Business Loans, Personal Finance
For business owners and individuals with a high turnover, managing assets and planning for the future is a top priority. Whether you’re appointing an executor to manage your estate, or a curator to look after the affairs of a loved one, you need to know that the assets you’ve worked so hard to build are protected. This is where a bond of security comes in. It’s a financial safety net designed to protect against financial loss due to misconduct or negligence.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the meaning of bonds of security, how they work, the different types available in South Africa, and why they are so crucial for your financial peace of mind.
What is a Bond of Security?
A bond of security, in essence, is a type of surety bond that guarantees the performance of an individual who has been appointed to a position of trust. This individual, known as the principal, is responsible for managing the assets of another person or entity. The bond provides a financial guarantee to the obligee (in most cases, the Master of the High Court in South Africa) that the principal will perform their duties honestly and in accordance with the law.
Think of it like this: a bond of security is similar to having a co-signer on a loan. The surety (usually an insurance company or financial institution) is the co-signer, guaranteeing that if the principal fails in their duties, the surety will step in to cover any financial losses.
There are three key parties involved in a bond of security:
- The Principal: The individual or entity appointed to a position of trust, such as an executor, curator, or trustee.
- The Obligee: The person or entity to whom the guarantee is made. In South Africa, this is typically the Master of the High Court.
- The Surety: The insurance company or financial institution that provides the bond and guarantees the performance of the principal.
How do Bonds of Security Work? The Process Explained
The process of obtaining a bond of security is straightforward and typically involves the following steps:
- The Need is Identified: The Master of the High Court will determine if a bond of security is required for a particular appointment.
- Application: The principal applies for the bond from a financial institution that offers this type of service.
- Risk Assessment: The surety will assess the risk involved in the appointment. This may involve a review of the principal’s financial history and experience.
- Issuing the Bond: If the application is approved, the surety will issue the bond of security.
- Lodging the Bond: The bond is then lodged with the Master of the High Court as proof of the financial guarantee.
- Premium Payment: A premium is paid for the bond, which is usually a percentage of the value of the assets being managed. This premium is typically considered an administration expense and is paid from the estate or assets under management.
Types of Bonds of Security in South Africa
In South Africa, there are several types of bonds of security, each designed for a specific purpose. Here are some of the most common types:
Executor Bonds
When a person passes away, their estate must be administered and distributed according to their will or the laws of intestacy. The person appointed to carry out this duty is called an executor. An executor bond is a bond of security that guarantees the executor will perform their duties honestly and diligently, protecting the interests of the beneficiaries. For more detailed information on this, you can read about Executor Bonds and Bonds of Security.
Curator Bonds
A curator bond is required when a person is appointed to manage the financial affairs of someone who is unable to do so themselves, due to mental or physical incapacity. This ensures that the curator acts in the best interests of the individual and does not mismanage their assets.
Trustee Bonds
A trustee bond is a bond of security that is required for a person who is appointed as a trustee of a trust. This bond guarantees that the trustee will manage the trust’s assets in accordance with the trust deed and for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
Liquidation Bonds
When a company or individual is declared insolvent, a liquidator or trustee is appointed to manage the process of selling the assets and distributing the proceeds to the creditors. A liquidation bond ensures that the liquidator or trustee carries out their duties fairly and transparently.
Tutor Bonds
A tutor bond is required when a person is appointed to manage the financial affairs of a minor. This bond protects the minor’s assets until they come of age.
Bonds of Security vs. Insurance: Understanding the Key Differences
It’s a common misconception that a bond of security is the same as an insurance policy. While both provide a form of financial protection, they are fundamentally different.
Why are Bonds of Security Crucial for Business Owners and High-Turnover Individuals?
For those who have built up significant assets, protecting that wealth is paramount. Bonds of security offer a number of important benefits:
- Ensuring Fiduciary Accountability: They hold the appointed person accountable for their actions, ensuring they act with honesty and integrity.
- Mitigating the Risk of Financial Mismanagement: They provide a financial safety net in the event of negligence or fraud.
- Providing Peace of Mind: Knowing that a bond of security is in place can provide peace of mind to all parties involved.
- Satisfying Legal Requirements: In many cases, a bond of security is a legal requirement for certain appointments.
