2021 is the best time to become savvy with your money. We learnt the hard financial lessons last year and now it is time to use those lessons to build a better financial future.

Step 1 of becoming money savvy is to get clear on where you are now. This requires you to be honest with yourself. This exercise may bring up different emotions and that is okay. It is important that you feel those emotions and ask yourself why. For many people looking at their finances brings up negative emotions and can leave them feeling guilty, regretful and frustrated. Do not let this deter you. Take the time to recognize how you are feeling. This is an important step in your money journey.

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Managing your money is a skill that you can learn. Even if you think you know enough, there is always something new to learn about growing your wealth.

The world has been thrown off its centre due to Covid-19 and the implications thereof. Our country is in a state of emergency and lockdown has resulted in jobs being lost, salaries being cut, personal finances being destroyed and an economy that is damaged. However, despite these circumstances we still have to find a way to manage our finances, take care of our families and ourselves and move forward.

Looking back to January this year, what do you wish you had done differently? For many people it comes down to finances. They wish they had saved more, built an emergency fund or possibly invested in a mask or hand sanitizer manufacturing company. I guess that is how we will always feel as human beings. We will always look back and wish we had known better and done better. Or could we do things differently?

Did you know that 70% of income earning South African’s are in debt? And with the arrival of the Coronavirus and downfall of our economy, what then about the financial freedom of our children?

Poor financial decisions can have a long-lasting impact on individuals, their families and society. The causes of the recent financial crisis are complex, but the lack of financial literacy is certainly one of the aggravating factors leading to ill-informed decisions on home loans and credit purchases. Low levels of financial literacy have also been associated with a lower standard of living, decreased psychological and physical well-being and greater reliance on government support.

Everyone’s life is different, but many have still been impacted in similar ways because of the impact of COVID-19. 2020 was a mean teacher but the lessons were clear. In some way or another, you and your family have probably been impacted by a job loss or reduction in income. 2021 is promising a bit of the same and the potential for more job losses, pay cuts and reduction in income is prominent. I join you is shouting “this sucks!”

However, you do not have to let this situation define you. This is an opportunity to learn A LOT and as we know learning life lessons are not always pretty or easy. It is also an opportunity to become money savvy and build a financial life that is more secure for you and your loved ones. One that leaves you breathing a sigh of relief and feeling more secure and certain for the future instead of feeling run down, stressed out or worrisome.