The Shyft LiftWelcome to the Shyft blog, giving you insider access to the exciting world of forex, investing and global money moves. Our articles are designed to inspire you to meet your financial goals, whether that’s mastering your money, travelling the world or buying those can’t-get-them-here designer items on your wish list. The best part? You don’t need a finance degree to read this blog.
Featured
27 January 2025Shyft travel diaries: part 2
COMPETITION DETAILS HEREIN!
When plans to travel with friends finally make it out of the group chat, the real work starts. Booking flights, scheduling activities and buying forex can truly feel like a full-time job. We followed the adventures of a group of Shyft newbies to see how the global money app and its slew of nifty features make travelling, shopping and buying forex painless!
Investing
06 February 2025Seeking to boost your long-term wealth? Try stocks
Discover why investing in the US stock market, particularly through S&P 500 index funds, can grow your wealth significantly over the long term. Lockstep CEO and seasoned investor Paul Farah explains the benefits of long-term investing, how to choose index-tracking funds, and the strategies for lump sum vs. monthly contributions.
Family
19 December 2024Celebrate the season with Shyft!
Discover how to make this festive season extra special with Shyft. From unique gifts sourced globally to unforgettable experiences and meaningful acts of giving back, Shyft empowers you to spread joy effortlessly. Learn how Shyft cards, affordable forex, and seamless payments can help you navigate the festive season while embodying the true spirit of the holidays: joy, generosity, and connection.
Featured
22 November 2024Balance is best: combining finance with “phantasy”
Discover how to balance logic and emotion in personal finance. Learn about phantastic objects, emotional finance, and how Shyft helps you find harmony in managing wealth.
Featured
31 October 2024Celebrating local innovation: SA's unsung victories
As Shyft prepares to welcome the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, we explore the stories of our lesser-known heroes. From pioneering fuel technology to contributions to NASA, and our rousing success in the music industry, South Africans have made remarkable strides in technology, culture, and sports. So let’s celebrate ’em!
Shop
17 December 2024The future of festive: Shyft x Apple Pay
Discover how Shyft and Apple Pay simplify holiday spending with safe, cashless transactions. Learn how to link your Shyft card to your Apple Wallet and enjoy the benefits of secure shopping, real-time spending updates, and stress-free payment methods. Embrace a new era of digital convenience and redefine your festive shopping experience with Shyft.
Travel
04 September 2024#ShyftMath in Paris: winning gold in travel savings
Discover how to experience the magic of Paris without breaking the bank. From tracking foreign exchange rates and locking your currency in, to local living advantages and purchase planning, there are so many ways to gift yourself the joys of travel with Shyft by your side.
Featured
18 September 2024JSE CEO Dr Leila Fourie shares her investment advice
Dr Leila Fourie held several high-profile positions at Australia’s top financial institutions (the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the Australian Payments Network), but in 2019 she returned to South Africa excited to take over the reins of Africa’s largest stock exchange. Being the CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange allows her to work with the vibrant South Africans she loves while growing the country’s economy.
Featured
16 September 2024Introducing limit orders: trading’s hidden gem
Discover how limit orders, Shyft’s latest feature, can help you navigate the stock market and achieve your investment goals. Learn how to set limit orders, understand the benefits, and avoid common pitfalls.
Investing
27 August 2024Don’t let share prices dictate your investment strategy
In this final edition of Investing chronicles, Lockstep CEO Paul Farah explains why focusing solely on the share price can be misleading. He emphasises the importance of assessing a company’s actual value, similar to evaluating a house beyond its asking price.
Investing
15 August 2024Time is money: investing as a side hustle
Have you ever thought about turning your spare time into extra cash? While the stock market can be intimidating for beginners, this article will break down the key takeaways from a recent webinar by financial expert Simon Brown to show you how you can start investing with confidence.
Featured
04 September 2024Shyft travel diaries: conquering the Eurotrip in one app
COMPETITION DETAILS HEREIN!
When plans to travel with friends finally make it out of the group chat, the real work starts. Booking flights, scheduling activities and buying forex can truly feel like a full-time job. We followed the adventures of a group of Shyft newbies to see how Mzansi’s #1 global money app makes travelling, shopping and buying forex painless!
