Did you hear, they also took the word "gullible" out of the Dictionary? Happy April Fools Day! http://ow.ly/i/xrZS

Guess what! Parliament has repealed the FAIS Act! No more exams yippeee!!!

Sit af daai ligte! (translated: switch off those lights!) :P

So, it's Earth Hour tonight...will you be switching off at 8h30pm? http://ping.fm/oZ0yJ

If you have any questions regarding the Learncafe, feel free to watch our FAQ videos on youtube: http://ping.fm/oOP4m

Interesting how you can fill a stadium when 30 men have a brawl, but when there's protests against e-tolls etc, no-one has the time...

Hey, it's Saturday, you've got every right to smash that alarm clock! :D http://ow.ly/i/xnDl

"We aren't going to let any mace stop us..."
Martin Luther King Jr

From an economic and affordability perspective do you think NHI is a good idea? R1 Billion for the pilot project? http://ow.ly/9WRHC

If you want to invest, you first need to budget...agreed?

http://ow.ly/9WRmM

BRICS look to start a development bank: http://ow.ly/9WRkE

Whoop! http://ow.ly/i/xfQs

Long term, do you think governments going into debt to stimulate an economy in recession is a good idea?

If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to tweet us @TheLearnCafe - we will always try our best to help!

We though it might be nice to introduce you to some of our staff. Our Managing Director: Lita Van Schalkwyk: http://ow.ly/9TQdl

NEWS: Rand steady over night

http://ow.ly/9WP5y

How well are our student's doing?

http://ow.ly/9Vm7M

FAQ: Is the material from Learncafe enough to pass the exam first time? http://ow.ly/9QU6A

JSE follows suit

http://ow.ly/9VlJl

And the answer to our riddle is...your HEART of course! What else can be broken and still works?

Sign up for your FAIS Act training workshop...before it's too late! http://ow.ly/9TQgj

"Perhaps my most important goal is to create a million millionaires." Mark Victor Hansen

If you have any questions about your studies don't hesitate to ask. Pop us tweet @TheLearnCafe or on Facebook http://ow.ly/9TMsI

Here's an interesting study on sleeping after studying...what do you think? http://ow.ly/9TMjA

"Nobody talks of entrepreneurship as survival, but that's exactly what it is and what nurtures creative thinking." Anita Roddick

"My son is now an "entrepreneur." That's what you're called when you don't have a job."
Ted Turner

Welcome to Learncafe...Lita van Schalkwyk speaks!

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If you want to pass your FAIS Act exams first time, contact us! And this isn't an empty brag - just check our track record on Facebook.

JSE down...slightly

http://ow.ly/9Seq1

Carpe Diem! http://ow.ly/i/wJjn

Good luck with your studies tonight...when are you writing?

Do you think the common perception that financial advisors are crooks is fair?

We will do a workshop anywhere in the country where we can get sufficient numbers (10+)
http://ping.fm/fyGil
http://ow.ly/9QU0R

Happiness is...http://ow.ly/i/wJhu

Have a nice day! http://ow.ly/i/wJhd

So, how's the studying coming? ;) http://ow.ly/i/wJ9b

The moral of this story: don't make knee-jerk decisions! http://ow.ly/9QSFr

For advice, tips, or if you have a question chat to us on twitter @TheLearnCafe

Do you want to join our A-Team? (people that have written THE EXAM and passed!)
Fill in the form on our website: http://ow.ly/9QSrA

Go Sharks Go! You can do it!!!

"When you're a self-made man you start very early in life. In my case it was at nine years old when I started bringing income into the family. You get a drive that's a little different, maybe a little stronger, than somebody who inherited." Kirk Kerkorian

Making sense of the eurozone debt crisis: http://ow.ly/9LqMC

So, who are you supporting for the weekend? Waratahs vs Sharks? Crusaders vs Cheetahs? Bulls vs Reds? Lions vs Stormers?

To invest you need to save; to save you need to budget

 

In the tough financial times that have been occurring all over the world for the past few years, one of the most important things to do, on both a personal and business level, is to set up and constantly update your financial budget. A budget, however loosely or stringently it is applied, can help you manage your funds in such a way that you are able to find extra funds by planning your bills and outgoing money more carefully.

 

Doing this will allow you to see they amounts you spend on various items right down to the exact cents, which means that, whatever you have left after your bills have been paid will be your savings to do with what you please. It is important, if you want to set up a proper budget, to list every single item you plan on reserving money for. Whether it is a bond on your house, car payment, cellphone bill, petrol expenses for the month, groceries, and even daily lunch fees and/or cigarette purchases.

