Many organisations have lost more than $1 billion over the past 4 years due to fraud, KPMG’s Fraud Barometer suggests. As part of the 4-year anniversary of the Fraud Barometer, KPMG analysed the trends in frauds over the past 4 years as well as its regular 6-monthly analysis. The impact of fraud post the GFC [...]
Warren Buffet recently made a statement to the affect that stocks appeared more appealing than gold or bonds! One question being asked related to buying stock, is whether it is in fact cheaper than buying bonds. In a recent report, various investment strategists representing large brokerage firms stated that arguably, stocks were at a record [...]
According to a conducted survey of over 1200 participants, seventy five percent of people are generally worried about cash flows related to their personal finances However, forty percent of men and women surveyed, admitted to spending more time worrying about the situation, then taking action to remedy it! Another interesting fact emerged, relating to the [...]
KPMG International and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) has released the results of their new ‘Change Readiness Index’ which provides insight into which countries are better prepared to cope with change and take advantage of the resulting opportunities. The Change Readiness Index captures government capability and the capability of a country as a whole – [...]
The global telecom industry misallocates 20 per cent of its capital expenditures — about US$65 billion each year — says a new report from PwC. The report ‘We need to talk about Capex’ found that the industry’s capex bill is now at US$320 billion per year, but about 20 percent of capital projects provide little [...]
The mention of combining bank accounts could for various newly married couples, prove to be a sensitive subject! However, various experts recommend that it is one that should be discussed even before the engagement. Understanding the financial values and perceptions of your partner, is part of knowing them as an individual and as someone with [...]
For many Americans, their greatest difficulty in planning their financial future, is building the foundation. However, the basics for doing this are relatively simple, but if they want to make proper use of debt, continuous self discipline is a critical ingredient. The experience of the recent financial crisis has resulted in a significant number of [...]
Gas wins globally in race to meet energy demand, but won’t be a ‘game changer’ Blackout fears rise in Europe and North America but ease in developing markets Fuel poverty concerns increase for power industry Industry predicted fossil fuel energy mix by 2030 falls well short of climate change goals Even with new generation capacity [...]
Three times as many young adults check their social media accounts daily as check their bank accounts, according to the results of a national telephone survey conducted for the American Institute of CPAs by Harris Interactive in recognition of National Financial Literacy Month. According to the survey, more than half, or 54 percent, of 18- [...]
Today, many Americans are not feeling smart, according to results from a recent survey. It was also revealed that this does not only relate to investments, but to various aspects of their personal finance education. There is a saying, allegedly from financial advisors, that when the stock market is rising, everyone appears as a genius. [...]
Various reports show that although the economic situation appears similar to that of last year, there are significant differences. Some sources view an improving economy growing 3 % in the fourth quarter, from one year earlier in comparison with 1.6 % last year. It does not appear that America will have the same experience as [...]
A greater awareness is now required, regarding the organizing of paper filing systems, such as digitizing personal finance. This is supported by the revelation that last year the citizens of America spent an average of 22 hours on the completion of their tax forms. It asks the question of how organized you are in 2012, [...]
No, it is not the Martians taking over our world, but something far worse! The ever spreading scourge of the paper era has taken over control of the human race. It is found in any domestic or business oriented environment, no matter its type or location. From the basic receipt from the gas station, to [...]
After almost three years since the official ending of the recession in June 2009, there are 12.7 million people still without work. This does not include those who want to work but have given up seeking employment and part time workers. If these sectors are considered, the figure rises to 22.8 million. This has been [...]
After almost three years since the official ending of the recession in June 2009, there are 12.7 million people still without work. This does not include those who want to work but have given up seeking employment and part time workers. If these sectors are considered, the figure rises to 22.8 million. This has been [...]
All parents want to provide the best for their children and this includes helping them prepare to face the daily challenges of everyday living with financial literacy. Today and in the foreseeable future, financial literacy is going to play a primary role. At least a working knowledge of this subject is crucial for a child’s [...]
Majority of companies plan to focus more time and resources on improving compliance programs, a new poll released today by Deloitte shows. Deloitte polled more than 1,975 business professionals from the financial services, consumer and industrial products, technology, media and telecommunications, and other industries during a recent webcast titled, “Stress Testing Your Compliance Program.” “After [...]
An online study involving the polling of over 1000 participants, revealed reasons why the past five years have negatively affected the financial situations of many people. It also showed that three out of five of the participants failed to meet their financial goals. However, the economic downturn is on a part of the problem, [...]
Much has changed regarding finance rules in post 2008 and it may be argued that this particularly applies to the philosophy that any available liquid finance, should automatically be placed into a retirement fund. Then the plug was pulled on the housing boom and as then, it is now difficult for any advantage to be [...]
The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index (Index) climbed higher in March, marking only the third monthly increase over the past 12 months. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending. “The Index turned upward as the pace of declining new home prices slowed,” explained Carl Steidtmann, Deloitte’s chief economist and author [...]
