I hope you’ve had a fantastic break and managed to squeeze in a few braais and some downtime with the family! Coming back to reality in January is always a bit of a shock to the system, but it’s also the perfect time to get your ducks in a row for the year ahead.
To help you kick off 2026 on the right foot, here are three quick tips to get your “money brain” back in gear:
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- Audit your debit orders: We all have those R99 subscriptions we forgot about. Do a quick scan of your bank statement – if you aren’t using it, cancel it. That’s extra petrol money right there.
- The “Rainy Day” top-up: After the December festive spending, try to prioritise refilling your emergency fund. Even a small bit extra this month helps cushion the blow if the geyser decides to go on strike.
- Set one big goal: Whether it’s a local holiday, a new car, or just paying off a specific debt, name it and claim it. It’s much easier to save when you know exactly what you’re saving for.
Don’t forget the February Deadline!
Just a friendly “local is lekker” reminder: the end of the tax year is 28 February.
If you want to reduce your tax bill and keep more of your hard-earned rands, now is the time to top up your Retirement Annuity (RA) or your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).
Making use of these benefits before the end of next month is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s essentially a gift from SARS – don’t leave it on the table!
Let’s chat. If you want to check how much “gap” you have left for your tax-free contributions or if you just want to review your plan for 2026, hit reply or give me a shout.
Wishing you a prosperous and stress-free year ahead!