 

Using exact amounts is not always possible for things like petrol, for example. The easiest way to establish that is then to work out an average and add a few hundred Rand to the amount. That way, if you over budget, it just means that you have extra money to spend on other things, but under budgeting will mean that you may fall short in other areas.

 

The budget you stick to will help tremendously if you are trying to save extra cash for a holiday, or if you are trying to work your way out of a tight situation, as you will usually find that by planning in this way, you will have money to spend that you never thought you had.

 

Doing this by yourself, as opposed to employing a financial advisor or speaking to a bank manager (both of whom will most likely do exactly the same thing, whether for your personal account or for business) you also cut out further costs, and practice will help you understand the financial world just a little bit better.

 

The Learn Café offers training to financial service providers looking to gain accreditation through the regulatory exams set up by the FAIS Act, and are looking for compliance in the act, which will allow them to practice legally in the field. For information on what the examinations entail, or for what to expect out of your financial service provider, visit the Learn Café website or send an e-mail for further enquiries.

Safe havens...where? http://ow.ly/9OfiZ

It's FRIDAY!

http://ow.ly/i/wtM0

Did you know Linked In is one of the oldest social networks? Link up with us now: http://ow.ly/9OeJy

Let's consider water...no-one will be interested in the services of a financial advisor if water becomes scarce...http://ow.ly/9Of0L

Are you ready for the FAIS act exams? Book your workshop now!

http://ping.fm/j45D1

Shoprite upping the ante, but the public excluded from the fun: http://ow.ly/9O3DH

Interested in Pharmaceutical stock? Litha Healthcare CEO, speaks on moneyweb: http://ow.ly/9LpNT

"If I regarded my life from the point of view of the pessimist, I should be undone. I should seek in vain for the light that does not visit my eyes and the music that does not ring in my ears. I should beg night and day and never be satisfied. I should sit apart in awful solitude, a prey to fear and despair. But since I consider it a duty to myself and to others to be happy, I escape a misery worse than any physical deprivation." Helen Keller

Good advice? Your opinion?

http://ow.ly/9LmZt

The answer to the 10h00 riddle: The wind...

Did you get it?

Wednesday Riddle:

All about, but cannot be seen,
Can be captured, cannot be held,
No throat, but can be heard.

Any guesses? Answer at 13h00!

Learncafe would just like to wish you all a happy Human Rights Day and congratulate you for helping make this wonderful country what it is!

"It was my teacher's genius, her quick sympathy, her loving tact which made the first years of my education so beautiful. It was because she seized the right moment to impart knowledge that made it so pleasant and acceptable to me." Helen Keller

Are you ready for your exams? Sign up for one of our excellent workshops and make 100% sure! Enquire about discounts: http://learn.pgtb.me/cqFk

If you have any questions, why not drop us tweet? With twitter apps for cellphones, you don't even have to be near a PC! @TheLearnCafe

Have you joined as a member yet? http://ping.fm/yfyBR

When people spend, economies grow...sad to think how that model is anathema to saving...

http://ow.ly/9JLc2

"The New Frontier of which I speak is not a set of promises.. it is a set of challenges. It sums up not what I intend to offer the American people, but what I intend to ask of them."
John F. Kennedy

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Helen Keller

Conflict of interest, how are you handling it in your business?

http://ow.ly/9JK0c

Good News? What's your take?

http://ow.ly/9JKNo

Book your workshop today! Discounts available! http://ping.fm/52XrA

"I find that the harder I work, the
more luck I seem to have."
- Thomas Jefferson

Yes, it's Monday...http://ow.ly/i/vXoi

"To guarantee success, act as
if it were impossible to fail."
- Dorothea Brande

The Learncafe, a division of The Knowledge Gateway Pty (Ltd), has been established in response to the challenges customer servicing organisations now face as a result of the changes within the compliance and legislative environment that impact the organisations and the way they interact with the customer. Contact us for all your compliance needs: http://ping.fm/JhwDh

I give up...what's for lunch? http://ow.ly/i/vXqu

WHY DO SUNDAY'S FEEL SO LAZY! I can't work like this! :P

Never regret...Learn http://ow.ly/i/vXnA

Just uploaded a video in YouTube. Check: http://ping.fm/bpJ8B

People are strange things...they often display conflicting characteristics...I find the divide line to be "during a rugby match" and "the rest of life"

Okay, okay, since EVERYONE is asking...who do you think will win just now? Reds or Sharks? Methinks Reds...although I would love the Sharks to win....