Featured
29 August 2024She-quity: investing insights from SA’s leading ladies
This Women’s Month, we honour three inspiring South African women who are making waves in the finance and investing sectors. From Jeannie D’s strategic investments in quality assets to Thandi Ngwane’s early retirement planning, and Nivedna Maharaj’s focus on financial well-being, their stories highlight the power of determination and financial literacy in achieving success.
Investing
01 August 2024Investing chronicles: everything we’ve learnt so far
Unlock the secrets to long-term investment success with this comprehensive article. Learn how to navigate market volatility, identify promising companies, and make informed decisions. From understanding the correlation between earnings and share price to the importance of long-term perspective, this article covers essential investing principles and strategies. Discover how to build a solid investment portfolio and achieve your financial goals.
Investing
15 July 2024Taking advantage of spin-offs
This article explores how to take advantage of spin-offs using the independent listing of Grail as an example. Paul Farah of Lockstep explains what spin-offs are, and why it can be worth investing in a new, independent company after a parent company separates a portion of its business or a subsidiary into it.
Featured
08 August 2023So you’ve just downloaded Shyft. Now what?
Discover how Shyft, the ultimate global money app, meets all your financial needs – whether you're shopping, investing, travelling or sending and receiving money.
Investing
04 July 2024Long-term investing and the power of patience
Forget short-term bets! This week, Lockstep’s Paul Farah explores why a long-term investment strategy is crucial for success in the stock market. Discover how focusing on long-term growth helps you weather market volatility, leverage the power of compounding, and invest in exceptional companies.
Investing
02 July 2024How to master Shyft on every device – wherever you are
This article explores both the updated mobile app and web app platform, empowering you to manage your forex and offshore investments anywhere. Discover how using multiple platforms unlocks unmatched convenience, comprehensive control, and a seamless investment experience.
Investing
25 June 2024Earnings and share price: a perfect match?
Investor legend Peter Lynch claims a company's earnings dictate its stock price. This article explores the correlation between earnings and share price using Microsoft and the top 6 S&P 500 companies as examples. Lockstep’s Paul Farah delves into correlation coefficients and discovering a strong positive relationship, suggesting focusing on a company's fundamentals is key for long-term investing success.
19 June 2024Everything you need to know about Shyft referrals
This article explains how you can get a R100 Shyft wallet top-up each if you refer a friend and they transact on the app using your referral code. You can share your referral code with as many people as you like and earn up to R10 000 in referrals.
Investing
14 June 2024Demystifying stock charts: A beginner’s guide
Feeling lost in a sea of stock charts? You’re not alone! This beginner’s guide cuts through the confusion and equips you to interpret charts with confidence. Learn about the three main chart types (line, bar, and candlestick) and what valuable insights they reveal. Discover how to identify trends, assess volatility, and make informed investment decisions.
Investing
10 June 2024How to value a business for future growth
This week’s Investing chronicles unveils a key investing strategy: valuing businesses for their future potential, not just current earnings. Lockstep’s Paul Farah uses Innoviva (INVA) as a case study, showing you how to identify hidden value by considering a company's entire portfolio, future earnings potential, and strategic direction.
Investing
05 June 2024How liquidation value can save your investments
Feeling nervous about a stock market downturn? Discover how understanding a company’s liquidation value can be your safety net. This article explores what liquidation value is and how to calculate it. Learn how liquidation value provides a worst-case scenario for your investment, giving you peace of mind and potential buying opportunities.
Investing
28 May 2024The key to smart investing? Tame your emotions.
Don’t let emotions sabotage your investment journey! Lockstep’s Paul Farah explores why managing your expectations is crucial for success. Learn from investing legends like Buffett and Pabrai. Discover five key strategies to manage emotions, from setting realistic expectations to accepting that mistakes are inevitable. By taking control of your emotions, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more rational and successful investor.
Travel
21 May 2024Local travel tips: break free without breaking the bank
This guide shows South Africans how to enjoy long weekends without breaking the bank with budgeting tips, Shyft app tricks, and even some staycation inspiration.
