Winter isn’t just a good time for hot chocolate and heater debates – it’s also the perfect halfway mark in the year to revisit your budget. Whether you’re saving for the December holidays, trying to cut down on debt before the year runs away from you, or just looking to get back on track, a quick mid-year money check can make all the difference. 

Here are 5 budget tweaks South Africans can make right now to finish the year stronger than they started. 

Check Your Credit And Debt Status 

By June, you’ve likely had time to either make progress (or mistakes) with your debt. For just such a reason, it is wise to check your credit report. All you need to do is enter your personal details and a detailed overview of your credit standing will be delivered directly to your inbox in moments. You’ll quickly see where you stand and whether there are any red flags. 

The Quick Win: Focus on paying off high-interest debt first and where it’s possible, avoid taking on new short-term credit. 

Re-Evaluate Your Monthly Expenses 

Once you know where you are, you can take a fresh look at your debit orders and monthly spending. You might be surprised at what’s still coming off your account. We’re thinking about any unused subscriptions, a gym membership you’ve neglected because you have taken up running (or simply can’t find the time to go to the gym), or an app that your kids downloaded and used once. 

The Quick Win: Cancel anything you no longer use and renegotiate service contracts like insurance, data, or streaming. You will be surprised at the amount you’ll be able to shave off your ongoing expenses. 

Convenience Costs 

The colder weather sure can make it tempting to order in more often, drive short distances instead of walking, or crank up the heater instead of reaching for an extra blanket. Certainly, these actions on their own may feel small, but the reality is that they add up fast. Before you know it, you are adding extra grand or two to your monthly expenses. 

The Quick Win: Plan meals in advance, carpool where possible, and use timers or thermostats to reduce power usage. Oh, and do grab a blanket instead of hitting the heater on. 

Plan For Seasonal Expenses 

Winter often comes with extra costs, heater repairs, geyser maintenance, and even more groceries (hey, we all need that ‘winter coat’ – it’s for survival). Looking ahead, you will notice that the end-of-year holidays and school fees sneak up fast, so before you load up the trolley with a few more tummy-warming snacks, factor in those upcoming costs. 

The Quick Win: Create a mini savings fund for seasonal or upcoming expenses and, if you can, automate these monthly deposits. 

Adjust your savings goals 

Maybe you started the year aiming to save R1,000 a month, but things have changed. Don’t give up – just adjust. Even a smaller amount saved consistently is better than nothing at all. 

The Quick Win: Use our Monthly Personal Budget Calculator to track your finances and to calculate a savings amount based on what you can realistically afford. 

One Small Reset Can Change Your Year 

A mid-year money check doesn’t have to be complicated. Even a few budget tweaks can help you take back control and reach your goals by December. So, before winter passes you by, put on a warm hoodie and give your budget the reboot it deserves. 

Feeling Informed? 

We trust that this information, together with our free reports and calculators, will help you prepare your finances for the fast-approaching end-of-year shenanigans.  

If you’re looking for more practical advice, budget-friendly ideas, and planning tools, then please take a few minutes to explore the rest of AA Inform.