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Keep your finances in order

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Consumers are advised to tighten their savings belt and ensure that their finances are in order. This is advice from Ester Ochse, FNB Advisory Product Specialist, after the announcement of the recent Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement.

The 2017 Mid-Term Budget projected that “the weaker growth outlook reflects a continued deterioration in business and consumer confidence”. The Ministry also said this flows from perceptions of heightened risk as indicated in lower credit ratings, higher bond yields and sluggish investment.”

Ochse unpacks the fundamentals of the Mid-Term Budget Policy which will affect consumers in the next few months:

  1. Income Tax: Looking ahead, consumers need to put themselves in a better financial position because in the quest to boost revenue, the Government could explore increasing income tax, which will impact disposal income.
  2. Investments: Continue investing in your ‘investment’ goals. Speak to your financial advisor before chopping and changing your investments. A knee-jerk reaction to short-term factors could negatively impact any progress you may have made and ultimately, your long-term financial future.
  3. Growth: South Africa’s growth forecast has been revised down and even though it is better than the previous year, it’s unlikely to positively impact employment. Consumers need to also to tap into their entrepreneurial skills for other sources of income.
  4. Debt management: Ensure that you manage your debt and live within your means. Direct extra funds towards paying off debt as quickly as possible and cut out unnecessary spending which will ultimately help you save for those unexpected emergencies.

“Take stock of what your personal financial situation is on an ongoing basis. Small but consistent changes make a big difference in obtaining long term financial goals. This should be an ongoing lifestyle rule that will only benefit you and your family in the long run,” says Ochse.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.