Investing
20 May 2024Five stock-selection principles to bolster your gains
We reveal the five key principles Lockstep CEO Paul Farah uses to find high-quality, undervalued businesses. Discover how to invest within your circle of competence, identify healthy businesses with strong financials, and ensure honest management. Farah breaks down quantitative and qualitative measures to assess a company’s potential and outlines the importance of buying at the right price.
Shop
13 May 2024Meet fintech’s latest power couple: Shyft and Apple Pay
South Africa’s leading global money app, Shyft, is now integrated with Apple Pay. Enjoy secure, one-tap payments using your iPhone or Apple Watch. Ditch the bulky wallet and experience ultimate convenience! Learn more and unlock a world of seamless payments today.
Investing
06 May 2024Beat the pros: why individual investors can win big
This article explores why individual investors can outperform professional money managers in the long run. It reveals the disadvantages of institutional investors, including short-term focus, restrictive mandates, and vulnerability to client behaviour. These constraints force institutional investors to mimic the market, hindering their ability to outperform it. In contrast, retail investors have more flexibility and can invest in smaller companies and hold cash without pressure.
Investing
03 May 2024Three reasons why you should invest
Few things will help you build wealth like investing wisely; that’s why starting to invest early is so important – among other reasons we outline for you.
Investing
29 April 2024Investing like Buffett: Finding the “moat” around a company
This article explores the concept of a “moat” in investing, referring to a company’s sustainable competitive advantage. It explains why moats are important for long-term success and dives into various types of moats, including low-cost producer, network effect, high barrier to entry, switching costs, and monopoly. Examples are provided for each type (Costco, Facebook, semiconductors, Microsoft, power distributors, Apple).
Investing
24 April 2024How to choose companies to invest in
There are a few things to think about when choosing stocks to invest in. Rather than making it a guessing game, here’s what you should keep in mind.
Investing
24 April 2024Making money through investing (& NB tax stuff)
You recently bought a few shares on Shyft but now you’re wondering, what next? Here’s what you need to know
Investing
24 April 20249 investment terms you need to know
We’re here to help you make the most of your investing activities by bringing you some of the most common investment terms to know.
Investing
24 April 2024Win R25 000 to kickstart your investment journey*
Ready to unlock a world of investment possibilities, but running a little low on funds? We’ve got you! We’re giving one lucky user a R25 000 wallet top-up to boost their investment portfolio.
Investing
22 April 2024Master smarter investing: A guide to company analysis
This article outlines a five-step checklist for conducting a thorough fundamental analysis of companies before investing. It covers finding new investment ideas, researching a company’s history and financials, analysing competitors, understanding ownership and management, and ultimately making an informed investment decision.
Investing
22 April 2024Win R25 000 to kickstart your investment journey today*
Ready to unlock a world of investment possibilities, but running a little low on funds? We’ve got you! We’re giving one lucky user a R25 000 wallet top-up to boost their investment portfolio.
Investing
19 April 2024Welcome to Börse Frankfurt!
Shyft has just made it easy to invest in companies listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, creating a great opportunity to invest in different types of companies in different sectors and geographies to diversify your investment portfolio.
Investing
17 April 2024Reduce risk and invest smarter with this nifty strategy
In this edition of Investing chronicles, Lockstep’s Paul Farah challenges traditional views on risk in investing. He argues that share price volatility is emotional and not a true measure of risk. Instead, risk is the chance of losing money by being forced to sell at a loss. He focuses on intrinsic value, estimating a company’s future cash flow to determine true worth. By buying when the share price is lower than the intrinsic value, investors can increase their margin of safety, reducing risk.
Investing
15 April 2024You can now invest on the London Stock Exchange with Shyft
Being able to invest in UK companies via Shyft offers greater choice, greater diversification for your investments, and more convenience.
