How's Your Money?

Hello there. Molweni. Molweni😊!

It’s the last week of the month, and for many there’s a bounce in their step, it’s payday week😅. On social media, you can count on the running jokes: professionals polishing their bank cards, ready to swipe; money flowing in only to flow right back out; and friends suddenly eager to borrow from those who’ve just been paid. The jokes are endless, and often hilarious. But behind the laughter is a familiar theme: as working professionals, asinamali (we don’t have money).

Now, I know there are many factors that contribute to the feeling that money is never enough. Cyril's economy is certainly one of them; why is existing so expensive? Inflation, pay disparities, and other economic challenges play a huge role, and those are important conversations on their own. But this post isn’t about those bigger issues. What I want us to reflect on is how we manage the money we do have. Sure, earning more is always an option, but a better job or higher pay won’t fix the stress of “never having enough” if the root causes are uncalculated spending, lack of discipline, or living beyond our means.

Living beyond our means isn’t just about big-ticket items like designer clothes, luxury bags, or cars we can’t afford, although those certainly count. It’s also about the small, everyday expenses that quietly add up. Daily coffee runs, buying lunch instead of packing it, splurging on expensive lunch dates, routine beauty treatments (or “feminine maintenance,” as the girlies call it), or clearing shopping carts for items we realistically can’t afford; all of these can slowly erode our finances. Don’t get me wrong: these things are nice, and it’s fine to enjoy them if you can. The key is moderation and self-awareness.

Not every season of life is the same. There are periods when sacrifice is necessary to maintain financial peace. There have been times when I’ve paused “nice-to-haves” not because I didn’t care about them, but because spending on them would have disrupted my financial stability. Constantly worrying about money is exhausting, it gives me anxiety and steals my peace. That’s why, at the end of every month, my husband and I review our finances and forecast for the month ahead. This isn't always a formal sit down because life does not always allow us to do this but we definitely ensure that we check-in before going into the new month. We've reached a place where we have a good understanding of our expenses so these alignments mainly focus on deviations. In other words, what is likely to take us out of budget, what do we need to adjust and are there any concerns going into the new month. Focusing on deviations helps us focus on key issues and drives action. How often do you review your finances and what strategies have worked for you?

Financial awareness also means recognizing that not all months are the same. Obligations shift, unexpected expenses arise, and our spending needs to adapt accordingly. Sometimes this means temporarily cutting back on things we normally take for granted. Other times, it means focusing strictly on needs rather than wants. And that’s okay, it’s just a season, and seasons pass. By adjusting rather than resisting, we maintain financial peace and set ourselves up to reintroduce those “wants” when the timing is right.

Ultimately, a lack of discipline in areas we don’t truly need often causes us to be short on money for the things we actually do need. Being intentional with small choices, thinking ahead, and iterating month to month can make a huge difference in how we experience our finances.

We live in a world that values aesthetics and appearances, but I urge all of us to focus instead on how things actually are; our lived experience, our everyday reality, and ultimately, how our life feels to us. Maintaining appearances at the cost of financial peace can be detrimental to our well-being, and it’s something we should consciously steer away from. In one of my earlier blog posts, we talked about building a rich life. Stewarding your finances well is a key part of that: creating a life that feels good to you, not just one that looks good to others.

Being a good steward of your money requires responsibility and discipline, seasons of tightening and saying no (I’m still learning this myself!). It starts with managing the R10 you have before wishing for R20. Of course, genuine struggles exist, and they impact our finances, but how we steward what we do have affects our quality of life and this remains true even when we earn more.

Gaining financial wisdom matters. Identifying gaps in your money habits and finding ways to bridge them is essential. Letting go of limiting labels : I’m not good with money, I’m an emotional spender, I’m an impulsive buyer is also a crucial step in dismantling unhealthy financial cycles. These cycles may be rooted in deeper issues, yes, but now that you’re aware of them, the question becomes: what are you doing about it?

At the end of the day, being a good steward of your money isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness, intentionality, and small, consistent choices. Start by taking a clear look at your income and expenses each month; even a simple list can reveal patterns you weren’t aware of. Prioritize spending on what truly matters, and be honest about what you can’t afford right now. Practice moderation with “nice-to-haves,” and recognize that some seasons call for tighter control while others allow a little more freedom. Build habits that work for your life, like reviewing your finances regularly, pausing before making non-essential purchases, and reflecting on what choices bring you real satisfaction versus momentary pleasure. Over time, these small steps add up, not just to more money in the bank, but to a greater sense of control, peace, and confidence in your financial life.

Financial peace (or the lack of it) also shapes how we make decisions about our careers. Without financial peace, our choices are often driven solely by money, “How can I earn more?”, rather than by fulfillment, growth, or the bigger vision we have for our professional journey. This is why learning to manage our finances well isn’t just a practical skill; it’s essential for our overall well-being and the life we want to build. Most of us know what to do, we just need the discipline to actually implement what we know. Our careers, our peace of mind, and ultimately our lives depend on it.

Have an intentional and blessed week.

Lots of love,

Zizo