I know exactly what it’s like to see that Sassa grant money hit your account.
After scraping by, it feels like a huge relief. Maybe there’s a little voice inside you saying,
“Finally! I can get the kids those new uniforms and still grab a takeout meal for myself.”
That’s how I felt too.
But trust me, I’ve learned the hard way – there are things that seem affordable or even necessary at the moment but will just set you back in the long run.
Those rands you spend on non-essentials are rands you don’t have for the really important things – healthy food, a safe place to live, and a future for your kids.
I’m here to tell you why they’re right, and how to break those tempting spending habits.
1. Alcohol and Cigarettes
It might feel like a way to unwind after a tough week, but alcohol and cigarettes are a major drain on your Sassa funds.
Not only are they bad for your health, but they become an expensive habit that robs you of money needed for real necessities.
Every rand spent on these things is a rand you can’t use for healthy food, school supplies, or paying important bills.
2. Take-away and Fast Food
Sure, takeout is quick and easy when you’re tired. But, consistently making this a habit is costly and unhealthy.
Fast food is loaded with unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar, leading to health problems down the line.
Plus, what seems like a cheap meal actually adds up. If you spent R50 on takeout twice a week, that’s R400 a month!
Imagine what you could do with that money if you cook simple, nourishing meals at home.
3. Expensive Electronics
A shiny new phone or a big TV might seem tempting, but these are luxury items, not necessities.
Getting into debt or spending most of your Sassa grant on fancy gadgets leaves you short for the rest of the month.
What happens when the fridge breaks down, or your child needs new school shoes?
Focus on using your grant for the essentials first, then if there’s a little extra, you can save up for those special treats.
4. Gambling
The idea of hitting the jackpot and having all your money problems disappear is tempting, we get it.
But lotteries, betting on sports, scratchcards – those are designed to make money for the companies running them, not for you.
Those few rands you spend add up. The chances of winning big are incredibly slim.
Plus, gambling can become addictive, causing serious damage to your finances and your relationships.
Need support? You’re not alone. Organizations like the National Gambling Board (https://www.ngb.org.za/) can offer support if you’re struggling with gambling addiction.
5. Luxury Items
It’s understandable to want nice things – fancy clothes, designer bags, the latest gadgets.
However, these are wants, not needs. Imagine your child needs essential medicine, but you spent your grant on a new pair of expensive sneakers. It’s about priorities.
A luxury item might give you a temporary good feeling, but it won’t help you build a stable, secure life for yourself and your family.
6. Expensive Entertainment
Nights out at fancy clubs, concert tickets, or pricey day trips are fun, but they eat up your money fast.
Instead of blowing a big chunk of your Sassa grant on one night, find ways to have fun that are cheaper or even free.
Cook a special meal and watch a movie at home with the kids.
Take a walk in the park, visit a local museum on a free admission day, or organize a game night with friends where everyone brings a snack.
7. Unnecessary Credit Purchases
Buying things on credit, especially from stores that charge high interest, can lead to a serious debt spiral.
It seems easy: a small monthly payment and the thing is yours!
But before you know it, you’re paying way more than the original price because of interest. Save yourself the headache and heartache.
If you can’t afford to pay cash for something, it means you really can’t afford it at all.
8. Expensive Vacations
While a break sounds amazing, an extravagant getaway is a poor choice when you’re relying on your SASSA grant.
Explore low-cost, local options for relaxing and spending quality time with family and friends.
A day trip or a weekend at a nearby campsite offers fun without breaking the bank.
9. Extravagant Gifts for Family and Friends
It’s natural to want to show the people you love that you care, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to do it.
Overspending on birthdays, holidays, or “just because” can leave you without enough money for your own basic needs.
Your loved ones would rather see you healthy, housed, and fed than get an expensive gift that put you in a difficult position.
Get creative – make a heartfelt card, offer to help out with a chore, or spend quality time together.
10. Unnecessary Subscriptions
So many streaming services, online games, and monthly subscription boxes – it all adds up fast!
Before you sign up for another one, take a hard look at your budget.
Do you really need five different streaming platforms? Choose one or two you use the most and cut the rest.
It might feel tough at first, but you’ll likely find you were paying for more entertainment than you were actually using!