Celebrate Heritage Day with Smart Financial Goals
September is a beautiful month for South Africans. It marks the turning of seasons and the celebration of our diverse cultures. We’ve got an entire day set aside to celebrate where we come from and how it connects us.
The question many South Africans currently have is how they can celebrate Heritage Day while setting smart financial goals.
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If that’s you, you’re in the right place. We’ll examine how to blend celebration with financial planning.
What is Heritage Day?
You may be a South African, but do you know what Heritage Day is all about? Don’t worry, this is not a test. The answer comes with the question.
Heritage Day is a public holiday on the 24th of September. It’s a day South Africa recognises and celebrates the country’s cultural diversity. In short, it’s a day we embrace and celebrate the true meaning of what makes the Rainbow Nation.
On this day, people from different cultures indulge in traditional foods, spend time with their loved ones, and wear traditional clothing.
Fun Fact: The 24th of September was originally Shaka Day or Shaka’s Day – commemorating legendary King Shaka Zulu. He played a big role in uniting different Zulu clans into one nation in Kwazulu Natal. In honour of his memory, people from all over gathered on this day to pay tribute to him.
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While there was an objection against making it a public holiday called Shaka Day, there was a compromise to turn it into a holiday where all South Africans get to come together and celebrate their different cultures and creeds.
How To Celebrate Heritage Day with Smart Financial Goals
While you may feel especially giving on public holidays, your budget does not always allow for it. In fact, your financial position may call for a cut-up of the credit card. Here’s how to be financially smart throughout the celebrations.
Reflect on Cultural Values
You can choose to spend the day to reflect on the values and traditions that are important to you and your family. This not only helps you stick to your financial goals but also aligns you with your cultural values. In turn, you may get to save funds for the next big family event or community project.
Make a Budget
Public holidays like Heritage Day occur on the same date every year. As such, it may be better to make a budget for these special days and celebrations. The budget should include costs for food, traditional wear, and any possible activities. Make sure you stick to the budget to prevent overspending.
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Set Long-Term Goals
You can choose to use the day to think about your long-term financial goals. Do you want to save up for an education, a home, retirement or even a holiday? Set clear goals that can help you stay focused.
Chat About Finance with Family
You can always use the day to educate the younger members of your family on the importance of financial planning. Swap some saving, budgeting, and investing tips and share how they can help preserve and grow family wealth.
Go Local
What better way to celebrate Heritage Day than to purchase traditional items and foods from locally owned businesses? This can help the local economy and keep traditions alive.
Rest and Review
Instead of big celebrations, you can use the day to review your current financial play. Are there any areas you think you can improve? Adjust your plan so it can meet your goals and reflect changes in your financial situation.
Invest in Heritage
You can choose to invest in projects that will preserve and promote cultural heritage. This can involve starting a business, donating, or volunteering.
Read: When is the Right Time To Enter Debt Review?
Heritage Day Celebrations – The No-Spend Way
Looking to still have a fun day but determined to stick to a no or little spending budget? Here are some things you can do:
- Visit National Parks – SANParks gives you the chance to visit national parks free. Get out into nature and have a beautiful day outside without spending.
- Visit Museums and Cultural Sites – Plenty of museums and cultural sites offer free entry on Heritage Day. Check the local listings in your area for free entry.
- Go to Community Events – There are tons of events dedicated to celebrating culture. You can enjoy stories, traditional dance and cultural exhibitions. Check local listings for free entry and events.
- Have a Braai – One thing South Africans are really good at is having a Braai. It’s budget-friendly and brings together families and friends.
- Volunteer – You can always choose to take part in a community project. Be a volunteer and clean up a local park or participate in some form of cultural preservation.
No matter what you choose to do, make sure you stick to your financial goals. You can enjoy the beauty of your culture and traditions without swiping your card time after time. Make it a challenge to see how much you can do without spending.
Get Debt-Free with Debtline
If you are dedicated to becoming financially smart and independent but feel you may need some assistance in getting debt-free, you can contact Debtline.
Debtline can provide advice and assistance from NCR-registered counsellors. Get access to a debt relief program that meets your needs. There are advisors that can negotiate debt repayments on your behalf and provide protection while you undergo a Debt Review. Request your free callback or send an email to [email protected] to learn about becoming debt-free today.
