How to enjoy the festive season without the ‘Januworry’ hangover

The festive season is a time for joy, but for many South Africans, this often results in a financial ‘hangover’ known as Januworry.

This stress stems from the long gap between an early December paycheque and the end of January, often made worse by looming back-to-school expenses.

Read: Keeping your festive spending under control

Mariné van Brakel, deputy CEO of RCS, emphasises that financial wellness isn’t about cutting out joy, but rather planning so that festive cheer doesn’t turn into a difficult January.

Setting your financial boundaries

Leslie Greyling, a financial planner at Brenthurst Wealth, suggests that overspending is often emotional rather than logical. She advises keeping your festive gift spending between 1% and 2% of your annual income to remain generous without derailing long-term goals.

Her tips:

• Start with awareness: Before buying, pause to ask if the gift is driven by love, guilt, or habit.
•  Category limits: Set a total budget and break it into categories like gifts, food, and travel.

Planning for the ‘Januworry’ gap

Denise Neethling, head of marketing at Paymenow, highlights that the increasing cost of living makes it difficult for a single paycheque to last over 30 days. She notes that 40% of consumers used credit cards for 2023 festive expenses, leading to a cycle of debt.

Her tips:

• Prioritise essentials: Factor January’s school uniforms, stationery, and fees into your December budget first.
•  Look ahead: Planning for these early helps households stay in control and avoid relying on high-interest loans.

Listen/read: Januworry for retail stocks [Jan 2025]

Smart shopping and credit tactics

To stay debt-free, experts recommend being vigilant about pricing and avoiding the temptation of retailers’ “discounts”.

Other financial tips:

• 24-hour rule: Keep large purchases on a “cooling-off list” for 24 hours to see if the impulse passes.
•  Check price history: Verify that a deal is a real discount rather than clever marketing.
• Intentional credit: If using credit, ask if you can pay it off in full when the bill arrives; otherwise, consider loading a budget onto a prepaid card to cap spending.

Sustainable and meaningful traditions

Financial freedom is about being intentional rather than stingy. Many of the most cherished holiday memories come from shared moments rather than expensive outings.

• Creative gifting: Try a family Secret Santa with a set spending cap or pool resources for one large, shared gift.
• Inexpensive memories: Opt for a picnic or a movie night at home instead of high-cost restaurant visits or pricey outings.
• Stay cyber-safe: Avoid suspicious links and unfamiliar sites, as scammers are highly active during the holiday rush.

Listen/read: Stretch your bonus: Expert tips to beat lifestyle and budget creep

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