Your Future – Financial

Practical Steps to Consider when in Debt

Debt can feel overwhelming, but taking control of your finances and working towards being debt-free is both possible and empowering. By adopting the right strategies and staying committed, you can regain your financial footing. Here’s a practical guide to help you break free from debt and have peace of mind.

1. Acknowledge and Accept your Situation
The first step to getting out of debt is recognising where you stand financially. It’s easy to ignore bills and mounting debt, but being honest about your current situation is imperative. Gather all your debts—credit cards, loans, overdrafts, and any outstanding payments—and list them down. Understanding the total amount owed will help you make a concrete plan.

Tip: Use a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to organise your debts, monthly payments, and interest rates.

2. Create a Spending Plan (Budget)
A spending plan is your roadmap to debt freedom. By controlling your income and expenses, you can allocate money towards paying off debt while maintaining other essential expenses. Identify areas where you can cut back, such as dining out, subscriptions, or unnecessary purchases.

Tip: Follow the 50/30/20 rule—50% of your income goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to debt repayment and savings. You can adjust this to focus more on debt, for example, by using 40% for needs, 20% for wants, and 40% towards debts.

3. Consider the Debt Snowball Method
The Debt Snowball Method is a popular approach where you focus on paying off your smallest debts first. This method allows for quick wins and builds momentum. Start by making minimum payments on all debts except the smallest one. Once that’s cleared, move on to the next smallest debt, and so on.

Why it works: Psychologically, paying off smaller debts can provide a sense of accomplishment and help keep you motivated.

4. Alternatively, Try the Debt Avalanche Method
The Debt Avalanche Method focuses on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, which can save you more money over time. Once the highest interest debt is paid off, move on to the next highest, while maintaining minimum payments on others.

Why it works: This method is mathematically more efficient, as it reduces the overall amount you’ll pay in interest.

5. Consolidate your Debt
Debt consolidation involves merging multiple debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This makes repayments more manageable, with one monthly payment instead of several. Consolidation works best if you can secure a loan with a lower interest rate than your current debts.

Tip: Be cautious when consolidating debts. Ensure that you are disciplined enough not to incur more debt after consolidation.

6. Negotiate with Creditors
You’d be surprised how open creditors can be to negotiation. Contact your creditors and discuss the possibility of lowering interest rates, extending payment periods, or settling for a lower lump sum payment. Many creditors prefer to receive partial payments rather than no payments at all.

Tip: Approach these conversations with confidence, and have a clear understanding of your financial limits before negotiating.

7. Increase your Income, if possible
While cutting back on expenses is important, increasing your income can significantly speed up the debt repayment process. Discuss options with family members, look for side gigs on your off-time, or selling unused items. Extra income can be channelled directly into your debt repayments.

Tip: Be careful not to jeopardise your primary and secure income, whether by losing focus or becoming overly tired. Try to spread the load with family members where possible.

8. Create an Emergency Fund
Even while repaying debt, setting aside money for emergencies is essential. Unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills can lead to more debt if you’re unprepared. Aim to build a small emergency fund to cover at least one month’s worth of expenses.

Why it works: An emergency fund acts as a financial buffer, preventing the need for more borrowing.

9. Automate your Payments
Set up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates. Late payments lead to extra fees and can affect your credit score, making future financial endeavours more difficult. Automating payments helps ensure your debt is paid consistently.

Tip: Automate the minimum payments and manually add extra payments when you have more available funds to contribute.

10. Celebrate your Wins
Paying off debt is a significant achievement, and it’s important to acknowledge your progress. Each time you clear a debt or hit a repayment milestone, celebrate it—whether by treating yourself or simply taking pride in how far you’ve come.

Why it works: Positive reinforcement keeps you motivated and focused on the end goal.

Stay focused on your end goal of financial freedom, and don’t hesitate to seek support from LifeAssist if needed. If debt becomes unmanageable, consider speaking to a debt counsellor who can offer guidance tailored to your situation.

2024-09-26T10:59:49+00:00

10 Practical tips for managing cash flow and debt

Cash flow and debt issues are not just a financial challenge but also an emotional and mental ordeal that can significantly impact individuals and families. The stress and anxiety accompanying these financial burdens are as real as the numbers themselves. Here are some practical tips to manage the financial issues at hand.

