We all have a guilty spend that breaks our budget every month and as much as we try to control it we often fail and fall into debt.

The Courier spoke with twenty Dolphin Coast residents to find out their most common budget intruder.

Yugenderie Rehman from Shakaskraal said she spends a lot on make-up and she ends up not using it.

“I spent about R250 a week because almost every weekend when I go out I buy new make- up, which I hardly use. I just love the colours and cannot resist buying it,” said Rehman.

Despite her guilty habit the natural beauty likes to also go without any make-up and is often seen in town au naturel.

Titi Magwaza from Glendale said she spends too much on shoes and data bundles.

“Whenever I see nice shoes, I just go for it. I really do not budget for shoes but I always buy new ones,” said Magwaza.

Unsurprisingly North Coast Courier sales rep and foodie David Hoehler said eating out with his family is his guilty spend.

“There are so many great restaurants with amazing food that needs to be sampled. I consider it research.

“I go out once or twice a month and it costs me between R400 and R800,” said Hoehler.

Ilembe district municipality speaker Lucky Makhathini said he enjoys the imported Mexican beer Corona but that he knows it is costing him too much.

“When it hot and when I am not busy with my council duties, I usually buy a six or 12 pack, which is quite costly as I never budget for it,” said Makhathini.

A Carona six pack costs around R144.

KwaDukuza lifeguard supervisor Bongani Xulu said he can never budget for a beer and biltong.

“Almost every weekend when I am off-duty I go for these two things and I seriously cannot tell you how much I spend on them. So clearly I fail to budget for it,” said Xulu.

Xulu advised the public to never combine alcohol and water: “Don’t drink and swim.”

Overall the guys seem to be really struggling to budget for fun activities because out of the ten we spoke with, only two said they keep money aside to go out with friends or girlfriends.

As for women clothes, food and make-up are the source of their trouble (no surprises there).

Budgeting hacks

Six ways to avoid unnecessary spending:

1. You need to limit the amount of cash you carry, this will help you from quick and unplanned spending, in addition to forcing you to avoid those cash-only convenience stores that sell nothing but treats.
2. Make a list before going shopping and stick to it!
3. Keep your credits cards at home. By keeping the cards out of your wallet, you limit yourself to what’s on your debit card and any cash you may have. Remove your card from online Accounts. This will help to avoid the temptation of impulse spending.
4. Tell people that you’re saving. This will help become accountable for your actions and friends and family can be very supportive or even join you in your budgeting efforts.
5. Look for cheaper alternatives. Instead of buying a new book, check out a couple of books at the library, or concoct a project of some sort to avoid downtime where you may want to treat yourself for no justifiable reason.
6. Avoid too much time with high spending friends. Be aware of the peer pressure such associations can have on you. Either spend little time with different circles, or create situations where money is not applicable (like a movie night, potluck dinner, or hiking adventure). Or even letting these friends know you’re on a budget can help set the right expectations. Real friends won’t judge you!

(Source: Saveup)

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