The power of having a plan

Values & Money , Self Control in Saving

Last year we started teaching about values and money at Ikemeleng youth centre in Alex. Using the Stories that Talk Money resource, we spoke about different ways of being thrifty and reading different stories from the book. This became the highlight for most kids; they enjoyed listening and analysing the stories.

Little did we know that Bohlale would actually put that whole lesson into practice! Bohlale walked into the office one morning and said, “I want to go to camp and my parents want me to go but they can’t afford it.” I then asked how she’d like us to assist her.

She said, “Please lend me R100 – I will return it to you.” With disbelief I asked, “What do you want to do with the money?” She said she would open a business. I chuckled and agreed.

A few days later she came to the centre with a bucket full of ice pops and started selling them as people walked by. She did so well for her camp fee that all she needed to pay after selling was R100 of R500 camp fee!

This proves that whatever you put your mind to will come to pass. When you have a plan and allow yourself to follow the plan it is indeed possible to achieve whatever you set your mind to. As the book of Proverbs 21:5 states: the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Planning goes hand in hand with hard work.

Story submitted by Ikemeleng Centre Leader, Lerato Jaxa

Featured

Black tax story image
Bonolo Mokua

Surviving 'black tax' and setting financial boundaries

Read more about Surviving 'black tax' and setting financial boundaries

You may also like

Taxi Accounting Feature Image
Lehlohonolo Ramosolo

Lessons from a taxi accountant

If you’ve ever sat in the front seat of a South African taxi, you probably didn’t plan on becoming a part-time cashier with zero training and a deep fear of being yelled at by strangers. Welcome to taxi accounting – the informal financial system that makes a stokvel treasurer's job look like a holiday.

Read more about Lessons from a taxi accountant
Hands on finances
Lehlohonolo Ramosolo

How to have fewer hands on your finances

Money. It’s never really yours, is it? By the time your salary hits your account, it already has an array of fingerprints on it. So how do you take back control of your finances when it feels like they have become a communal fund?

Read more about How to have fewer hands on your finances
How to avoid januworry
Marco Martins

How to avoid Janu-worry

Ahhh, December – the month of family, friends, parties, and most importantly... early paydays and bonuses! You’ve got a swagger in your step as you wave goodbye to your office for 2024. Time to relax and unwind. After all, it’s been a long year, and you deserve to treat yourself, right?

Read more about How to avoid Janu-worry
Shutterstock 2450748287
Bonolo Mokua

How money stress affects your mental health

Worrying about money is a reality for many of us, even with interest rate cuts and the petrol prices going down. Your state of mind can influence your money values and financial behaviours, no matter how much money you make.

Read more about How money stress affects your mental health
Jacob Walti Unsplash
Marco Martins

Improve your money values, improve your mental health

When we take practical steps to improve our money values and habits, we free ourselves from the constant anxiety of survival mode. As we regain control over our finances, we create space for growth, confidence and mental peace.

Read more about Improve your money values, improve your mental health
Women and Money
Bonolo Mokua

How can women thrive when it comes to money values?

As we celebrate women in August, we know that they face a unique set of financial challenges. How can women thrive when it comes to their money values?

Read more about How can women thrive when it comes to money values?