  1. Early communication with bank and creditors
    Proactively inform your bank manager and creditors about your financial difficulties. Early communication can lead to flexible payment options and demonstrates your commitment to resolving the issue.
  1. Negotiate lower monthly repayments
    Where possible, discuss the options of lower repayments with your creditors, which may involve reducing interest rates or extending loan terms.
  1. Prioritise your debts
    Focus on paying off high-interest debts first (like credit cards) and treat lower-interest debts as a lower priority (but still make the minimum payment).
  1. Drastic cutbacks on spending
    Review your expenses critically and identify areas for significant cutbacks, such as subscriptions, entertainment or luxury expenses, to free up funds for debt repayment.
  1. Consider debt consolidation
    If you are unable to get on top of a payment plan, consider consolidating multiple debts into one with a lower interest rate, which can simplify payments and potentially reduce overall costs. This process also has drawbacks, so ensure you get trusted advice.
  1. Build a small emergency fund
    Simultaneously, work on creating a modest emergency fund to prevent falling deeper into debt due to unforeseen expenses.
  1. Utilise budgeting tools and apps
    Make use of financial tools and apps to help manage your budget, track spending, and stay on top of debt repayment.
  1. Explore additional income sources
    Sit down with your family and consider ways to increase your income, such as selling unused items, renting out a spare room, baking or growing plants for sale, or tutoring a subject you are good at in your spare time to accelerate debt repayment.
  1. Debt counselling and financial coaching
    Weigh the pros and cons of seeking professional advice from debt counsellors or financial coaches for personalised guidance and long-term financial strategies.
  1. Practice mindful spending
    Learn and teach your children to adopt a habit of thoughtful spending to avoid unnecessary expenses and prevent accumulating further debt. Ask yourself if you need or want it and if you can better spend or save money on more important things for your future.

Managing cash flow and debt requires a balanced approach, combining immediate actions with long-term financial planning. In addition, looking after your mental health and addressing your stress-levels is just as important. You can get support and financial coaching at no cost to you and it is completely confidential.

2024-01-31T14:46:34+00:00

Building Financial Resilience for the year ahead

January marks the beginning of a new year, a perfect time to prioritise both organisation and financial wellbeing. We are feeling the pinch of a toughening economy and the pressure that goes with it. Establishing a structured system and setting achievable goals will create a more secure future and alleviate some of the stress.

  1. Automate your savings and payments
    Being completely reliant on discipline can set you up for failure. Create financial stability by setting up automatic transfers from your income to a separate savings account. This will help you plan for unexpected expenses or future investments. Similarly, automate bill payments to avoid missing deadlines, prevent unnecessary fees and improve your credit score.
  2. Implementing a debt repayment system
    Debt can be overwhelming, but a structured repayment plan can alleviate the burden. Start by organising your debts, listing them by interest rates and amounts owed. Focus on paying off high-interest debts first while making minimum payments on others. Set achievable milestones and monitor your progress regularly.
  3. Tracking your expenses
    An expense tracking system helps you understand your spending habits. Use apps or spreadsheets to record expenses, categorising them into essential and non-essential spending. You can then make informed financial decisions and helps in reallocating funds towards your goals.
  4. Setting SMART financial goals
    Establishing Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals is part of financial success. Whether it’s building an emergency fund, saving for a down payment, or planning for retirement, articulate these goals clearly. Break them down into smaller milestones to track progress effectively.
  1. Rewarding financial milestones
    Rewarding yourself upon reaching financial milestones is crucial to maintain motivation. It could be treating yourself to a small luxury or allocating a portion towards a specific savings goal. These rewards act as positive reinforcements, motivating and encouraging you to stick to them.
  2. Be proactive. Get ahead of the game this year. Consistent planning and discipline will lead to greater financial resilience, reduce stress and develop a more secure future.

Reach out to LifeAssist to get connected with a Financial Coach for personalised guidance on improving your financial wellbeing. The financial team can also discuss debt planning and recovery.

2023-12-29T09:48:23+00:00

Crafting a Smart Festive Budget to Beat January Blues

The festive season is a magical time filled with joy and togetherness. However, with shops and malls enticing us to spend, there’s a risk of falling into a financial trap, leading to trouble in January. To fully enjoy the season while safeguarding our finances, it’s essential to set a budget and make wise financial decisions in December. This way, we can join in the festivities without straining our wallets and ensure we are well-prepared for January expenses related to the new school and office year.