Well if you haven't yet, you really should sign up for our workshops...March is completely sold out! http://ping.fm/m7CE5

So, how is YOUR St Patrick's day shaping up? Had any Guinness yet? (not recommended if you intend studying later... :D) http://ow.ly/i/vXmP

A very happy St Patrick's Day, to one and all! http://ow.ly/i/vWF8

Thought of the day: "You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety." Abraham Maslow

For the ultimate in study support for the FAIS act contact The Learn Cafe! Opt-in on our website for all the info! http://ow.ly/9FviY

Struggling to remember what you studied? Try these 10 brain activities to improve your memory: http://ow.ly/9FuuU

Who has trained with Learncafe? What was their success rate?

http://ow.ly/9Fufh

Yippee! http://ow.ly/i/vGyc

Quick survey: Have you written you exams yet?
a) YES!
b) Not yet...
c) What exams?!

If you're a tweeter, come and say Hi @TheLearnCafe we'll share a tweet or something... :)

Fill in the blank: I study best when____________.

If you haven't yet registered for a workshop in March...sorry, we're fully booked! Book now for April!

http://ping.fm/P9PKn

Do I need to write the FAIS act exams? http://ow.ly/9EgDU

Thought for the day: "You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man's initiative and independence. " Abraham Lincoln

Frustration...
http://ow.ly/i/vAeD

The answer to the 10h00 Riddle is of course: "FEW"

Did you get it?

http://ping.fm/zqBK9

Riddle Time!

"I know a word of letters three. Add two, and fewer there will be"

Any guesses? Answer at 13h00!

So, how was studying last night? Struggling to make head or tail? Let us help you...sign up for one of our workshops! http://ow.ly/9DSHh

"Nobody talks of entrepreneurship as survival, but that's exactly what it is and what nurtures creative thinking." Anita Roddick

Isn't it interesting, no matter how close exams are...we still have time for Facebook!! ;)

"...doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." Oprah Winfrey

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing.. that's why we recommend it daily." Zig Ziglar

How to become a financial advisor...Well, umm, lern yer three R's and uh :D http://ow.ly/9AwB6

Don't Delay, Sign Up Today! Discounts available! http://ow.ly/9Awqq

Wish, my dog was this smart! :D

http://ow.ly/9AwxM

He, he, it's Monday! :D http://ow.ly/i/viF8

"...I soon found I had to become an entrepreneur in order to keep my magazine going." Richard Branson

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

That torturous moment when you're studying and you start smelling your neighbour's delicious pot roast... http://ow.ly/i/vg4r

Wake up & smell the coffee! The best time to study is early in the morning when you're fresh! (for me anyway :) http://ow.ly/i/vdHA

"You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man's initiative and independence. " Abraham Lincoln

Okay, okay, I know there will be no more studying in most households for the rest of the day...Bulls or Blues?

Are you ready for the FAIS ACT? http://ow.ly/9taXL

Prepare Your Study Environment. If you require certain elements in your environment to help you study, try to always make these a priority.

"The wise man thinks about his troubles only when there is some purpose in doing so; at other times he thinks about other things." - Bertrand Russell

"When you're a self-made man you start very early in life. In my case it was at nine years old when I started bringing income into the family. You get a drive that's a little different, maybe a little stronger, than somebody who inherited." Kirk Kerkorian

Next time, sign up for one of our workshops...our facilitators REALLY speak English :D http://ow.ly/9qA0g

Study Tip: If you try first to grasp the big picture and then fill in the details, you often have a more likely chance of success.

How to become a financial advisor

 

 

Becoming a financial service provider in South Africa means, in some ways, becoming part of one of the highest possible earnings brackets and creating a somewhat comfortable fallback for yourself financially.

 

However, the financial service industry in South Africa relies on the FAIS (Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services) Act, which states that "a person may not act or offer to act as a financial services provider unless such person has been issued with a licence”. As a result of the act, any individual wanting to become a registered Financial Advisor must apply for an FSP License, which is detailed in Section 8 of the FAIS Act.

 

For more information on how to apply, download the FAIS Act in PDF format. To learn more about how to effectively develop skills that will aid you in becoming a Financial Advisor, visit The Learn Cafe’s dedicated FAIS Training website to sign up and focus on preparing for the Level 1 FAIS Regulatory Exam, which is designed for Key Individuals and Representatives. 

