Avoid December spending pitfalls for a stress-free January

THE festive season is a time for joy, celebration and connection. However, for many South Africans, this joy often comes at a cost, resulting in the familiar financial "hangover" commonly known as “Januworry” – that long stretch between December’s early pay cheque and January’s normal payday, compounded by back-to-school expenses.

“Financial wellness isn’t about cutting out joy, it’s about planning so your festive cheer doesn’t turn into January stress,” says Mariné van Brakel, Deputy CEO of RCS.

“A few small steps now can make the start of 2026 feel far more manageable," said van Brakel. 

"Last year, South Africans reportedly spent nearly R88 billion in December, with around one in five consumers relying on credit to fund their festive season. Food and beverages typically account for just over a third of this spend, with South Africans admittedly eating out and travelling more frequently over the holidays.  

"Avoiding the 'Januworry' cycle starts with planning ahead and sticking to a realistic budget. Before you start spending, set a reasonable limit for gifts, entertainment and travel. And if you know you’ll have extra expenses in January, such as school uniforms or stationery, aim to factor these into your December budget first. It’s always better to allocate for what’s coming than to play catch-up later.”

Six steps that should help households stay in control of holiday spending

1. Set a spending budget and commit to it: Before shopping begins, decide what you can realistically afford for gifts, food, travel and festive events. A written spending limit prevents impulse splurges and makes you more intentional about your purchases. Involve the whole family: discuss your budget openly so everyone understands the plan and can contribute ideas for cost-friendly ways to celebrate. Even young children can learn about money by helping to choose affordable gifts or planning family activities that don’t require spending. These conversations help build financial awareness from an early age.

2. Add January’s costs into your December budget: School fees, uniforms, stationery and transport often arrive when wallets are already stretched. Planning for these early helps avoid financial stress at the start of the year.

3. Compare prices and avoid impulse buys: Keep big purchases on a 24-hour "cooling-off list". If you still want it a day later and it fits your budget, go ahead. Many impulse purchases lose their shine once the moment passes.

4. Use credit wisely: Credit should support your budget, not replace it. Structured repayments can be useful if managed well but avoid juggling multiple credit facilities. Stick to trusted credit providers for your store credit account and loans.

5. Automate small savings for a holiday buffer: Each R50 or R100 saved per week adds up. Automatic transfers or savings pockets remove the temptation to spend the extra money.

6. Check your credit health regularly: Spotting errors early helps you correct them before they affect future applications. Free tools make monitoring your profile simple. For a free credit check and personalised budgeting guidance, visit the RCS Credit Gateway athttps://rcs.creditgateway.co.za/. 

“Empowering yourself financially means knowing where you stand and taking steps to improve this,” says van Brakel.

“When you understand your credit profile and how interest works, you’re far less likely to fall into debt traps. Our goal is to give customers the tools they need to spend smartly, manage credit wisely, and to feel confident about the future.”

Van Brakel adds that December is often when scammers become more active, so consumers should also be cautious with their digital and online activity: “Avoid unfamiliar sites, don’t click on suspicious links, and treat every too-good-to-be-true deal with caution.”

Ultimately, a little planning and discipline now can help ensure that the joy of the festive season lasts well into the new year.

“Financial wellness isn’t about cutting out joy, it’s about making mindful choices that allow you to enjoy the holidays responsibly and to enter the new year without regret,” says van Brakel.

“So, this year, flip the script by taking control of your festive spending and turning Januworry into Janu-wellness." 

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