Ensure that You Don't Find Yourself in Financial Difficulty!
Draw up a budget allowing for all monthly costs. A common mistake is to calculate what your maximum affordability limit is without making provision for other monthly costs, unforeseen expenses and future rises in the Interest Rate.
Make Your Money Go Further.
Budget, and stick to it.
Be aware of spending impulsively. Do not carry too much cash, but also keep a 'healthy balance', because bank charges and service fees on ATM usage and cheques can eat into your pocket.
Avoid buying on account. You save money by saving on interest.
Try to save. Even if it is as little as 1% of your salary each month.
If you have a bond which allows you access to surplus money, use it as a vehicle for saving. You will be pleasantly surprised how quickly you can pay off your bond if you do not touch these savings.
Be especially conscious to conserve water and electricity and other general running costs.
Try to pay accounts in advance. You will benefit from interest earned instead of interest accrued.
Be very disciplined with credit card spending to avoid high interest rate charges.