There's no point in studying if your brain isn't up to it - check out this cool article on "Brain Foods"! http://ow.ly/9s3qi

It's Friday! Let's Party! http://ow.ly/i/uphY

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Helen Keller

The answer to the 1pm riddle is: CHARCOAL! http://ow.ly/i/upgM

How about a riddle?
What's black when you get it, red when you use it, and white when you're done with it?
Answer at 4!

Study Tip: Review the Same Day! When you learn something new, try to go over the points the same day - it will help cement the information,

Almost there! :D http://ow.ly/i/up0B

"I really want people to know that I’ve worked hard, very hard, to get to where I am today.. this didn’t just happen overnight. I started in business over 25 years ago and have found a way to build on what I’ve learned through every partnership and opportunity." Magic Johnson

Study Tip: Honor Your Emotional State. Do not study if you are tired, angry, distracted, or in a hurry. It's a complete waste of time!

Do you like your job as a financial adviser? Want to keep it? Then don't get caught out! Write the FAIS act exams now! http://ow.ly/9s3hd

Have you heard of our specials? 10% discount if you sign up for both a Representative and Key Individual Workshop! http://ow.ly/9qABv

Have a nice day
From Learncafe...hey that rhymes :D

http://ow.ly/i/uoYZ

"I'm not a banner. I am an encourager and a persuader and an advocate." John Howard

What happens if you don't write your Exams by June?

http://ow.ly/9taH7

Study Tip: Take Guilt-Free Days of Rest. On days off from studying, really enjoy yourself and do not feel bad about not studying.

It sucks when you're studying hard, but you can't concentrate...maybe your diet has something to do with it? http://ow.ly/9s3lE

Some Inspiration: "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence...Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

"I just know that there are a lot of people out there who are younger than I am, and I wish to be a role model for them. If they have a dream, I want to help them keep that motivation high, so that they can realize their dream. I want to show people that they CAN have fun in life." Takafumi Horie

Food and Studying - which foods promote concentration

 

There are hundreds of myths and misunderstood rumors about foods and their role in helping us concentrate and keep our brains and bodies healthy. Many of these come up during times when exams are written and we generally need more efficient brainpower. The myths range everywhere from Ginseng supplements to coffee and raw eggs.

 

Here are some foods that you could use to aid you in concentration. These foods must be eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet, and will by no means ensure your success without a healthy routine. These examples merely help your body protect and stimulate your brain to the point where concentration levels are improved.

 

(Adapted and expanded from www.pickyourbrain.com)

 

1. Healthy Fats

The majority of the cell structure in the brain consists of healthy fats, including the most important healthy fats, called Omega-3 fatty acids. As the brain continues to fix itself and grow additional neurons, it needs a good amount of Omega-3s to be consumed.

The best food sources to get your Omega-3 from, in order of importance, are:

•        Salmon

•        Tuna

•        Flaxseed oil

•        Canola oil

•        Walnuts

•        Wheatgerm

•        Eggs

 

2. Antioxidants

As people get older, substances called free radicals, which are floating through the bloodstream, will break down the brain cells. If you don’t put up a fight, you’ll experience loss of memory as you age. However, there are a good deal of antioxidant food sources to choose from. Antioxidants will merge with these free radicals, turning them harmless. Make sure you eat foods that have this healthy food source. Several good sources of antioxidants include:

•        Blueberries (other berries too)

•        Broccoli

•        Carrots

•        Garlic

•        Red grapes

•        Spinach

•        Soy

•        Tea

•        Tomatoes

•        Whole grains

 

3. High Tyrosine Proteins

Your brain doesn’t just have neurons, but also neurotransmitters, which are messengers that bring brain signals from one neuron to the next one. Your brain structure might be good, but if your neurotransmitters are insufficient, your brain won’t work right. Some parts of the neurotransmitters, like the tryptophan, are not able to be made by your body. Thus, you must consume food to get them. However, the body can make tyrosine, but you still need to get the proper foods into your diet.

The greatest sources of food to boost your alertness, concentration, and energy are:

•        Dairy products

•        Eggs

•        Seafood

•        Soy

Don’t sabotage yourself, though. Rather, choose the varieties that are low in salt and unhealthy fats. Salt draw water out of your body, so digesting too much will leave you dehydrated much faster than you would be, so if you plan on eating a heavily salted meal, keep drinking a lot of water to counteract the dehydration.

