How ordinary South Africans budget for December in November

Published on 24th October, 2025 at 06:10 pm

It’s November, and the festive season is just around the corner. You haven’t started planning, and you’re wondering how you’re going to meet all your financial commitments. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Reading time: 5 minutes

In this article, you’ll learn:

• How to approach festive budgeting late in the year.
• Common pitfalls and things to avoid.
• Ideas to save money leading up to December.

While the festive season is synonymous with celebration, the reality is that just about everyone out there struggles to stretch their rands all the way through December. So, we’ve asked ordinary South Africans who haven’t started preparing how they’re preparing for December.

Start with your ‘why’

Reagan Carelse, a 31-year-old banker, knows a thing or two about money matters, so we asked him to weigh in on where we should start. For him, it’s about determining your goals first and foremost.

“You need to outline your actual goal for December,” he explains. “Is it relaxation, travel, or simply not overspending so that January feels easier? Once that’s clear, you’ll have a goal, and you can set timelines and structure your saving regime accordingly.”

Carelse also highlights that annual bonuses and ‘13th cheques’ are not a reality for all South Africans, so he suggests revisiting your entire financial ecosystem, from savings strategies to recurring expenses, and operating on a lean budget for two months. “It’s tough, but there is value in delayed gratification.”

Carelse’s approach: Set a clear December goal and reverse-engineer your budget to meet it. This gives your saving strategy purpose and direction.

Avoid the credit trap

Thirty-four-year-old social media manager Walter Botha knows how tempting November can be, especially with Black Friday deals and new tech releases. “I try hard to stay away from all the noise. The new iPhone is so, so tempting…” he says. “But during November, I avoid credit like the plague. It makes ‘Januworry’ feel so much worse, and it’s also not a great way to start the new year.”

Botha’s approach: For Botha, it’s about searching for small ways to cut back on certain expenses and looking for high-quality moments that don’t break the bank.

Avoid using credit for festive spending. It’s better to enjoy a modest December than start January in debt.

Cut the fluff, not the joy

Janine Malcolm, a 40-year-old primary school teacher and mother of two, says her budgeting starts with cutting out the non-essentials, and that includes online shopping sprees and indulgent groceries.

“What that looks like is more pasta and less meat, for instance, or cutting back on Friday night takeaways for a little while,” explains Malcolm. But for her, it’s important to revisit the meaning of the festive season.
“For us, December can be a beautiful time without costing a lot of money: museums, open gardens are all great choices. My priorities are simple: quality time with loved ones and making the most of the break.”

Malcolm’s approach: Replace costly habits with low-cost experiences that still bring joy. It’s the memories that matter the most.

Cut the sneaky expenses

Graphic designer Samantha Buhle faces a unique challenge as a freelancer: unpredictable income. Her quick-win strategy is to revisit and review debit orders.

“Those small R100 or R200 subscriptions really do add up,” she says. “I’d rather go without Netflix and a few other paid subscriptions in November so that I can go to a few more outings in December.” Additionally, she suggests that if you’re able to get a side hustle going, like carpooling, just for a month, it can really help build your funds for the festive season.

Buhle’s approach: Audit your debit orders and cancel what you don’t need; it’s one of the fastest ways to free up cash.

Honesty goes a long way

Malcolm and Buhle have something in common when it comes to financially planning for December: it’s being open and honest with those around you to lessen pressure and talk about your budget.

“I love hosting people, but I’m clear that it’s a bring-and-braai,” says Malcolm. Buhle agrees and suggests, “Just speak up about your real-life situation. You’d be surprised how many people are in the same boat as you. Share a bottle of wine instead of individual cocktails. When buying gifts, go halvsies with friends or siblings. There are so many ways to bring down costs.”

Malcom and Buhle’s approach: Be honest about your budget with friends and family. This helps set expectations and encourages shared solutions.

Read more about how South Africans budget their R25 000 salary.

For help with your finances and financial decision-making, contact a certified financial planner. Sanlam Life is a licensed life insurer, financial services provider and registered credit provider (NCRCP43). The Sanlam Money Saver credit card and Wealth Bonus Lifestyle benefits are products of the Sanlam Reality programme, which is offered by Real Futures (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Sanlam Ltd. the licensed controlling company of the Sanlam Limited Insurance Group. www.sanlamonline.co.za