The Cost of Security: What to Expect
The cost of a bond of security, known as the premium, is calculated as a percentage of the total value of the assets being managed. In South Africa, the typical premiums are as follows:
- Executor Bonds: 0.5% of the asset value
- Curator Bonds: 0.6% of the asset value
- Trustee Bonds: 0.6% of the asset value
- Liquidation Bonds: 0.5% of the asset value
- Tutor Bonds: 0.6% of the asset value
It’s important to note that this premium is a legitimate expense of the estate or assets under management and is not paid out of the principal’s own pocket.
Your Path to Financial Security
Bonds of security are a vital tool for protecting assets and ensuring that individuals appointed to positions of trust perform their duties with the utmost care and integrity. For business owners and high-turnover individuals, understanding the importance of these bonds is the first step towards securing your financial future.
If you are in the process of appointing an executor, curator, or trustee, it is essential to seek professional advice to ensure that you have the right protections in place. To learn more about how New Heights Finance can assist you with your financial needs, and for a deeper understanding of executor bonds, visit our page on Executor Bonds and Bonds of Security.
Business Finance
For ambitious business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding the latest financial news and developments is critical to making informed, strategic decisions. September 2025 is proving to be a pivotal month, with key data releases and policy discussions shaping the outlook for the final quarter of the year and beyond.
As a leading finance broker, New Heights Finance believes in empowering our clients with insight. Our role is to not only connect you with the right funding but also to provide the context you need to navigate the complexities of the market. This briefing breaks down the most significant financial news of September 2025 and, most importantly, explains what it means for your business.
The Big Picture: Economic Growth and Business Sentiment
This month, all eyes were on Stats SA’s release of the second-quarter GDP figures. The data revealed a modest 0.8% growth, a slight improvement from the previous quarter but indicative of an economy that is still finding its footing. While any growth is positive, this subdued rate suggests that consumer spending remains tight and businesses are expanding cautiously.
This data aligns with the latest SACCI Business Confidence Index (BCI), which, despite a small uptick, remains in neutral territory. The sentiment among business leaders is one of “cautious optimism.” There’s a palpable sense of opportunity, yet this is tempered by concerns over input costs and global economic headwinds.
What this means for you:
- Strategic Planning is Key: In a slow-growth environment, efficiency and strategy outperform aggressive, speculative expansion. Now is the time to review your operations, optimise cash flow, and focus on high-margin activities.
- Market for Value: With consumers being budget-conscious, ensure your product or service offers clear, demonstrable value.
- Funding for Efficiency: Consider financing that improves productivity or reduces long-term costs, such as equipment upgrades or technology adoption.
The SARB’s Stance: Interest Rates and Inflation in Focus
The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held its much-anticipated meeting this month, ultimately deciding to hold the repo rate steady at its current level. This decision was widely expected by economists, as the MPC continues its delicate balancing act between curbing inflation and stimulating economic activity.
Inflation for August, announced this month, saw a slight decrease to 4.9%, remaining comfortably within the SARB’s target range of 3-6%. This provided the MPC with the necessary room to hold rates, offering a period of stability for borrowers.
What this means for you:
- Predictable Borrowing Costs: The decision to hold the repo rate means that the prime lending rate will remain stable. For businesses with existing variable-rate loans, this provides predictability in repayment costs.
- Window of Opportunity: A stable interest rate environment is an ideal time to secure funding for growth projects. Delaying could expose you to potential rate hikes in the future if inflation pressures resurface.
- Assess Your Current Debt: This is a good moment to review your existing business debts. If you are paying high interest on multiple facilities, the current stability might make it an opportune time to consider consolidating that debt into a single, more affordable loan.
The Rand’s Rollercoaster: Navigating Currency Volatility
The South African Rand (ZAR) has experienced a volatile month, reacting to a mix of international and local factors. Fluctuations in the US Dollar and shifting global risk appetites have kept the currency on its toes. While it has shown resilience, its performance underscores the challenges faced by businesses involved in international trade.
This volatility directly impacts the bottom line for both importers and exporters, making financial planning and risk management more crucial than ever.
What this means for you:
- Importers: A weaker Rand increases the cost of imported goods, squeezing profit margins. Businesses in this space must be strategic about their procurement and funding. This is where specialised products like Import Funding become invaluable, providing a comprehensive solution that can help manage the costs of the entire import cycle.
