Personal Finance Research Unit (PFRU)
The PFRU at the Bureau of Market Research (BMR), Unisa, was established in 2010, specialising in research across all areas of personal finance, mainly from a consumer perspective. The PFRU is not affiliated with any financial institution or government body other than Unisa and aims to generate ethical, reliable and innovative research. It is anticipated that the work of the Unit will impact on government policies, as well as business strategies and academic knowledge creation.
MORE ABOUT THE RESEARCH
It is common knowledge that spending in the South African economy is driven by households. Although information about households’ income and expenditure is available, very little is known about the way in which households use their income to acquire assets, and how such assets are financed. The primary objective of the research will be to construct a balance sheet of the assets and liabilities of South African households for the different income and age groups in the various provinces.
Prof Bernadene de Clercq, head of the PFRU, says the information obtained from the research will assist the country in many ways. It will assist policy makers in drafting the correct policies based on sound research, as well as to use the correct policy instruments to achieve a specific outcome. Currently, policies are drafted without taking into account the impact they may have on the assets and liabilities of households. For example, when the electricity tariff increases were determined, the regulator had no knowledge on the impact it would have on household finances generally, as well as the ability of households to save and acquire sufficient assets for retirement. Likewise, when the government determines tax rates or introduces new taxes, this is done without being aware of the impact it may have on the retirement planning of households. This research provides the ideal opportunity for households to contribute towards their economic future.
VERY IMPORTANT FOR PARTICIPANTS TO KNOW
Under NO circumstances will we ask you for account numbers or personal ID numbers. The information that you provide will be totally confidential and reported on anonymously. The information will NOT be provided to any third parties.
HOW WILL THE RESEARCH BE DONE?
To participate in the survey at your convenience, please click on the following link to the web-based survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pfru_household_well_being
You can contact the PFRU research administrator (see details below) with questions or comments at any stage of the research process.
HOW LONG IS THE SURVEY?
Depending on the complexity of your financial situation, the survey may take between 20 minutes and an hour to complete. To help you answer some of the questions and speed up the process you might want to consult some financial records such as salary slips, pension statements, account balances, etc.
THANK YOU GIFT FOR PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS
As a token of our gratitude for your time, we would like to supply you with a household balance sheet that can help you with future financial planning. For this we would need to ask your postal address or email details but you are not obliged to provide it if you do not wish to do so.
Enquiries:
Mrs Marucka Nell
Personal Finance Research Unit
Bureau of Market Research
University of South Africa
PO Box 392
UNISA
0003
Tel (012) 429-3183
Fax (012) 429-3170
E-mail: pfru@unisa.ac.za
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