THE IMPORTANCE OF SAVINGS

Become a successful saver, and start your journey to financial freedom today

- SISANDILE CIKIDO

MARCH AND April are very special months for South Africans. They included the commemoration of two days that were very important milestones on our country's journey to democracy and liberation.

However, Human Rights Day and Freedom Day are also important reminders for most South Africans that we are still on another very important journey to financial freedom, which is one of the often-overlooked human rights.

Of course, while the government can create an environment for us to achieve such financial freedom, it's up to each of us to undertake the journey ourselves-and one of the best ways to start that journey is a commitment to saving. Unfortunately, South Africans still struggle to develop a savings habit, but this need not be the case.

When you ask people in our country why they don't save, the most common response is that they don't have the money to do so, especially during these tough economic times. However it is possible for most of us to save, and you don't need to have lots of money to do it; just a real desire to change your future.

Here are four (not so secret) secrets to becoming a successful saver.

1. Know your 'why'