Don’t be an over-spender these holidays

Shocking statistics predict that South Africans will pick up an average of 2kgs in body weight this festive season. Heartburn medication sales are at their highest this time of year as well. Other studies show that a big portion of consumers spend more on food during the holiday season than the entire year!

Are South Africans living in excess without regard for their health and financial security? It very well may be the case. We have the idea that the holiday season can only be celebrated if there’s an abundance and even an excess of everything that makes us feel good momentarily. Food and gifts are at the top of the list during the holiday season. 

I’m the last person to shy away from a good meal or a holiday trip, but I think it’s time that we take a look at our over-spending and over-eating. There are ways to enjoy yourself this holiday season without setting yourself up for financial ruin early next year. 

We live in a country where there is a great inequality between classes and it would be great if, instead of gorging ourselves for days and finding all kinds of ways to spend money this holiday season, we give back to the community, support and animal charity or at least curb our spending so we don’t have to make new debt at the end of December or January. 

Over-eating and frivolous spending is a big part of holiday culture around the world. We may have forgotten how to enjoy ourselves without it. Start by finding what it is you enjoy or why you’re not enjoying the simple things in life. Read 12 Common Causes and Proven Cures for Unhappiness by the motivational geniuses at Marc and Angel Hack Life. 

You might not be able to change the face of holidays, but you can make all the difference in your own life and the people closest to you. Remember that this is the time of year when businesses depend on people spending more than they can and soon the quick loan companies are smiling and consumers are the ones with the regrets. 

If you can afford to, it might be just the break you deserve to take your family to Sun City or a weekend getaway, but keep in mind that it’s usually the small expenses that amount to big problems and not the planned expenses. Looking at ways to make transport, dining and entertainment more affordable for the holiday you are planning can make all the difference to your budget.

Decorating on a budget