Couples and contracts

Love and money are often an uneasy mix, but if you’re living with a partner in a permanent relationship, you cannot afford not to consider the financial implications of your shared life coming to an end. Marriage, civil union, customary and religious marriages, and cohabitation all have consequences when it comes to the separation of assets on divorce or death.

In the latest issue of Personal Finance magazine (volume 57, fourth quarter), we delve into the options and obligations couples have in relation to spouses and partners, exploring the legal grey areas, the consequences of dying intestate, maintenance of a surviving or separated partner and the division of pension assets.

And in case you are at risk of dying intestate, we test-drive two free online will-writing services that you can download and make use of without delay. Also in this issue: ◆ Insurance: 10 things you need to know to get the best cover you can on your car, home and household contents;

◆ With-profit annuities: a new dynamic structure promises to stop the decline in the popularity of these products;

◆ Enhanced annuities: a fairer option for people with health problems and limited lifespans;

◆ Taxation: changes to the tax treatment of foreign interest and dividends and how capital gains tax is calculated on the disposal of foreign assets … and so much more.

Don’t miss the new issue of Personal Finance magazine, on sale for R29.95 at bookshops and retail outlets nationwide.