With less than three weeks to go before we bid farewell to December and welcome January, a consumer expert has emphasised the importance of being money savvy during this time, to avoid what is commonly referred to as “Janu-worry”.
Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Thursday morning, consumer expert Moeshfieka Botha said spending tends to spike sharply as the December holidays approaches.
“Some of us are fortunate enough to receive a bonus, or even having our salaries paid early during December. We need to understand that our money will have to stretch until the end of January when our next salaries are released. We need to note that we have a six-week cycle to prepare for, and many times we forget this, which leads to us struggling during the month of January,” she added.
Botha said that consumers had a tough few months with the high cost of living and might want to spoil themselves, however, she stressed the importance of having a budget and sticking to it.
“South Africa is not an easy place, year after year we see an increase in the cost of living, we push through and when it gets to December, people want to spoil themselves and we understand that, but we should be responsible and be financially aware of our needs and financial commitments such as debit orders, living expenses etc. Having a budget will assist you in managing your finances and ensuring that all necessities are covered,” she added.
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