Here are some tips:

Assess Your Financial Situation
Review your income, savings, and existing expenses. This overview will guide you in understanding how much you can allocate towards the festive season without straining your finances.

Plan for the New Year
Look beyond festive spending and think about January’s needs: back-to-school stationary and clothes, office supplies, course fees, and annual membership fees (like the gym). Make a list with costs, add it to your budget, and try buying some things early. Be ready for possible price increases.

Spend your Bonus Wisely
If you get extra money in December, like a bonus or from a Stokvel, be smart about it. Plan ahead and decide where your money should go before hitting the shops. First, buy what you really need, and make sure you set aside enough for January expenses. By planning carefully, you can get what you need and still have some money left to enjoy yourself.

Encourage Family Contributions
Involve the whole family in budgeting discussions. Encourage them to contribute ideas and understand the financial aspects of the festive season. This not only teaches valuable lessons but also promotes a sense of shared responsibility.

Embrace Creativity and Resourcefulness
Opt for creative and resourceful ways to celebrate the season without overspending. DIY decorations, homemade gifts, thoughtful gestures and experiences often hold more sentimental value and cost less than store-bought items. Bargain hunt for special deals to cut down expenses even more.

Use Cash or Debit Cards
Avoid buying on credit in favour of using cash or debit cards for your festive spending. This can prevent overspending since it restricts you to the funds available rather than relying on credit cards, which might tempt you to spend beyond your means.

Flexible Emergency Fund
Keep a portion of your budget flexible to accommodate unforeseen expenses or opportunities that might arise during the festive season. This fund will allow you to embrace spontaneous moments without derailing your overall financial plan.

If you know your financial situation is in trouble,  the worst thing you could do is nothing. LifeAssist has financial coaches that can assist you in embracing better financial practices that will help you take care of yourself and your family. Please get in touch and let one of our financial coaches help you move forward.  This service is confidential and available at no cost to you or your family

2023-12-01T06:17:30+00:00

Tips on Becoming Debt-Free

In today’s world where buying things on credit is common, it’s essential to understand the real cost of debt. Debt can be expensive because you not only pay for what you buy but also extra money called interest. This interest adds up over time and can end up costing you much more than the original purchase.

Borrowing from informal lenders, like loan sharks, may seem quick and easy, but it’s risky. Loan sharks charge very high interest rates and can be threatening if you can’t repay them. Dealing with them can cause a lot of stress and harm your financial well-being.

Debt doesn’t just affect your wallet; it can also harm your well-being. Being in debt can lead to stress, making it hard to enjoy life and causing problems in your relationships.

If you find yourself trapped in debt, know that there’s always a way out. Here are some effective ways to escape the debt spiral and regain control of your finances:

Stop Accumulating More Debts:

Immediately put a halt to borrowing money. Say no to clothing accounts, loans, and any new debt to prevent the worsening of your financial troubles.

Create a Plan to Pay Off Debt:

Face the reality of your debts and make a comprehensive list of what you owe and to whom. Note down the total amounts, minimum monthly payments, and interest rates for each debt. Evaluate the remaining time needed to pay off each debt and prioritise those that need urgent attention.

Try the Debt Snowball Method:

Continue making minimum payments to all creditors as usual. Pick one specific debt and allocate extra funds to pay more than the minimum amount. As you pay off that debt, move on to the next one, directing all the freed-up funds towards it. Repeat this process until all debts are fully paid off, with the extra funds ‘snowballing’ over time.

Never Skip Repayments:

Always ensure you pay the minimum amounts due for all your loans. If needed, communicate with your creditors to arrange lower monthly repayments that are manageable for you.

Seek Professional Help:

Don’t hesitate to seek support from experienced financial coaches who can provide clear and judgment-free explanations. Consider options such as debt counselling or debt consolidation to find the best solution for your situation.

Overcoming debt is a journey that requires determination and support. Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, and there’s no need to feel ashamed. You can uplift yourself from a stressful financial situation with the right guidance.

For financial assistance and to connect with a Debt Counsellor, call or WhatsApp LifeAssist (at no charge). Take the first step towards financial freedom and a brighter future.

2023-09-06T10:04:04+00:00

Do you have a Last Will and Testament?

