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Take charge of your money

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Tag: emergency fund

We hear about having an emergency fund all the time, but do we really need one? And how much is enough?

Read through my collection of posts on why you need an emergency fund, where to save your emergency fund, and how to actually start saving for an emergency fund when you’re on a tight budget.

The bottom line however is that “real life” happens and you just don’t know what challenges will come your way. From medical emergencies, car breakdowns or even bugger events like unemployment.

How long can you survive without your regular income? 6 months? 3 months? 1 month or even less?

Now that’s the question to ask when thinking about whether or not you need an emergency fund.

Funeral cover

Do you need funeral cover?

by Brendan9 November 20212 May 20222 Comments

Funeral cover is big business in South Africa! For many, funeral cover is deemed absolutely essential and some folk even take out multiple policies. But do we all need funeral cover? Is there a better way to do things, or…

Read More Do you need funeral cover?

Insurance emergency fund
Pet insurance South Africa

Choosing the right pet insurance

by Brendan25 August 202113 February 2023Leave a comment

It might seem strange to be reading about finding the best pet medical aid on a personal finance blog; but have you ever considered the financial stress of a medical emergency for your pet? Even just “normal” visits to the vet can be…

Read More Choosing the right pet insurance

Insurance emergency fund, insurance
What is a buffer fund

What is a buffer fund?

by Brendan25 May 202124 November 20228 Comments

There are many Personal Finance terms and this is not really one of them. In fact, I think maybe it's just me who uses this. LOL. Or maybe others call it by different names. But let's take a look at…

Read More What is a buffer fund?

Budgeting emergency fund
How to pay less tax in South Africa

How to pay less tax in South Africa

by Brendan31 January 202117 August 20212 Comments

It can be depressing when looking at the amount of tax we pay each month. More so when you consider that any extra money you make, through hard work and dedication, will also be taxed. You're not alone when wondering…

Read More How to pay less tax in South Africa

Smart Choices emergency fund, save, tax
Money management tips

Money management tips for 2021

by Brendan11 January 202120 September 2021Leave a comment

We've all had a somewhat challenging year and I thought to start the new year with some basic money management tips. Some may be things that you already do, and some hopefully are new to you, or they spark ideas…

Read More Money management tips for 2021

Financial Habits Budget, emergency fund, insurance, plan
Saving for emergency fund

Saving for emergency fund

by Journey Man19 November 202019 November 20201 Comment

Given the vast amounts of information already out there, you may be asking if we really need another article on saving for an emergency fund. I worked out this week that when life happens, and the nonsense hits that fan,…

Read More Saving for emergency fund

Financial Habits, Late Starter emergency fund
Knowledge vs Doing

Knowing vs Doing

by Journey Man8 November 20208 November 2020Leave a comment

I was listening to someone this week, talking about knowing vs doing. Talking about living life the way we should, and he mentioned ‘Passion’. He said that we need to live our lives purposefully, with passion. I know exactly what…

Read More Knowing vs Doing

Financial Habits, Late Starter Budget, emergency fund
How to manage your finances during a crisis

Tips to manage your finances during a crisis

by Brendan2 June 20204 June 20201 Comment

There's a lot happening now that is beyond our control and for which we could never really have planned for. It's a challenging time for many and everyone's circumstances are different. How you manage your finances during a crisis like…

Read More Tips to manage your finances during a crisis

Financial Habits crisis, emergency fund, plan
Pet insurance

Pet insurance

by Brendan22 April 202022 April 2020Leave a comment

A slight deviation from the usual personal finance posts, here's one on pet insurance and why you should consider it. Yes, pet insurance. That's medical aid for your dog and cat. If that sounds silly then you probably don't realise…

Read More Pet insurance

Insurance emergency fund, medical expenses, pets
Taking look at your debt situation

A good reason NOT to pay off your debt

by Brendan23 February 202023 February 20201 Comment

It could be contentious, but it's probably more important to set up an emergency fund than pay off outstanding debt. A reason not to pay off your debt.

Financial Health, Pay off debt cashflow, emergency fund, spending plan
Protect your emergency fund

Where to save your emergency fund

by Brendan22 February 20203 October 20202 Comments

Consider these fundementals when deciding where to save your emergency fund. Also see some of the misconceptions about using your home loan for this purpose

Financial Health emergency fund, money market, protect, unit trust
How to build an Emergency Fund

How to build an Emergency Fund

by Brendan19 January 20203 April 20207 Comments

When it rains, and you want to be the person who brought an umbrella... see why and how to build an emergency fund to save you when "life happens"

Financial Habits, Save Money Budget, emergency fund

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