10 things you should know about the Consumer Protection Act
Feel it – it is here! The long-awaited Consumer Protection Act will be fully operational in October, bringing with it a far better deal for you, the customer. Find out all about the extent – and limit – of your rights.

How to assess an investment
Warren Buffett says you should buy sensibly priced shares in companies that have good underlying economics. The way to identify these shares is simple maths. Financial ratios help you work out whether a company is making good use of its assets and is likely to stay in business, and whether its share price is value for money.

Emerging markets revisited
The performance of emerging markets over the past five years has undermined the theory that South Africans should diversify their portfolios by adding investments in developed economies. But is it too late to benefit from the growth paths of countries such as Brazil, China and India?

Banking and investing the sharia way
A system of financing that is ethical and does not rely on paying or earning interest is attractive to many – Muslim and non-Muslim alike. We examine how it works and which sharia-compliant products are available..

Sign on the bottom line
Hundreds of years ago, brokers were associated with both wine and pimping. Find out more about how the words for “brokers”, “actuaries” and “economists” evolved into their current meanings in English in an occasional column that kicks off this quarter.

Barring none
Buying gold has never been this easy. Vending machines are being rolled out in strategic locations worldwide, and these "ATMs" enable you to buy gold coins and bars with a simple swipe of your credit card.

Taking finances to Hart
She was born to be a financial planner. Now Natasja Norval Hart, who was named the best in her field for 2010, shares her experience and advice with you.

DAVID SYLVESTER ON THE SHARE MARKET: Finger trouble
Human error can upset the markets just as much as a global credit crisis or the prospect of a major debt default in the euro zone.

JO-MARIE RABE ON ART: The art of redemption
Integrating the detritus of discontinued mining operations with the surrounding landscape has given rise to a unique art form.

BRUCE JACK ON WINE: Fools rush in
It takes a certain degree of reckless passion to stare down the risks of being a wine farmer in South Africa.

MARGARETE KING’S FINE PRINT: Contracts more mobile

LAURA DU PREEZ ON THE INTERNET: Stock picking for beginners
The JSE website has undergone a revamp. From talking to the well-informed, it is now geared at educating the novice investor.

ZANE HENRY BACKCHATS: The recession code
The prospect of being into poverty has enriched our language.