- Exporters: A weaker Rand can be beneficial, making South African goods cheaper and more competitive on the global market. This can present a significant growth opportunity for those prepared to scale their operations.
The SME Funding Landscape: Agility is the New Currency
One of the most significant trends of 2025 is the continued evolution of the business funding landscape. While traditional banks remain a vital part of the ecosystem, their lending criteria can be rigid and their turnaround times slow, particularly in a cautious economic climate.
This has led to a surge in demand for more agile, responsive funding solutions from specialised, non-bank lenders. Businesses need to move quickly to seize opportunities, and they require financial partners who can match their pace.
How to leverage this trend:
- For Quick Opportunities: When you need capital to purchase stock at a discount or fund a short-term marketing blitz, waiting weeks for a bank decision isn’t an option. An Unsecured Business Loan offers a faster, more flexible solution based on your company’s cash flow and performance.
- To Unlock Cash Flow: Don’t let your growth be stalled by slow-paying clients. Invoice Discounting allows you to turn your accounts receivable into immediate cash, providing the working capital you need to take on the next big job.
- To Fulfill Major Contracts: If you’ve secured a large contract but lack the funds to pay your suppliers, Purchase Order Funding can bridge the gap, enabling you to deliver on the order and bank the profit without draining your own resources.
Our Perspective: Strategic Financial Planning for Q4
As we look towards the final quarter of 2025, the message from September’s developments is clear: stability is present, but agility is paramount. The economic environment is not one of rapid, easy growth, but it is ripe with opportunity for businesses that are well-managed, well-funded, and strategically positioned.
We advise our clients to use this period of stable interest rates to conduct a thorough review of their financial health and future needs. Assess your working capital cycles, identify your growth opportunities for 2026, and structure your financing in a way that provides both stability and flexibility.
Navigating this landscape requires a financial partner who understands the nuances of the market and has access to a wide spectrum of funding solutions.
Business Finance, Personal Finance
In today’s fast-paced world, financial emergencies or urgent business opportunities don’t wait. The thought of needing cash “right now” often leads people to search for “same day loans” in South Africa. While the term itself conjures images of instant cash, it’s crucial to understand the reality behind these offerings, especially for established businesses and individuals seeking legitimate, responsible financial solutions.
At New Heights Finance, we understand that speed is often of the essence. Our mission as experienced finance brokers is to cut through the noise, providing clarity on what truly constitutes rapid access to capital and connecting you with credible lenders who prioritise efficiency without compromising on due diligence. We believe in providing solutions that are not just fast, but also sustainable and trustworthy.
This article will explore the concept of same day loans, differentiate between various types, and explain how discerning businesses and individuals can genuinely achieve near-instant access to the funds they need.
The Allure of “Same Day Loans”: What Does It Really Mean?
When people search for “same day loans,” they typically have one core need: immediate access to funds. This could be to cover an unexpected expense, seize a time-sensitive business opportunity, or bridge a sudden cash flow gap.
The term “same day” can be a powerful marketing hook, but it’s important to differentiate between:
- Legitimate fast-approval processes: Where funds can indeed be disbursed within 24 hours (or even quicker) once all criteria are met and documents are verified. This is often the case for reputable lenders working with prepared applicants.
- Unrealistic “no questions asked” promises: These are often associated with less reputable lenders or predatory schemes, which should be avoided at all costs.
For most credible lenders in South Africa, a “same day loan” refers to a highly efficient process where, if you meet the eligibility criteria and submit all required documentation promptly, approval and payout can occur very quickly – often within 24 hours of a complete application. True “instant” approval and payout without any verification are rarely legitimate for significant amounts and should raise red flags.
When Speed Matters: Business Opportunities & Emergencies
For businesses, the need for rapid capital is often tied to growth. Missing out on a bulk purchase discount, failing to secure a new contract due to lack of upfront capital, or being unable to cover an unexpected operational expense can severely impact profitability and stability.
For individuals, an unforeseen medical bill, urgent home repair, or critical vehicle maintenance can necessitate quick access to funds. In these scenarios, the ability to secure a loan swiftly can prevent a minor crisis from escalating.
