Financial Fitness: Tips for Keeping Your Finances Healthy
When your finances aren't in good
shape, it can feel like you’re trapped — - you
might be constantly worried about the next utility bill and anxious that you
will never reach your dreams. But it’s never impossible to change your
trajectory. Here’s how to get control back and stay financially fit, according
to SA debt counsellors:
Be honest about your current
financial situation.
First, you need to know where you
stand. List all your income sources, whether it's your salary, investment
returns, or other earnings. Take stock of what you own — including savings
accounts, investments, property, and other valuable possessions — and note down
all your debts, from credit card balances to loans. You can start by simply
putting this into a spreadsheet.
You might find that you’re actually
doing a lot better than you think or find that your debts have ballooned out of
control. Either way, this reality check will give you a clear picture of your
financial situation and set you on the path to better money management.
Create a comprehensive and realistic
budget.
Keep a close watch on what you spend
each month. Organise your expenses into clear categories—housing,
transportation, savings, groceries, and leisure. The key is to prioritise necessities
instead of discretionary spending so you can live within your means.
Build and maintain an emergency fund.
SA debt counsellors also recommend
building an emergency fund as a safety net for unexpected expenses such as medical
emergencies or sudden job loss. Decide how much you need to feel secure and
start saving towards it. It’s best to set up automatic transfers to your
emergency fund to stay on track.
Manage and reduce debt.
If you are really struggling to
manage your debt and think you can benefit from guidance and legal protection
from being hounded by creditors, it may be time to talk to SA debt counsellors. Start here at FindBetter.co.za.
Take a quick debt assessment to
understand your credit profile. You'll then receive a personalised overview of
your finances along with recommendations tailored to your needs for managing
your debt effectively. Our NCR registered agents will work with your creditors
to consolidate your repayments into one more manageable monthly payment.’
Find out more about our debt
counselling here.
Source: https://findbetter.co.za/financial-fitness-tips-for-keeping-your-finances-healthy/
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