by: IOL/Ron AiPublished 12m ago | Published 12m agoWhen Capitec broke onto the retail banking scene over 20 years ago, I sensed that it would shake up the banking industry in South Africa. The simplicity and accessibility of its offering to consumers ensured its immediate success.
How can South Africans improve their financial literacy?

3 weeks ago | iol.co.za | Martin Hesse

People become more money-savvy when they start earning and gain experience in managing the money they have earned. Image by: FreepikPublished 6m ago | Published 6m agoModern life requires us to know how money works. We don’t need to be financial whizzes, but we need to know the essentials and, importantly, acquire the skills and modify our behaviours if we want to be financially independent and secure.
How can South Africans improve their financial literacy?

3 weeks ago | tios.co.za | Martin Hesse

People become more money-savvy when they start earning and gain experience in managing the money they have earned. Image by: FreepikPublished 8h ago | Published 8h agoModern life requires us to know how money works. We don’t need to be financial whizzes, but we need to know the essentials and, importantly, acquire the skills and modify our behaviours if we want to be financially independent and secure.
Lower interest rates boost real estate market

1 month ago | iol.co.za | Martin Hesse

Written by Former Content EditorWith the repo rate dropping a full percentage point, from 8.5% to 7.5% between July 2024 and February this year, and hopes of more rate drops to come, residential property appears to have turned a corner. Published 7m ago | Published 7m agoAlthough geopolitical events beyond our borders could derail our economy in ways we cannot fathom, there is room to be optimistic about South Africa’s residential property market.
Words on wealth: banks carry on deceiving us with ‘simple’ rates

1 month ago | iol.co.za | Martin Hesse

Explore how South African banks misrepresent fixed deposit interest rates, using simple interest to attract investors while obscuring the true returns. Published 4m ago | Published 4m agoThe practice by South African banks of advertising simple interest rates on fixed deposits has become more widespread. Only two banks in the “Big Five”, FNB and Capitec, have not resorted to this deceptive and confusing practice, and smaller banks and other institutions are doing it.
Words on wealth: understanding the legal implications of signing contracts

1 month ago | iol.co.za | Martin Hesse

Discover the critical importance of understanding contract terms before signing, and learn how consumer protection laws can safeguard your rights. Published 37m ago | Published 37m agoWhen you sign a contract, you explicitly acknowledge that you have read the terms and conditions of the contract and are bound by the obligations the contract places on you. This is the way the law works.
Words on Wealth: what are REITs and should you invest in them

1 month ago | iol.co.za | Martin Hesse

A real estate investment trust, known widely by its acronym, REIT, is an entity that invests in and manages property on behalf of its investors. It provides a way to invest in property without owning it directly. Picture: [email protected]. Published 5m ago | Published 5m agoA real estate investment trust, known widely by its acronym, REIT, is an entity that invests in and manages property on behalf of its investors. It provides a way to invest in property without owning it directly.