How New Heights Finance Facilitates Rapid Access to Capital
At New Heights Finance, we specialise in connecting businesses and individuals with funding solutions that align with their urgent needs while maintaining professional standards. While we don’t endorse unrealistic “instant cash” schemes,we excel at facilitating genuinely fast turnaround times.
Unsecured Business Loans: Capital in as Little as 24 Hours
For many established small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a solid trading history, an unsecured business loan from our network of lenders can be the closest thing to a “same day loan.”
Who is this for?
- Businesses with a consistent revenue stream and a good track record (typically 6-12 months of trading history).
- Companies needing funds for working capital, minor equipment upgrades, marketing, or bridging short-term cash flow gaps.
- Businesses that prefer not to put up specific assets as collateral.
The “Within 24 Hours” Reality:
Many businesses we work with, especially those that come to us with all their documentation ready (such as recent bank statements, CIPC documents, and financials), often receive approval and funding within 24 hours of their complete application being submitted to a suitable lender. Our expertise lies in:
- Pre-qualifying: We quickly assess your business to match you with lenders most likely to approve your application.
- Packaging: We help you compile a complete and compelling application package, reducing back-and-forth delays.
- Expedited Submission: Our direct relationships with lenders mean your application gets seen and processed quickly.
This speed is not a result of cutting corners but of efficient processes, clear communication, and working with lenders who are geared for rapid decision-making for credible businesses.
Loans Against Assets: A Secure Path to Quick Capital
For individuals or business owners who possess valuable, unencumbered assets, a can also provide exceptionally quick access to significant capital. This product is ideal when you need a substantial amount of money, and you have a clear repayment plan.
How does it work? You use a valuable asset – such as a paid-off vehicle, property, or luxury item – as collateral. Lenders assess the asset’s value and provide a loan based on a percentage of it. The beauty of this is that the asset reduces the lender’s risk, often leading to:
- Faster Approvals: Less emphasis on extensive credit checks, as the loan is secured.
- Larger Loan Amounts: You can access more significant sums than with unsecured options.
- Competitive Rates: Due to the reduced risk.
While the “same day” aspect can vary slightly depending on the asset’s valuation and legal processes (especially for property), loans against movable assets like vehicles can often be processed and disbursed very rapidly, sometimes even within hours once the asset has been inspected and documentation is in order.
What You Need to Do for Rapid Approval
To maximise your chances of securing genuinely fast funding (within 24 hours where applicable), preparation is key:
- Have Your Documents Ready: For businesses, this typically includes recent bank statements (6-12 months), CIPC registration documents, and possibly recent financials. For individuals, proof of income, ID, and details of the asset (for secured loans) are essential.
- Clear Financial Picture: Understand your current financial standing, including existing debts and income streams.
- Be Honest: Provide accurate information. Any discrepancies will cause delays or outright rejection.
- Know Your Need: Clearly articulate why you need the loan and how you plan to repay it.
Why Partner with New Heights Finance?
In the search for “same day loans,” it’s easy to fall prey to misleading offers. As your trusted finance broker, New Heights Finance brings:
- Credibility: We connect you with reputable, compliant lenders in South Africa.
- Efficiency: Our expertise in packaging applications and our direct relationships with lenders significantly streamline the process.
- Tailored Solutions: We assess your unique situation to recommend the fastest, most suitable, and most responsible funding option available.
When speed is paramount, but reliability is non-negotiable, partner with New Heights Finance. We help you navigate the urgent need for capital with professionalism and precision, ensuring you get the financial support your business or personal situation demands, often within the 24-hour window you’re seeking.
Don’t let urgent financial needs slow you down. Apply today for a fast online loan.
Property Loans
You’ve done it. After months of searching, you’ve found your dream home. The only problem? The sale of your current house isn’t finalised yet, and the seller of your new home won’t wait. You have substantial equity tied up in your property, but it might as well be on another planet. You need cash for the deposit and transfer costs now, but the proceeds from your sale are still weeks or even months away.
This incredibly common and stressful situation is the exact reason property bridging finance was created. It’s a scenario familiar to thousands of South African homeowners, creating a frustrating cash flow gap that can jeopardise the purchase of a new property.
At New Heights Finance, we specialise in navigating these complex financial situations. As expert finance brokers, we see a bridging loan not just as a product, but as a strategic tool that empowers homeowners. This guide will demystify the process of getting a bridging loan when selling a house, showing you how to unlock your property’s equity precisely when you need it most.
