I should have talked about this a week or so ago – if you are thinking about changing plans on your medical aid. If you are, and haven’t let them know, you should still be able to get in your request on Monday, that being the 1st. Most schemes want a month’s notice, especially if you’re move ‘down’ a plan level: paying them less. They don’t seem to mind moving up at any stage of the year: paying them more!
If you are thinking of changing your plan level, go to your medical aid’s website and download the 2026 plans and contributions to compare and choose. Learn to understand the benefits you get on your scheme, line by line. Consider not having a savings account unless you get a few additional risk benefits that come with it, or you need the cash management help.
Black Friday. I think that is today. Although it has become days and weeks rather than a day. Remember, you don’t save by spending. You save by not spending. Stay home and you won’t spend what you don’t need to spend. Although you can shop from home so that point of mine is a bit irrelevant…. The banks are the big winners. Because most people are shopping with money they don’t have.
If you really needed something, and you were going to spend anyway, then the way to save is to pay the amount that you have not spent, i.e. the difference, into your bond or a savings space. Now you have spent and saved.
I have also seen quite a few warnings about scams catching you out during these specials. Be careful of emails and SMS’s and phone calls offering you things.