PROMOTION
HOW TO SEE YOUR
a dream holiday,
this time to create one
SLASH YOUR MONTHLY
based on your specific
financial goals).
Electricity is the most
FINANCES THROUGH
early retirement, or
starting your own
THE WINTER:
business.
Cut out images
from magazines
or make a Pinterest
board and print
it out. Place this
obvious one, so allow
for that, perhaps seeing
where you can reduce
TIP 1
Focus on your goals
What are you saving
for? What is your
costs in other areas
such as entertainment
"This can be a positive opportunity for the
family to come together and brainstorm
ways to keep costs low," says Elize Botha,
Managing Director of Old Mutual Unit Trusts.
vision board
and going out, to
financial vision?
somewhere you'll
see it every day,
such as in your
kitchen or
compensate.
"If you don't know,
speak to a financial
adviser who can
TIP 3
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:
help you get clear on
financial goals that align
with your desires for
your life," says Botha.
If you are already
clear on what you want,
keeping these goals top
of mind can help curb
bedroom, or you
Reduce electricity
• Turn off lights whenever you leave a room.
• Wear an extra layer of warm clothing.
• Use energy-saving cooking devices or just
make sure to use the correct pots and pans
could take
Commit and
a photo of it and
make that the
follow through
"In the same way that
wallpaper for
your computer
or smartphone."
regular exercise - even
on cold and rainy days
- is key to getting your
summer body ready,
so too is regularly
(a large pan takes more energy to heat).
• Cook extra to heat-and-eat the next day.
• Use a hot-water bottle to warm your bed
unnecessary spending.
That way, it's a much
easier decision to put
TIP 2
instead of an electric blanket.
exercising your restraint
muscles when it comes
• Take short showers instead of baths (this
Do a seasonal
that designer item
(which you don't really
need) back on the shelf
to online purchases or
also reduces your water bill).
budget makeover
Review your budget
in light of possible
seasonal changes
to your lifestyle
all those big SALE
signs," cautions Botha.
Even the best
Plan before you shop
This applies to everything you buy.
• Draw up a meal plan for the week,
because you know
what you're investing
towards. It's easy to
forget your goals when
you're in the grips of
a "lust purchase" or
you're forgetting to turn
off lights and heaters.
intentions will not
which will result in less waste.
prevent your budget
from getting flabby if
you don't back them
up with action. So,
next time you find
yourself indulging in
a little retail therapy,
take a look at your
• Make a list of only what you need before
shopping and stick to it.
• Assess what additional items of clothing
are absolutely necessary so you won't be
tempted to buy anything you don't need.
and finances.
"To accommodate
some of the expenses
associated with winter,
you may need to cut
down in other areas,"
Shop smarter for groceries
• Buy unpackaged, seasonal fruit and veg
"One way to keep
your vision in focus
is to indulge your
creative streak by
making
a vision board,"
says Botha.
"Include pictures of
everything you
hope to accomplish
with your money,
whether it's paying
off your bond,
says Botha. "Don't let
this upset you. This kind
of financial discipline
is key to achieving
success in building your
long-term wealth."
Make some time
vision board and remind
yourself that foregoing
as well as no-name or "house brand"
little luxuries now will
bring you that much
closer to achieving your
long-term goals.
"Once you have
reviewed your plans
and decided on the way
products from your supermarket. These
are usually cheaper without compromising
on quality.
• Stock up on essentials if they are on sale.
• Instead of buying ready-made meals,
cook from scratch to cut costs.
to go through your
existing budget,
adjusting for any likely
cost increases during
winter (and if you don't
have a budget, use
forward, make every
Visit oldmutualinvest.com/individual
effort to commit and
to start investing today.
stick to the plan."
PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE OLD MUTUAL TEAM
88 | Fresh Living - Winter 2021
pnpfreshliving.com
WRITTEN BY SILKE COLQUHOUN