Wrapping up 2024: A Year of Growth, Change, and Opportunity

As we wrap up an eventful 2024, Carly Esterhuizen, VP of Brand at EasyEquities, reflects on the year that’s been - from personal milestones to global highlights, and of course, the incredible growth and achievements of the EasyEquities community.

 As the year winds down, I’ve found myself reflecting on everything 2024 brought with it - the milestones, the changes, and those small but meaningful moments that make life rich.

It’s been a big year for my family. My daughter took her first steps and officially became a toddler, reminding me just how quickly time flies. The Boks made us proud yet again, clinching their 4th Rugby World Cup title.

EasyEquities celebrated a massive milestone - our 10th birthday. We reached close to R60 billion in client assets and generated R360 million in revenue. That’s a big "wow" moment for us, and I’m so grateful to have been part of this incredible journey.

It’s also been heartening to see some positive shifts in the world. Interest rate cuts have brought a bit of breathing room for many South Africans, myself included - my bond payments have gone down, and I’m putting that extra cash to good use (hello, upcoming home renovation!). The stock market has been thriving, with the S&P 500 delivering an impressive 30% return this year, and Bitcoin just hit a record high of $100,000 last week. What a time to be alive!

As I look ahead to 2025, I’m thinking about how we can keep building on the positive momentum. My home renovation project has me considering other ways to "renovate" and grow - like diversifying my portfolio further. Maybe it’s time for you to do the same? Our property in Orlando Towers Estates could be a great addition to your income-generating assets. With high-quality tenants and a location where property values have doubled over the last decade, it’s a solid step forward.

And as much as growth is vital, protecting it is just as important. If you haven’t yet explored EasyProtect, I strongly recommend getting a quote. I did, and it was a game-changer - four times the cover I currently have elsewhere, at the same cost, with level premiums that won’t increase. Plus, our unique underwriting process considers your investment behavior, which could mean significant savings for you.

Speaking of making smart changes, our Retirement Annuity (RA) 1% initiative has been phenomenal. Over 1,000 people have transferred their RAs to EasyEquities since October, totalling close to an estimated R230 million. If it’s been on your radar, there’s still time. Even if your transfer doesn’t complete by year-end, you’ll still qualify for the 1% cashback*. And once it’s done, you can explore new investment options in your RA like bonds or our EasyETF Balanced AMETF. You’ll have full flexibility and control.

To wrap up, I hope your EasyEquities account is looking festive with plenty of green tinsel this season. Let’s not worry about scales or calorie counts (pass the gammon and another glass of wine!) and focus instead on enjoying the biggest gift we have as the year ends - opportunity.

If you’re taking a well-deserved break, I wish you a relaxing December. If, like me, you’re hustling through, let’s finish strong and greet 2025 with everything we’ve got.

Here’s to growth, to change, and to a new year full of possibilities.

*Ts and Cs apply