Here we are. The spending craze is gone, and pockets might look empty as we speak. It’s time to reset. Another year gone, and January is the perfect time to put those actionable plans on paper. It’s okay if you are broke; just don’t stay broke. This article is a call to action, not a call to shame.
I am not talking about some ridiculous New Year’s resolution that’s emotionally driven. I am talking about real, measurable goals or systems, whatever you call them. Don’t be too technical about it; it’s action and consistency that matter.
Why You Should Max Your South African TFSA Before the February Deadline
February is fast approaching, so you should think of making sure your Tax-Free Savings Account is maxed out. If not, it’s okay, no shame, cousin, just contribute something at least. Don’t let the free lunch go stale on your watch. Where I live here in Durban, monkeys will kill for that stale lunch.
Forget these naughty cousins of ours; remember, a TFSA not maxed in the current year is lost. It’s use it or lose it. Remember, the annual contribution for a tax-free savings account is R36 000. Oh, and don’t forget your side retirement contribution, too. That is, if you still have money after sorting your children’s uniforms and stationery, the festive season is gone! Now is the perfect time to check how much you have contributed this year if you are not aware. If you don’t have a tax-free savings account, it’s fine; you can start one today, just to let you know you are not excluded, you can join the winning team. Remember, TFSA contributions are also subject to a lifetime limit, so consistency over time matters just as much as maximising each year.
Why an Emergency Fund Is Critical to Your Financial Stability
It sounds like a good deal to go on the financial offensive side if you can prioritise saving and investing. But don’t forget to be defensive too.
You can’t make all your money as strikers. It’s okay to score goals, but if there are no defensive players, those same goals will end up in your own net.
If your emergency fund is depleted or low, do not continue like that. Your car will eventually stop going. The orange light has been flashing for a long, fill up ASAP. Or should I say I heard your brakes squeaking like crickets in my back garden?
How Your Physical Health Affects Your Financial Freedom
Major one: your health. Without health, wealth is useless. It’s like a tree with no roots. No matter how you water the tree, forget it; no fruit is coming. You might as well pop in at the fruit and vegetable market.
You have munched on lots of Christmas cake for a few weeks, so there’s no need for a pudding after supper. A physical trifle, such as a walk around your block after supper, is a must. It’s summer in Mzansi currently, no excuse. Spend more time outdoors. A brisk walk won’t kill you.
If you rely on crowd motivation, then a gym membership might be a wonderful investment. Remember, we are not religious about saving money but intentional. Just don’t donate to a gym you never visit. If that’s you, please cancel the deal. There are lots of charities that can do with your money more than a gym membership that isn’t used. Saving rhinos is better than donating to a gym company.
How to Create a 12-Month Financial Plan That Actually Works
Okay, what’s your plan for the next 12 months?
Don’t tell me you don’t know. It’s either you are just being lazy 🦥 or dreaming too much. Dreams don’t make actions become reality.
I hope your spreadsheet budget for the next 12 months is ready. It’s okay if you want it written with a pen. Just make sure you have a plan. That’s all I am saying.
Planning takes intentionality; it doesn’t happen just by praying. Praying is important too; spiritual life is part of intentionality.
You are already a year older. You might be noticing some wrinkles if you are like me. Time is ticking. Easter 🐰 is just around the corner. Might as well start planting those Easter eggs now for the hunt in a few months.
Why Intentional Living Is Key to Long-Term Financial Success
This is the reality of life: time doesn’t wait for anyone. Every day gone is a little closer to the grave. I suppose not many graves these days; those incinerators are ready to consume your flesh.
Don’t be too stressed; we are all going to die. I’m just pushing you to be intentional and realise we don’t live here forever, in case you live under this illusion.
Fear of dying is actually unhealthy; it leads to avoidance, pretending we will be here forever, and promotes inaction.
Swallow the reality pill 💊. It’s good for you. Spoiler alert: this pill won’t prevent death, but will make you aware of our finite lives. That can lead us to be intentional on all fronts.
I dare you to reduce your debt levels this year, or even eliminate them.
Make this year better than last year. Don’t rely on politicians to do that for you; these individuals are more concerned with the next election and the allocation of the next tender contract, rather than your life goals and financial freedom.
This is why I urge you to swallow that pill of discipline, consistency, perseverance, and intentionality.
How to Take Control of Your Cash Flow and Stop Financial Leaks
The best person looking after your back right now is not Blue Security (if you are in KZN) or Fidelity ADT; it’s you, with a capital Y.
Reality friends: no one cares. It’s not hopeless; it’s hopeful because you are the best person for the job.
Your job is to ensure you are not leaking cash and health like last year. Drinking alcohol every day won’t solve anything; it costs more money, makes you depressed, and pushes financial independence out of reach.
Take on journaling, that’s just a cool word for writing your thoughts down. You could actually discover an author in you; who knows, you could be the next Robin Sharma.
Work out your own plan that suits you and pursue that plan with intensity and conviction.
Your plan doesn’t need to be 💯, hands-sanitised half-clean is better than not washed at all. (For COVID at least. I’m not wishing COVID back, by the way. How did we survive those ridiculously hard lockdowns and masks 😷?)
The Intentional Living Equation: Achieving Time Freedom and Happiness
It’s your job to look after yourself, your health, mental and physical, and your financial wellbeing.
That leads to freeing your time, which leads to more happiness, hopefully.
Health + Finance = Time Freedom = Happiness (Intentional Living)
Trading Time or Buying Freedom 
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