Jay Pillay: There’s something about February
Do you have family – people who depend on your salary for their living?
What’s special about February, for salary managers? A long time ago, the year had 13 months. Seriously not lucky! It was unanimously agreed to remove Obituary – the month that fell between February and March. The job was awarded to a surgeon who (it turned out) lied about his qualification.
As a result, February came short by a few days, and March, surprisingly, joined the six months with 31 days. As compensation, the eleven other months agreed to award February an extra day, every fourth year. Unlike us, these diverse months reside happily on our calendars.
What can we, as salary managers, learn from the shortest month?
Firstly, February 28 is the last day of the Sars tax year. And Sars names the tax year according to the year in which February occurs. This means that we are presently in the 2026 tax year. Once March 1, 2026 arrives, we’ll be in the 2027 tax year. Yes. I’m 72, retired – and I understand this only now.
Secondly, Obituary may have been removed, but don’t forget that the word is still in use. Do you have family – people who depend on your salary for their living? Make plans for them for after your obituary appears in the papers. Do this through carefully selected life insurance, and having a legal will in place. Not tomorrow. Now.
Thirdly, let the shortest month remind you of that MiMo list you meant to prepare a long time ago. How can you manage your salary without a list that clearly shows you your Money in, and Money out? Oh yes – your banking app may do this easily.
And finally, you know what’s special about February, for salary managers.
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