Life is unpredictable, and none of us can foresee what lies ahead. One thing we can be certain of is that we will die, so it is best to prepare for this eventuality, no matter our age or life stage. While this topic might not be the most pleasant to contemplate, having a Last Will and Testament (Will) in place is among the most crucial steps you can take to leave a lasting legacy and a testament to your concern for the wellbeing of your beneficiaries in your absence.

A Will is a legal document that outlines your desired distribution of assets and the management of your affairs after your passing. Contrary to a common misconception, creating a Will doesn’t have to be an expensive process. There are various ways to create a legally binding Last Will and Testament.

Should you pass away without a Will (intestate), South African law will dictate the distribution of your estate. The Intestate Succession Act defines a specific order of inheritance, which might not align with your intentions. This can lead to stress, unnecessary costs, delays, and complexities around guardianship, especially concerning minor children.

The Significance of a Will

A Will serves several vital purposes, offering peace of mind to both you and your loved ones:

  • Clarity and Control: A Will allows you to unambiguously communicate your desired asset distribution. Without one, intestacy laws dictate distribution, potentially conflicting with your wishes.
  • Protection of Loved Ones: If you have dependents, a Will empowers you to designate guardians for your minor children. This ensures their care by individuals you trust, rather than leaving such decisions to the courts.
  • Minimisation of Family Disputes: A meticulously drafted Will can help prevent family conflicts arising from uncertainty about your intentions.
  • Efficient Estate Administration: A Will streamlines the process of settling your estate, reducing stress and time for your loved ones during a difficult period.
  • Documentation of Your Estate: A Will Informs beneficiaries about all assets, including policies, retirement funds, investments, savings donations and or benefits from the estates, and exclusions applicable to that specific benefits.
  • Facilitation of Charitable Giving:  A Will empowers you to make charitable bequests to causes or organisations that you cherished.

Creating a Valid Will in South Africa

Crafting a legally valid Will in South Africa involves adhering to specific legal criteria, ensuring the accurate execution of your wishes posthumously (after your death).  Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure that your Will is valid:

  1. Age and Capacity: You must be at least 16 years old to create a valid Will in South Africa. Additionally, you must be of sound mind and understand the implications of creating a Will. This means you should be aware of the nature of your assets and the consequences of distributing them.
  2. Formal Requirements:  To ensure the formal validity of your will, follow these steps:
  3. In Writing: Your Will must be in writing, either handwritten or typed.
  4. Signed: Sign the Will at the end of the document and initial each page other than the signed one.
  5. Witnesses: Have two competent witnesses (who are not beneficiaries or their spouses) present when you sign the Will. Witnesses must sign the Will in your presence.
  6. Witness Requirements: Select witnesses who understand the importance of their role in validating the Will. They should be adults, mentally competent, and able to testify if necessary. Witnesses must sign the Will in each other’s presence and in your presence as the Testator (male) or Testatrix (female).
  7. Clear and Specific Language: Ensure that your Will is clear, concise, and specific. Ambiguities or vague language can lead to misunderstandings or disputes among beneficiaries.
  8. Appointing an Executor: Designate an executor in your Will who is responsible for administering your estate. This individual will ensure that your assets are distributed as per your wishes. Choose someone trustworthy and capable, and discuss your intentions with them. You can appoint an individual or an institution. If you appoint an individual, your Will can grant them the right to elect another party to assist them with the executorship of your estate. When discussing executorship through an institution, it is important to understand the fees that will be charged. The Testator must also indicate whether the executor must pay any security or exempt them from doing so.
  9. Naming Beneficiaries: Clearly identify each beneficiary by their full name and provide enough detail to distinguish them. The ID number must also be included, as it’s a distinct number that is not shared with anyone. This prevents confusion or challenges regarding your intended beneficiaries.
  10. Review and Update: Regularly review your Will, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or changes in your financial situation. Update your Will as needed to reflect your current circumstances and wishes.
  11. Professional Assistance: While you can create a Will on your own, consulting a qualified attorney ensures that your will adheres to legal requirements and addresses potential complexities. Legal professionals can provide guidance on proper wording, help mitigate tax implications, and offer advice based on your unique situation.
  12. Safekeeping: Store your Will in a secure and accessible location, and inform your executor or a trusted family member where it can be found. Using a safe deposit box, a lawyer’s office, or a registered Will repository are standard options.

Creating a Will should not be seen as dwelling on the end of life, but rather, it should be about ensuring that your legacy lives on and your wishes are carried out.

