WITH the festive season behind us, many people are focused on a reset. Yet outdated insurance policies, duplicated cover and creeping subscriptions can create a silent drag on finances.

As inflation moves toward a lower 3% target, the biggest opportunity for financial growth in 2026 may come not from earning more, but from managing better.

“South Africans are quick to declutter their homes and diets at the start of the year, but often ignore the financial clutter that quietly drains their energy and their bank accounts,” said Ralene Grobler, Financial Adviser at Momentum Financial Planning.

Step 1: Audit the silent drains

• The task: Print your last three months of bank statements and highlight every recurring debit.

• The detox: Cancel any service you have not used in the past 30 days. You can always resubscribe later.

Step 2: Trim the overlap

• The task: List every insurance and medical aid product you pay for.

• The detox: Identify duplications. Never cancel a policy before consulting a professional, as your insurability may have changed.

Step 3: Confront the debt hangover

• The task: List all debts from highest interest rate to lowest.

• The detox: Prioritise repaying the most expensive debt first. Even a small additional monthly payment can reduce repayment time.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here