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Make Your Money Last Longer Than Your Month 

Feb 4, 2025 | Money

Many South Africans know the struggle of watching their money disappear before the month is over. With rising costs, unexpected expenses, and the temptation of small indulgences, making your money stretch can feel impossible. The good news is that with a few strategies, you can take control of your finances and make every rand count. 

To empower you to take control of your finances this year, use this information has a guide to make more conscious decisions around how, when, and where you spend your money. 

Track Every Cent You Spend 

The first step to financial wellness is knowing exactly where your money is going. You might think you’ve got it under control, but small, untracked expenses add up faster than you realise. 

We suggest that you kick things off by recording all your expenses for one month, and we do mean everything. From the R20 coffee to the R2000 grocery shop, every transaction matters. To make things easier, use a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or even a good old notebook.  

Once you have a clear picture, it’s easier to see where you can cut back or where your money can be directed for better use. 

Budget Like A Pro 

Creating a realistic budget is essential. One popular method is the 50/30/20 rule, but if this doesn’t work for you, then don’t give up. You can customise this rule based on your situation. Really, the key is to allocate every rand coming in to a category so that you know exactly what you can spend. 

How this rule works: 

  • 50% of your income goes to essentials like rent, groceries, and transport. 
  • 30% is for discretionary spending like entertainment and dining out. 
  • 20% is for savings or paying off debt. 

Of course, there are other budgeting methods, so explore our Money category to find the method that most appeals to you.  

Save Before You Spend 

Most people save whatever is left at the end of the month – but that’s often nothing. Flip the script by treating savings like an expense. Set up an automatic transfer to a savings account as soon as your salary lands, even if it’s a small amount, like R200 a month. This can easily grow into a healthy savings fund over time. 

Cut Unnecessary Expenses 

Weirdly, it’s the small, regular expenses that often derail your budget and not the one-off major bill. Take a few moments to review your expenses. You might stumble across far too many subscriptions, like three streaming services that might not be all that necessary if you if you think about it. You can also plan your meals and shop weekly to avoid expensive takeaways. Added to that, you can also shop around for cheaper insurance, data or electricity options.  

The point is, no one’s expenses are naturally lean and low. It takes time to cut out what is unnecessary and make sure that you’re paying the best possible price for what you need. 

Use Free Tools 

AA Inform offers a range of free calculators to help you manage your finances. Whether you want to track your expenses, set a savings goal, or see how small changes can impact your budget, these tools are invaluable. They make financial planning simpler, smarter, and stress-free. 

Give yourself a few minutes to explore our financial calculators to see how we can help you make better money choices. 

Plan For The Future 

Once you’ve got your monthly budget under control, think about your long-term goals. Whether it’s buying a house, paying for your children’s education, or retiring comfortably, having clear objectives helps you prioritise your spending and saving. 

Feeling Informed?  

Making your money last longer than your month isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. By tracking your expenses, budgeting wisely, and taking advantage of free tools like those offered by AA Inform, you can regain control and feel more financially secure. 

For more tips, free financial calculators, and tools to help you get started, visit the AA Inform website today.  

Your journey to financial freedom begins here.

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