B
General
Budget
Your money plan. Write down what comes in (salary), what goes out (rent, food, debt, taxes), and what you've got left. Do it monthly. A solid budget stops you burning through cash on stuff you don't need and makes sure you can cover your loan payments.
Usage Examples
"Sipho makes R18,000 a month from his Shoprite job. He budgets: R6,000 rent, R3,000 food, R2,500 transport, R2,000 loan payment, R1,500 insurance, R1,000 phone and electricity, and keeps R2,000 for emergencies and fun. Everything's accounted for."
"Nomsa used the 50/30/20 rule — 50% on necessities, 30% on wants, 20% savings. Her R15,000 salary breaks down: R7,500 needs (rent, food, debt), R4,500 wants (Takealot, braais), R3,000 savings. Now she knows she's sorted."
"Thandi made a budget and realised she was spending R800 a month at Checkers on stuff she didn't need. Cut that, and suddenly she could afford the extra payment toward her car loan. Done in 3 years instead of 5."