What Exactly is a Bridging Loan When Selling a House?
A bridging loan (or property bridging finance) is a short-term loan that allows you to access a portion of the funds from your property sale before the transaction is officially registered at the Deeds Office.
Think of it as a financial “bridge” that spans the gap between the sale of your old home and the final payout. It is not a long-term debt like a bond. Instead, it’s a specific, secure solution designed to solve a temporary cash flow problem. The loan is secured against the guaranteed proceeds from your property sale, making it a low-risk and highly efficient funding mechanism.
When is a Property Bridging Loan the Perfect Solution?
This type of finance is purpose-built for several key scenarios that arise during the property transfer process. You might need a bridging loan if you need to:
1. Secure the Deposit on Your New Home
This is the most common reason for seeking a bridging loan. You’ve signed an Offer to Purchase (OTP) on a new property, and the estate agent is asking for the deposit to secure the deal. A bridging loan allows you to advance a portion of your sale proceeds to pay this deposit, ensuring you don’t lose out on your dream home.
2. Cover Transfer Duties and Legal Costs
Before your new property can be registered in your name, you must pay the transfer duties (if applicable) and the conveyancing attorney’s fees. These costs can be substantial and are required upfront. A bridging loan can cover these expenses, so the transfer process isn’t delayed while you wait for your funds.
3. Settle Outstanding Municipal Rates or Levies
To finalise a property sale, the seller must obtain a rates clearance certificate from the municipality (or a levy clearance certificate from the body corporate). This often requires paying a few months of rates in advance. If cash is tight, a bridging loan can provide the necessary funds to settle these accounts and keep the transfer moving.
4. Fund Urgent Renovations or Relocation Costs
Sometimes, you might need cash to perform essential repairs on the home you’re selling to satisfy the buyer’s conditions. Alternatively, you may need funds to cover the immediate costs of moving into your new home. Bridging finance can provide this liquidity.
How Does Bridging Finance Work? A Step-by-Step Guide
The process is logical, secure, and surprisingly fast because it’s based on guaranteed future funds, not on your income or credit score in the traditional sense.
Step 1: A Valid Sale Agreement The entire process hinges on having a signed and legally binding Offer to Purchase (OTP) for the property you are selling. There must be no outstanding suspensive conditions (like the buyer still needing to secure a bond).
Step 2: The Conveyancer’s Calculation Your appointed conveyancing attorney calculates the estimated net proceeds from your sale. This is the final amount you will receive after settling your existing bond, paying the estate agent’s commission, and covering any other costs. This calculation confirms the amount of equity available to borrow against.
Step 3: Application and Approval This is where New Heights Finance steps in. You apply for the bridging loan using the signed OTP and the conveyancer’s figures. Because the loan is secured by a guaranteed future payment, the approval process is remarkably quick – often taking just 24 to 48 hours.
Step 4: Funds are Advanced Once approved, the funds are paid out. This is typically done directly to the relevant party, for instance, to the conveyancing attorney’s trust account for the deposit on your new home.
Step 5: Automatic Repayment on Transfer This is the key feature. You are not required to make any monthly payments towards the bridging loan. When your property sale is finalised and registered, the conveyancer repays the bridging loan capital and the associated interest/fees directly from the sale proceeds before paying the remaining balance to you. It’s a seamless, hassle-free process.
Why Partner with a Broker Like New Heights Finance?
While the concept of a bridging loan is straightforward, navigating the market to find the best terms requires expertise. As your finance broker, we add value at every step.
- Expert Navigation: We understand the intricacies of property law and the conveyancing process. We work alongside your attorney to ensure a smooth transaction.
- Access to Specialist Lenders: We have established relationships with multiple reputable bridging finance providers, allowing us to source the most competitive interest rates and fee structures for you.
- Speed and Efficiency: We know exactly what documentation is required and how to package your application for the fastest possible approval, saving you precious time when you’re on a deadline.
- Peace of Mind: The process of buying and selling a home is stressful enough. Let us handle the financial logistics so you can focus on the excitement of your move.
Ready to Bridge the Gap?
A bridging loan when selling a house is more than just a loan; it’s a strategic enabler that provides financial flexibility and peace of mind during one of life’s biggest transitions. It empowers you to act decisively in the property market, ensuring you don’t miss out on your next chapter.
