By Tokiso TKay Nthebe
Season’s greetings fellow trailblazers! What a year it has been, right?
The past twelve months have tested us in many ways—rising food prices, high inflation, and soaring interest rates have stretched every single rand. On the emotional and mental health side, some families have faced painful losses and difficult adjustments. Many of us have had to make sacrifices and lifestyle changes to stay on course with our financial goals.
Yet here you are. Despite the challenges, you’ve made it to the end of the year! Now, it’s time to pause, reflect, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your hard work.
But here’s the question: How do you enjoy the festive season without going broke?
Here are five practical tips to help you stay financially savvy, plan and manage your spending so you can enjoy the holidays guilt-free and financially secure.
1. Practice Financial Discipline
The foundation of good money management is discipline. Start by setting clear financial goals and crafting a plan to achieve them. Then, commit to staying the course—even when the festive season tempts you to veer off track. Remember, the holidays come and go, but your financial health is long-term.
2. Plan and Address Your Commitments
The second tip is my all-time favourite topic – budgeting. It is important to plan and budget for the festive holidays and January. Budgeting for January is a key hack for a stress-free festive season. Cover your essential expenses now, including school fees, debit orders, transport, and groceries. If you’re prone to overspending, consider paying these commitments in advance to ensure you start the new year on solid footing.
3. Top Up Your Emergency Fund
If you’re fortunate enough to receive a 13th cheque, bonus, or lump-sum from your savings club (stokvel or chelete ea mekhatlo), use a portion to boost your emergency fund. Life is unpredictable and having a safety net can save you from financial stress in the event of unplanned expenses or delayed salary payments.
4. Set Financial Boundaries
Remember that there is a strong relationship between financial and mental health. How you manage your finances a profound impact on your mental health and overall well-being. The festive season often brings pressure to spend on family, meet unrealistic demands, or respond to negative comments about your choices. Protect your peace by setting clear financial boundaries. Learn to say no when necessary—it’s a powerful act of self-care.
5. Celebrate Your Achievements
Many trailblazers often overlook or downplay their achievements, rushing to the next goal without acknowledging the progress made. This festive season, take time to reflect on the progress made and celebrate your milestones—big or small. Ask yourself the following questions
“Did you open a savings or investment account?”
“Did you start budgeting and tracking your money?’
“Did you pay off debt or prioritize your personal development?
Maybe you focused on your mental health or set and enforced financial boundaries. Whatever it is, celebrate it intentionally!
Treat yourself—buy that spa voucher, new bag, pair of shoes, or book you’ve been eyeing. Alternatively, invest in your future by topping up your investment account. Just remember to celebrate wisely, don’t jeopardise your financial well-being and go broke doing it!
