According to a study conducted by CNBC Africa, South Africans spend 80% of their monthly income within five days of pay day, while 73% goes into servicing debt, leaving only 23% for living expenses like, food, data and transport. This leaves many South African’s stressed and often despondent, wondering how they’ll make their cash stretch. But at bsmart, we may have a solution for you: the 30-Day Smart Spend Challenge.

What are you waiting for? Put your budgeting skills to the test! The 30-Day Smart Spend Challenge helps you to keep track of your expenses, develop some healthy financial practices and find out just how much you can save without compromising on life's little joys. Best of all? The bsmart card means spending can work for you, earning you cashback on everyday purchases. Let's get going!

How the smart spending challenge works

In the 30 days ahead, the mission is to take control of your finances and make intentional decisions about where and how you spend your money. Below are a few tips for maximising savings and improving your money management:

Week 1: Track your spending

Before you can cut unnecessary expenses, you need to know where your money is going.

• Keep a daily log of every rand you spend.
• Understand your pattern of spending. Where do most of your expenses go?
• Use a budgeting app or a simple notebook to put your spending into categories.

Week 2: Cut unnecessary expenses

So, you've identified all the expenses; now it's time to weed out the unnecessary.

• Replace some costlier takeout and fast foods with homemade meals.
• Reduce impulse purchases by waiting 24 hours after having found something you wish to buy.
• Shop within participating retailers to earn cashback on purchases by using your bsmart card. Over 12,000 stores across South Africa accept the bsmart card which means you have over 12,000 locations to save and earn a cashback! Swipe your bsmart card at TFG stores when shopping for clothing, Woolworths and Shoprite when shopping for groceries, as well as Clicks and Dis-Chem when shopping for toiletries and home essentials.

Challenge yourself: Try a “no-spend” day each week to boost your savings even more!

Week 3: Smart shopping and budgeting hacks

This is where you start getting creative with your spending.

• Compare prices before making purchases - small savings can quickly add up.
• Use loyalty programs, like Pick ‘n Pay’s SmartShopper card and Checkers’ Xtra Savings Rewards card, and discount deals to your advantage. When you use these in conjunction with your bsmart card you are getting the best price by far.
• Plan your grocery shopping with a list to avoid unnecessary buys. Additional grocery stores on the bsmart retailer network are OK Foods and select Spar stores.

Bonus savings: If you don’t already have one, apply for a bsmart card and start earning cashback on your daily expenses!

Week 4: Review and reward yourself

You’ve made it to the final stretch! Now, let’s see the results.

• Calculate how much you’ve saved compared to your usual spending.
• Set a future goal: Will you put your savings toward an emergency fund, a holiday, or something else meaningful?

Celebrate your wins: If you saved R500, treat yourself to a small reward - something that won’t undo all your hard work!

Ready to take the challenge?

Smart spending doesn't mean giving up those things you love; it means putting your money to work for you! Try the 30-Day Smart Spend Challenge and find out just how much you can save!

Want to supercharge your savings? Use your bsmart card to earn cashback on your purchases or apply today and start working towards real rewards!

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