Tips to stretch your December salary

By Bongiwe Zwane-Maseko

With just a short while left before Christmas, the festive spirit is already in the air. Most people are looking forward to a break in December to rest and recharge their batteries.

The festive season is also a time when spending increases and shopping is top of the mind. Economists say around this time of the year, people spend the bulk of their earnings on groceries, clothing, transport, and entertainment.

In South Africa, consumer patterns indicate that people spend about 50 per cent of their December salaries on food and alcoholic beverages! There are no local statistics to compare but Eswatini spending patterns are likely similar. Despite the festive season being short, it leaves many people broke and in debt by the beginning of January.

A Consumer Science lecturer said even people who are usually very vigilant about their spending usually throw caution to the wind in December because they feel they deserve to be rewarded for working hard throughout the year. She shares some tips to manage your money: Read More