If you’re caught between selling your old home and buying your new one, don’t let a temporary cash flow issue stand in your way.
Property Loans
You’ve navigated the viewings, accepted a great offer, and signed the Offer to Purchase (OTP). Your house is officially sold. It’s an exciting time, but it’s often followed by a frustrating and lengthy waiting period. While the deal is legally done, the actual cash from your sale can take months to land in your bank account, locked away in the conveyancing process.
This delay can be more than just an inconvenience; it can stall your life. You might need that money for the deposit on your next home, to settle debts, or to invest in a new business venture. So, what is the fastest way to get property sale proceeds?
For years, sellers had no choice but to wait. Today, however, a powerful financial tool exists that allows you to access your money almost immediately after the sale is secure. At New Heights Finance, we specialise in arranging this solution, known as an advance on your property seller’s proceeds.
Understanding the Standard Delay
To appreciate the solution, it’s important to understand the problem. The South African property transfer process is thorough and involves multiple steps and institutions, each contributing to the timeline. After an OTP is signed and all conditions are met, the process typically involves:
- Bond Cancellation: The conveyancer must get the cancellation figures for your existing home loan.
- Clearance Certificates: Acquiring rates, water, and levy (if applicable) clearance certificates from the municipality or body corporate is mandatory.
- Document Lodgement: All necessary documents are lodged at the Deeds Office for review.
- Registration: The property is officially registered in the new owner’s name, and only then are the funds released to you.
This entire process, on average, takes between 60 and 90 days. During this time, your equity is legally yours but practically inaccessible.
The Solution: Advancing Your Property Seller’s Proceeds
The fastest, most effective way to bypass this waiting period is through a specialised form of bridging finance. Our Property Seller’s Proceeds product is specifically designed for this situation.
In simple terms, it is a cash advance against the guaranteed proceeds of your property sale. A lender provides you with a significant portion (typically up to 80%) of your net equity upfront. It’s not a traditional loan based on your income; it’s an advance secured by the money that is already on its way to you.
How It Works in 3 Simple Steps
The process is designed for speed and efficiency because the risk is very low.
- Application with a Secure Sale: You apply once you have a signed and unconditional Offer to Purchase. This means the buyer has secured their bond and all other suspensive conditions have been met.
- Verification with the Conveyancer: We work directly with your appointed conveyancing attorney. They confirm the net proceeds available to you after settling your bond, agent’s commission, and other costs.
- Fast Payout: Once the figures are confirmed, the application is typically approved within 24 to 48 hours, and the funds are paid directly into your account.
When the property transfer is complete, the conveyancer simply settles the advanced amount plus the associated fees directly with the lender before paying the remaining balance to you. You don’t have to make any monthly payments.
Why Would You Need to Access Your Proceeds Early?
Accessing your funds early isn’t just about convenience; it provides significant strategic advantages. Sellers use this service to:
- Pay the Deposit on a New Home: Secure your next property without being a contingent buyer, giving you a stronger negotiating position.
- Cover Moving and Relocation Costs: Fund your move without having to dip into savings or take on expensive personal loans.
- Settle Urgent Debts: Use your own money to clear high-interest debts like credit cards or vehicle finance immediately.
- Make Renovations: Start renovations on your new home before you even move in.
- Take Advantage of an Investment Opportunity: Seize a time-sensitive business or investment opportunity that arises.
Why Use a Broker Like New Heights Finance?
Navigating the world of bridging finance can be complex. Partnering with an expert broker like New Heights Finance is the fastest way to get your property sale proceeds because we handle everything.
- Expertise: We live and breathe these transactions. We know exactly what is needed to ensure a fast and smooth process.
- Lender Network: We have access to a panel of reputable, specialist lenders, ensuring we can find you the most competitive rates and terms.
- Streamlined Process: We liaise directly with your conveyancing attorney to get the required guarantees, saving you the administrative headache and speeding up the entire timeline.
Don’t Wait for Your Money
The sale of your property is one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. Waiting up to three months for the proceeds is an outdated necessity. The fastest way to get your property sale proceeds is to proactively unlock them.
If you have a confirmed property sale and need access to your funds now, don’t let the calendar dictate your financial future.
