Get It Pretoria November 2019

BE MONEY SAVVY
THIS FESTIVE SEASON...
With Christmas only a few weeks away it’s safe to say that the party season has officially
kicked off. To help you make the most of it, we asked financial consultant, author and
speaker Ronel Jooste for financial advice to help get you through the season.
4
Once the calendar reaches November, you know it’s almost
time for fun, relaxation and spending time with loved ones.
The school holidays are around the corner and the children
will need to be entertained for an extended period. Then
there’s the holiday plans - be it staying in the city or heading
to your vacation home at the beach.
“Spending money will be inevitable but it is important to try
to keep within your budget. Everything is more expensive
during December and January is a long and tough month
with plenty of expenses that you need to take into account.
Enjoy the holidays but spend wisely,” says Ronel Jooste,
award-winning entrepreneur and the owner of FinanciallyFit
Group and PhysEQFiT Guesthouse in Centurion.
HERE ARE HER TOP SAVING TIPS FOR
THE HOLIDAY SEASON:
1
EXPENSIVE ISN’T
NECESSARILY BETTER
You don’t always need to buy expensive gifts. Most
adults and children value time and attention more
than expensive gifts. Give your loved ones the valuable
gift of your time and attention this December. Rather
create memories, because memories last a lifetime.
2
MAKE A WISH LIST
Ask your family and friends to compile a
wish list for Christmas. Rather spend money on
gifts that will be appreciated than wasting money
on gifts the receiver won’t use or derive value from.
3
PLAN YOUR SHOPPING
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Shopping during the festive season is
unavoidable but planning your shopping
sprees in advance could save you lots of time
and money. Don’t go to the shops unnecessarily.
Rather compile a shopping list and try and stick to it.
It’s also a great idea to look out for discounted prices
and make use of loyalty programmes at shops - most
shops have them.
24 Get It Pretoria November 2019
SAY NO TO EXCESSIVE
DECORATIONS
Don’t spend a fortune on decorations that will
rapidly be forgotten. Use fruit bouquets that can
double-up as dessert and flowers from your garden to
create something cost-effective, unique and special.
5
SHARE THE COSTS
Entertaining will feature on your to-do list this
summer, but don’t carry all the costs. Entertaining
at home is usually a lot cheaper than going to
restaurants or entertainment venues. Ask friends
and family to all contribute their favourite dish towards
your feast meal.
6
GET CREATIVE
If your budget is getting really tight during
the holiday, be creative when planning activities.
You can still have lots of fun without splashing
out on activities. Make the most of the gorgeous
summer weather and enjoy a picnic outside with friends
and family. Movie night at home with popcorn and
milkshakes is a great idea and so is a cook-off. Or camp
in your garden, braai marshmallows and try to count
the stars. Mountain biking is a fun and cost-effective
activity to keep the kids entertained on a low budget.
Go for walks with the family and dogs. There are beautiful
bicycle parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves that
you can enjoy without having to spend a fortune and be
in a safe environment.
KEEP AN EYE OUT
FOR SALES
The mad rush of inflated prices is over after
Christmas and there are massive sales. If you
plan properly for the year ahead and stick to your
budget, you can pick up great savings the week after
Christmas. Be money savvy though and don’t buy things
you don’t need.