We have to make plans all the time. Maybe there is a taxi strike, so you must make an alternative plan to get to university or work, alternatively or your want to save for a special goal.

But very often we neglect to plan how to use our money wisely. If you receive an income, whether that is through a salary, a social grant or a stipend, or a combination of these, then you should have a plan for how to spend it.

Saving is something we hear a lot about. We all know we should be saving for our financial goals such as: emergencies, buying a home or a car and retirement but often getting started is difficult. 

Credit refers to an agreement to buy goods or services with the express promise to pay for it later, with interest. You may have lent someone something and had the unfortunate experience of the item being returned in a poor condition, late or never returned at all. Not returning goods on time or returning them in a worn state, is like borrowing money and either not making the repayments on time or not paying the interest on time.

Interest is the extra money the lender charges you to borrow money from them. If you borrow money, you pay interest BUT if you save or invest the money, you earn interest.

In South Africa, we have consumer protection laws which means that you have rights and there are ways to exercise these rights.

Having a poor experience with a financial institution or person can be overwhelming and you may not know where to turn. Knowing what to do and who to talk to can relieve some of this stress.

Can't quite make ends meet when dealing with your debt? Learn how to restructure your debt.

Debt can be a hard thing to tackle on your own. Learn more about debt counselling and see how professionals can help you clear the way.