The year is 2025, and people across the globe have been singing a particularly painful penny song in unison for a while. In an era where the global “cost of living” crisis dominates headlines, cultivating healthy financial habits has never been more crucial. Rising inflation, stagnant or minimal wages, and skyrocketing housing costs have forced many individuals and families to reassess their spending and saving strategies. By adopting smart, research-backed methods to manage money, it’s possible to achieve financial stability—even on a tight budget. While many view financial planning as a ‘four-letter word,’ with the right practical habits, it can swiftly become the ship that helps navigate even the toughest economic waters.
Oprah Winfrey’s declaration, “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough,” speaks to a fundamental shift in how we view possessions. As a multi-billionaire, Winfrey is certainly a qualified source on the matter, but at the heart of her advice lies the importance of centering one’s lived experience. During tight financial times, a variety of smart approaches is needed to weather the storms that arise.
A 2023 report by the World Economic Forum revealed that global inflation rates reached an average of 8.8 percent in 2022, the highest in decades.
Families around the world have reported cutting back on discretionary spending, with essentials like groceries and utilities now consuming larger portions of household income. Recognising these broader economic pressures is the first step toward adopting effective saving habits tailored to individual circumstances. While we may all be experiencing similar challenges, it’s important to remember that not all struggles are the same.
As such, budgeting re-emerges as the cornerstone of financial health. A study published in the Journal of Economic Psychology found that individuals who track their expenses and adhere to a budget are 20 percent more likely to meet their savings goals. In today’s technology-driven world, free apps can simplify this process by categorising expenditures and offering insights into spending patterns. While platforms like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), and PocketGuard are not yet widely available in Botswana, financial institutions are beginning to recognise this gap in money management tools.
Living frugally is an age-old practice and, when done thoughtfully, does not mean sacrificing quality of life. Instead, it involves making intentional choices to spend less while maximising value. A 2021 Nielsen survey found that 63 percent of consumers actively seek discounts and promotions to stretch their budgets. When coupled with an active budgeting system—such as the 50/30/20 split, where 50 percent goes to essentials, 30 percent to discretionary spending, and 20 percent to savings—cutting costs allows for greater financial flexibility. As the saying goes, “time is money.” Investing a little in saving can yield significant returns. When these habits become ingrained in daily life, they feel less like sacrifices and more like the gifts Winfrey refers to.
Saving, often seen as a dreaded task, is the first endurance test on the path to financial stability. An emergency fund acts as a financial safety net, providing peace of mind during unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs. While many may perceive this fund as unnecessary due to the infrequency of emergencies, research consistently shows that households with emergency savings are less likely to fall into debt during financial shocks. Contrary to popular belief, resilience isn’t something that occurs naturally—it requires investment in and of itself. Understanding basic financial concepts can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions. A 2022 study by the U.S.-based Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation found that financial literacy reduces the likelihood of making costly financial mistakes. Whether pursued online or through traditional media, building this literacy can be life-saving, especially for short-term goals or broader life overhauls.
Achieving financial stability isn’t just about numbers; it also has significant implications for mental well-being. According to the American Psychological Association, money is the top source of stress for 64 percent of adults. Cultivating healthy financial habits can reduce anxiety and build confidence in managing future challenges. Many Setswana proverbs highlight the benefits and intoxicating aspects of wealth, but it’s in its perceived absence that the clouds begin to gather.
With the end of the famously coined “Janu-worry” comes an opportunity to learn from past missteps. Whether taking advantage of the ease of technological advancements or sticking to more traditional methods, the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow isn’t completely out of reach. It’s simply a matter of choosing the right tools to get there.
