From getaways to festive meals and gifting, holiday periods can empty your wallet in no time. The good news is, there are ways to get through Janu-worry without penny-pinching. Use these tips to get your finances back on track before taking on the new year.

Be smart about your bills

List all of your expenses, including the non-essential ones, and get creative about cutting down back. This is important, as there are New Year costs to consider, like back-to-school stationery. Here are some ways you could do this:

• Lower petrol costs by joining a work lift club, using public transport, only using your car when necessary and working from home if possible.
• Keep an eye out for promotions to save on groceries.
• Avoid new expenses like gym memberships until your budget is back on track.
• Limit pricey non-essentials such as alcohol, data bundles and takeaways.
• Go on free outings such as the park or beach and have picnics instead of eating out.
• Do a price comparison. For instance, check online catalogues or your local newspaper for the best prices on groceries and other items.

Return and redeem

Did you make any purchases you now realise you don’t need or want? Return them and get cash back, if possible, or exchange them for something else. Put all your receipts together and check the dates so you don’t lose out on money. This is important because most stores have a 30-day returns policy. You can also cash in on extra savings by using loyalty points you may have accumulated during the holidays.

Tap into a side hustle

Making extra cash is a great way to make sure you meet all your expenses. Here are some ideas to help you earn you more:

• Sell items you don’t need on Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or Yaga. Good options include furniture, books and clothes.
• Use your skills to do freelance work on sites like Freelancer, PeoplePerHour or Upwork.
• Tutor on apps like Cambly and Tuta-Me. You may need to be a native English speaker or an expert in a specific subject to teach.

Manage your fixed expenses

Even if your budget is especially tight in January, it’s important not to get yourself into further debt. List all your debit orders. Next, prioritise those with high-interest rates and ensure that you pay the minimum on your credit and store cards.

Try to negotiate lower premiums on car insurance (as the value of your car decreases each year), medical aid and other policies. Try not to take on any new debt, such as extra credit cards or loans.

Lastly, remember the new year is an opportunity for a fresh start. January may be tough to get through, but you have the rest of the year to reach your goals.

Find more tips for making it through Janu-worry here: https://www.budgetinsurance.co.za/blog/news/survive-januworry-thrive-in-2021/

The information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.