Come November 2026, it’s municipal voting season here in South Africa. Most local politicians are smiling, thinking, “Could be my opportunity.” Everywhere one looks, election posters are smiling back at you. Put your X on my name, I have your back. In case you are wondering, I am not one of them; I’m definitely not planning to start a political party. I am here to check on your wallet instead. Every Rand you spend or save is a vote, either voting for stuff only, or buying your precious asset time. Just like politicians campaign for your vote, I’m campaigning for your financial freedom.
Personal Finance Strategy: Moving Beyond Black and White
We all know planning goes a long way in attaining success. Whether we believe this, though, is something else. Most things in life are choices; even no choosing is a choice in the opposite direction. Most of the time, people say money is for shopping only. Ever heard that? Hot or cold shower votes, please! How about a bit of both? I hear a common thread of late: hot then cold shower is good for your physical wellbeing. Investing and spending money is exactly the same. The question is not either/or, but the strategic use of both. In fact, most things in life are not black or white, but grey. I often say a half-step is movement nevertheless. If time freedom is something you desire, or just fitness, some action is needed.
How to Stop Overthinking Your Money and Take Action
I say action, not thinking. We think a lot anyway; that’s why we worry and stress a lot. Overthinking can actually be the hindrance to action. It’s like standing next to the pool thinking about diving. The worst you can do is test the water temperature with your hands.
As I write this, it’s 3:56 a.m. and windy 13 degrees Celsius Saturday morning. I am about to go for a run. Yes, I didn’t sleep well last night; my sleep tracker shows 64%. Such is life, no perfection. I could sit all day and moan about it, or keep going. I’m about to flip the lack of sleep into some cardio workout.
Choosing things over time is a huge problem for modern people like you and me. This is the reason we spend more than we earn. I think we need a balanced approach. We need to spend money and also save time; investing money enables you to save time. Cheers, just going out for a cold jog, will catch up soon after the hot shower.
Building Your Net Worth for True Financial Freedom
What we use our money for is really choice-based. Every Rand you deploy in an investment is like bait on your time-fishing rod. Live worms are much more effective; I remember my childhood days. Instead of complaining about saving and investing, you should rather complain about spending. Fishing is not that boring. One’s values determine how one allocates their money-voting decision. Show me your bank statements, and I will tell you what you value. Most things we spend the most money on just collect dust right in front of our eyes. Think about those drawers in your cupboard filled to the brim with things. I couldn’t really tell you what all that is for.
Simplicity should be your focus if you want to live internationally. The older I get, the more I realise more stuff equals less joy and more work.
The Lifestyle Comparison Trap: Why More Stuff Costs More
Let’s be practical. Of late, I have seen someone with two or three cell phones. For what, really? Maybe just in case. Before you feel guilty, I am talking to myself. More is definitely not helpful. The other day, I was looking at my bookshelf. More things are actually a trap; it’s like a merry-go-round that’s moving very fast, it’s tough to jump off without getting hurt. As people, we often compare our lives with others. And set ourselves up for failure when we desire what we can’t get, or end up accumulating more than what we actually use.
Most people should agree there is nothing wrong with your lifestyle if you stop comparing. The moment you compare is the very moment you wish “if only”. Perhaps nothing wrong with comparisons. Rather compare with those with fewer things and your blessings will surprise you. The problem is lifestyle inflation is a sneaky creature that creeps on you unnoticed just like a swimming pool creepy- crawly. Money spent on things does not increase the value of things; in comparison, invested money grows your Net Worth.
How to Overcome Instant Gratification in Personal Finance
In order to make a wise vote, you need to be informed politically. If you are brainwashed, you are likely to endorse some ridiculous political narrative. The same applies to personal finance. Your information determines your decisions and leads to actions. Helpful or not, it all stems from your information base and outlook on life.
Instant gratification is one of the factors that cause you to vote for purchases over investing for time freedom. When buying something, the item is tangible; however, an investment cannot be seen instantly. Instant gratification is like how you feel soon after taking your car from the car wash. An hour later, it starts raining, and you realise maybe the shining car was not a good use of your money that day.
Finding Your Financial ‘Why’ to Stay Motivated
More things mean more work and more maintenance. It’s like my garden: a bigger grass patch means more mowing, more weeds, and more watering. You get the idea, smaller and fewer is the winning voting ballot box. If your car is bigger than mine, that’s fine; you pay more on fuel and maintenance. Please don’t complain that’s your fair share of choosing “bigger.” Consumerism is a real disease rather choose minimalism; it’s not that boring and it can save you money and time in the process.
Whoever you are voting for this coming election season, it’s your business. Please don’t complain to me when they don’t deliver. The same applies to your money. I have done enough campaigning for your time and freedom here; the question is, would you put an X on the correct box?
Most people know saving and investing money is good, just that it means nothing else. They don’t have reasons, really, why they should stash away cash. No wonder it’s a tough job for them. It’s like trying to build exercising routines without a “why.” Here, “why” becomes the reason for your voting. If your “why” is not defined, it’s really hard to be motivated to invest money. Just as voting is mainly secret and personal, such is saving and investing. No need to shout from the rooftops about your wealth or net worth. Let your freedom and peace of mind do the bragging for you.
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