Investing
08 April 2024The secret to knowing when to hold (or fold) your stocks
In the first edition of Investing chronicles, Lockstep CEO Paul Farah shares the importance of having a clear investment thesis – your rationale for buying a stock. He also tackles one of the most challenging aspects of investing – knowing when to sell a stock
Investing
08 March 2024Who runs the world (and the numbers)? Girls.
Women are not only entering the investment landscape in droves, but they are also actively reshaping it with their unique perspectives and approaches. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their achievements and explore how women are leading the charge towards a more inclusive, equitable and successful future for investing.
Investing
09 October 2023Why (some) risk is good for investing
Whether or not you’re into roller coasters and shark-cage diving, when it comes to investing, you have to embrace a little risk. Here’s how to make sure you’re biting off just as much as you’re comfortable chewing.
Investing
29 September 20235 things to remember when investing in other countries
The experts tell us what to consider when buying forex and investing offshore.
Shop
27 September 20234 rand-friendly destinations for South Africans to visit
The rand may not be the world’s strongest currency right now, but that doesn’t mean international travel is entirely off the table. Here are four destinations where the ZAR can still buy you a memorable vacay.
Investing
25 September 2023Cheat sheet: 16 investment terms to learn now
Becoming an investor means being confronted with a lot of new – and often confusing – terms. We’ve got you. From bear hugs and dividends to market cap and stock splits, we’ve compiled a cheat sheet so you know what’s going on with the companies you’ve invested in.
Forex
20 September 2023How investing in forex can help you reach your goals faster
Your financial plan is ticking over nicely – but is it as potent as it could be? If it doesn't include forex, then probably not. That's because investing in forex could help fast-track your financial goals. Here’s how.
Travel
18 September 20235 tips to help you plan for your holiday (even on a budget)
If you’re feeling that mid-year burnout, we suggest starting to plan your summer getaway now. Thanks to Shyft, it won’t be the eye-wateringly expensive exercise you think…
Forex
16 September 20234 factors that affect forex
Timing is everything when buying forex. Here are key phrases to watch out for in the news so you know when the exchange rate could be in your favour.
Family
13 September 20234 ways Shyft has your family finances covered
Whether your son is heading abroad for a rugby tour, your daughter needs a forex top-up for her gap year, or you’re looking for a way to teach the little one to budget at the tuckshop, Shyft has a solution for your family.
Travel
07 September 20236 tips to help you plan your first solo international trip
Travelling solo is a liberating and enriching experience, but it can be a little daunting. We’ve got you. Here are 6 tips to help you feel more confident, from booking your trip and exploring safely to paying for your vacay.
Investing
04 September 20235 things most equities apps won’t tell you
Does your offshore equities investment platform really measure up? Learn to recognise the red flags and find out how to spot the best app for your needs.
Forex
01 September 2023Divide and conquer: Diversification in the forex market
You already know you need to diversify your investments. But what about the money you hold in foreign exchange? Here’s why – and how – to diversify your forex.
Investing
28 August 202314 resources to raise your investing game
Platforms, podcasts and newsletters that provide insight and entertainment in the finance space.
Shop
25 August 20235 ways to keep your money safe while travelling
Stranded in a foreign city with no access to money is pretty much the worst-case travel scenario. By following these five tips, you can ensure it never happens to you.
Investing
22 August 2023Why new investors should diversify (and how to do it)
You may have heard the saying, 'diversification is the only free lunch in investing'. Free lunch is always welcome, but we're here to unpack why diversification is so important.
Forex
21 August 20235 forex must-knows for the global citizen
Whether you’re planning a trip to Europe, shopping at an online store in Asia, or converting your rands to dollars to invest in US stocks, here are five things you need to know about foreign exchange.
Investing
17 August 2023The Art of SMART: Essential investment tactics
Whether you’re saving towards a deposit for a house or investing for your retirement, setting money aside to achieve your goals requires a SMART approach.
Travel
14 August 20235 ways travelling makes your life better
Funny stories and bought-it-abroad gadgets or fashion aside, travel can enrich your life in profound ways. Here are our favourites.
Investing
10 August 2023A beginner's guide to offshore investing
New to offshore investments? Don't worry – it's easier than you might think (and you don’t have to be a millionaire or a Bond villain to do it). Our beginner's guide will set you up with all the important info you need to get started.
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