LifeAssist offers free legal advice through LifeAssist to guide you on processes and discuss the options that can be applied to your personal situation. LifeAssist cannot be appointed as an Executor and does not provide advice on Trusts.

Don’t delay; create your Will today!

2023-08-28T15:45:21+00:00

How to Spend Less and Save More

In today’s challenging economic climate, managing our finances and making ends meet can be tough. With rising consumer prices and limited incomes, finding ways to spend less and save more is essential. By making a few simple changes to our spending habits, we can alleviate financial stress and work towards a more secure future.

Here are some practical tips on how to cut down on expenses and become a more savvy spender:

Stick to Your Shopping List:

A well-planned shopping list is your best friend when it comes to saving money. Before heading to the store, make a list of the items you truly need and stick to it. Avoid impulsive purchases, and don’t be swayed by persuasive salespeople enticing you to buy things you don’t need.

Limit Shopping Trips:

The more we visit stores, the more likely we are to spend money on unnecessary items. Try to minimise your shopping trips and buy everything you need for the week in one go. This will help you resist temptations and stay on track with your budget.

Hunt for Special Deals:

Keep an eye on newspaper ads for special deals and discounts. Take the time to compare prices at different stores before making a purchase. Buying in bulk or taking advantage of promotions like “buy 3 for the price of 2” can also help you save on essential items.

Opt for Lay-Buys:

Consider using lay-buys if you want to buy something but can’t afford it immediately. This option allows you to pay for the item in affordable monthly installments, without any interest. Once you’ve paid it off, you can take it home.

Pack Your Lunch:

Eating out or buying fast food during the workday can quickly add up and strain your budget. Plan your meals and pack a lunchbox every day. Reserve eating out for special occasions to save money.

Ditch Unhealthy Habits:

Not only are unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking bad for your health, but they can also drain your wallet. Quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol can lead to significant savings over time.

Explore Affordable Meal Options:

Get creative with your meals and try using less expensive meat cuts. Consider incorporating more vegetarian-based meals into your diet, using affordable meat replacements like eggs, lentils, and beans. If possible, grow your own vegetables in a garden to save on produce costs. Avoid pre-portioned and processed foods, as they tend to be more expensive.

Question Your Purchases:

Before buying something, ask yourself if you genuinely want or need it. Be mindful of impulse buying and try to prioritise essential purchases. If it’s not a necessity, consider saving up for it instead of buying it on a whim.

Remember that small changes in your daily habits can make a significant difference in your financial well-being. For additional financial guidance or coaching, you can reach out to LifeAssist. Embrace these strategies and pave the way to a more financially secure future.

2023-07-31T09:00:46+00:00

Family Financial Wellbeing

Money can cause stress and strain within families, particularly when someone cannot contribute or when extended family members rely on your income. However, there are numerous ways in which a non-income earning family member can help share the load.

It is important to remember that everyone has unique strengths and contributions beyond money.  Consider the following strategies to ensure your family’s happiness and financial well-being.

  1. Open Communication and Shared Responsibility
    The foundation of any successful financial journey begins with open and honest communication within the family. Create a safe space where everyone can express their concerns, challenges, and limitations when contributing financially. Encourage family members to share their ideas and perspectives on budgeting, spending, and saving. By involving everyone in the decision-making process, you can foster a sense of shared responsibility and ensure everyone feels heard and valued.
  2. Assess and Prioritise Expenses
    Sit down as a family and evaluate your expenses to identify areas where you can cut back or make adjustments. Make a list of essential expenses like housing, utilities, food, and healthcare, and discuss ways to optimise these costs without compromising the quality of your life. Encourage family members to contribute ideas and find creative solutions to reduce expenses collectively. By prioritising expenses and finding ways to save, you can alleviate some of the financial burdens and create a healthier economic environment.
  3. Empathy and Understanding
    When a family member is unable to contribute to the household expenses, everyone must approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Financial difficulties can be emotionally challenging and may cause stress and guilt for the individual facing them. Foster an environment of support and compassion, reassuring the person that their contribution is not solely monetary. Try to emphasise that family’s well-being is a collective effort.
  4. Education and Financial Literacy
    Financial literacy is an essential life skill that benefits individuals of all ages. Encourage family members, including children, to learn about personal finance and budgeting. Teach them the importance of saving, responsible spending, and managing debt.

Consider organising regular family meetings to discuss how well or poorly you are managing, and if there are any further ideas on how to stick to the spending plan.