 

4. Water

You already know that your body is made mostly of water. And you also know how easy it is to not consume much water and become dehydrated. Even a mild case of dehydration can reduce your mental energy and capacity, causing your memory to become impaired. You should drink at least four liters of water each day, or six to eight 8-ounce glasses.

 

5 – Brain Building Blocks: Vitamins & Minerals

There are certain kinds of vitamins and minerals that are necessary building blocks for your brain. Of course, you don’t want to become vitamin deficient. So the vitamins and minerals very important to brain functions include:

•        Vit. B6

•        Vit. B12

•        Vit. C

•        Iron

•        Calcium

Deficiencies of the above have been shown to cause learning impairment.

But remember, there are many other nutrients you need, especially micronutrients, that are best found in food. The easiest way to get all your vitamins and minerals every day is to take a multivitamin. Yet it’s hard to find any one multi-vitamin that contains all your micronutrients, so don’t rely on multi-vitamins alone. And never take your vitamins on an empty stomach. No only does doing so often cause you to have an upset stomach, but taking them with food helps the digestive system better assimilate them, so your body (and brain) can better use them.

 

6 – Regulate Your Fuel Supply: Fiber

Most people don’t realize that fiber is important to the brain, but it’s extremely important. It can help with your brain functions because it can slow down sugar absorption. Your brain works on 100 percent sugar; however, it needs to be delivered steadily and in the proper amounts so as not to overload your brain.

True, fiber in itself might not be considered ‘food,’ but you often get it through foods. Consuming a fiber-rich diet will slow down digestion and gradually release the sugar into your bloodstream.

Foods that contain a good dose of fiber include:

•        Dried fruits – apricots, dates, prunes, raisins

•        Vegetables – broccoli, green peas, spinach

•        Peas and beans – black-eyed peas, kidney beans, lima beans

•        Nuts and seeds – almonds and flaxseed

•        Whole fruit – avocadoes, kiwi, oranges, pears and skin-on apples

•        Whole wheat grains – barley, brown rice, etc.

That’s it! If you’re looking to improve your memory, consuming the foods above will help you. And remember, steer clear of a high-sugar, high fat diet to help keep your brain as healthy possible as you age.

So, what would happen if I don't write by June? How does "Debarred" sound? http://ow.ly/9s3cX

LOL! Ladies, make you sure you get the right financial advice! http://ow.ly/9qzWW

Study in Short, Frequent Sessions. Short bursts of concentration repeated frequently are much more effective than one long session.

"My Alma mater was books, a good library... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity." Malcolm X

"I do believe that it is extremely important that each one of us is a participant in life and what's going on around us rather than being a spectator to it and if you do that, if you participate in the world, in your community, your school, your company, or your country, whatever.. they you will be useful and hopefully leave the planet a little better." Janet Holmes a Court

Just uploaded a video in YouTube. Check: http://ping.fm/mtJ5i

How about a tweet @TheLearnCafe or linkup with with us at Linked In (http://ow.ly/9qzHP)?

Are you prepared for your exams? Don't let the FAIS Act catch up with you: http://ow.ly/9qzGU

My neighbour asked if he could use my lawnmower and I told him of course he could, so long as he didn't take it out of my garden.

Exciting rugby last night, hey?

"Perhaps my most important goal is to create a million millionaires." Mark Victor Hansen

The answer to our 1pm riddle is of course "Darkness"!

Have you signed up for one our FAIS Act workshops yet? http://ow.ly/9qz8y

Our Saturday Riddle: The more you have of it, the less you see. What is it?
- come on,it's easy! Answer at 4pm! :)

Due to popular demand, I'll post a riddle at 1pm...check it out! :D

Well done, boys! http://ow.ly/9qA3d

How about another riddle? Anyone game?

Good morning! LOL! http://ow.ly/i/uifB

"I have always loved the competitive forces in this business. You know I certainly have meetings where I spur people on by saying, "Hey, we can do better than this. How come we are not out ahead on that?" Thats what keeps my job one of the most interesting in the world." Bill Gates

Good bye! Have a nice weekend! :)

Rugby weekend again! Now here's the challenge, how do you balance rugby and braais with studying?

Yay, it's Friday! http://ow.ly/i/ufsd

"And so, my fellow citizens.. Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy

What kind of content would you like to see from us?

Now, here's the trick question...how do you think markets are going to react to Malema's expulsion?

What do you think of Malema's expulsion? Major victory for democracy or the beginning of the end? http://ow.ly/9nFYU