If your financial challenges are overwhelming and difficult to navigate alone, consider seeking specialised support. Reach out to LifeAssist, for telephonic financial coaching and personalised financial strategies – at no cost to you or your family.

2023-05-31T12:13:03+00:00

Improve your relationship with Money… here’s how

Did you know: your relationship with money could be the root of your money problems? You could be your own worst enemy. Our self-esteem, friends, upbringing by our parents, and more influence our feelings, attitudes, and, ultimately, relationship with money. Sometimes it’s positive, but sometimes it’s not.

Having a healthy relationship with your money means understanding how money and spending work for you. It means you learn from these insights and apply better ways to think, feel and act when making financial decisions. Here are some ways to improve your relationship with money:

Know your Weak Spots

Are you an emotional spender? It can be helpful to know what feelings drive you to hit the shops. For example, if you have an argument with your family, you may feel better if you buy yourself something nice. Be aware of these triggers and replace them with healthier behaviour other than shopping.

Value Yourself

Sometimes we spend on things we can’t afford to impress other people. It makes us feel better about ourselves in the short term, but in the end, we feel worse because we overspent. Tell yourself you are worth more than the type of clothes you wear or the things you possess. Valuing yourself as a person will make you feel strong and empowered to stick to your spending plan.

Ditch the Denial

Sometimes it’s easier to deny a problem than to face it up front. But long-term denial can make us feel ashamed and stressed as our financial situation worsens. It’s better to face the truth and tackle your financial problems head-on. Taking responsibility for the problem is the first step toward a solution.

Have a Good Money Attitude

A positive money mindset is worth a lot. Maybe you’re thankful for a job that provides you with an income. Being grateful for what you already have could help you to buy less stuff to make you happy.  Let go of regret about financial decisions in the past. Learn from your mistakes and focus on a better future.

Stop trying to Keep Up

Comparison is toxic. Maybe you have spendy friends and feel pressured to fit in by spending more than you can afford. Maybe your neighbours love showing off flashy purchases, and you feel left out. Avoid resentful thoughts like “It isn’t fair!” or “It must be nice.” Surround yourself with friends who generally share your financial outlook and values. Remind yourself to focus on yourself and stick to your spending plan.

Be Kind to Yourself

It’s okay if you don’t change things overnight. Good money habits can take years to build. Have grace with yourself if you make mistakes. Continue to take small steps every day toward financial freedom

Call LifeAssist to speak to a financial coach to further improve your relationship with money.

2023-05-01T10:30:48+00:00

Financial Stress

Financial stress can be a heavy burden to bear, and it almost always spills over into your relationships, emotional wellbeing and physical health. The most important thing is to do something to change it! And NOW!

You can take steps to uplift yourself and improve your financial situation. Consider some of these tips:

  1. Face your finances head-on: The first step is to take a clear and honest look at your finances. Gather all your financial documents and make a list of your income, expenses, debts, and assets. This will give you a clear picture of your financial situation and help you identify areas that need improvement.
  2. Create a budget: It is a powerful tool that can help you take control of your finances. Start by identifying your monthly income and fixed expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and insurance. Then, allocate a portion of your income to variable expenses, such as groceries, entertainment, and transportation. Finally, set aside some money for savings and debt repayment.
  3. Prioritise your debts: If you have multiple debts, trying to pay them all off at once can be overwhelming. Instead, prioritise your debts based on interest rates and minimum payments. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first while making minimum payments on other debts.
  4. Look for ways to reduce expenses: Look for ways to cut back on non-essential expenses, such as dining out, DSTV, and subscriptions. Shop around for better deals on services like your phone or internet.
  5. Increase your income: Find opportunities to earn extra money, such as a part-time job, freelance work, or selling items you no longer need. You can also consider asking for a raise at your current job or starting a side hustle.
  6. Practice self-care: It’s essential to take care of yourself during times of financial stress. Practical activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Remember that your financial situation does not define you, and with time and effort, you can uplift yourself and achieve financial stability.
  7. Seek professional help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. They can assist you with their extensive professional knowledge of all things financial and even help you with debt review if necessary. Don’t feel alone!

Contact LifeAssist, and a financial coach or credit counsellor can provide guidance and help you create a plan to improve your financial situation. The service is available to you and your family at no cost to you.

2023-03-27T13:41:57+00:00
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