“With our modern lifestyles, there is so much to do, to achieve and, of course, to pay for. With just a little planning, anticipation and patience, the future can be everything you imagined and more, without paying the interest.”

So says Mark Hawes, Certified Financial Planner at Alexander Forbes Financial Planning Consultants.

Here are seven super tips from Mark to help you save more this year and in the future:

Saving today means extra money to spend tomorrow. Savings can give you extra income in the future, allowing you to do more or have more. When done correctly, you will be able to pay for things in cash without having to touch your salary.

Every cent counts. Get started now and use the money that you have. While R100 may not seem like much now, as you keep adding, your savings will grow, especially with the power of compound interest. It goes without saying that the more you save, the more you will have for your future. Before you know it, you will be able to pay for that holiday you’ve been dreaming of in cash instead of going into debt.

Budgeting is not a new idea but it’s on this list because it works. The objective of budgeting is to know what you’re spending your money on every month. Add up how much money is coming in and how much you are spending. You can easily see your unnecessary spending and where to save. What’s left over (even if it’s not much) is what you should be saving towards your goals.

You must put money aside for unplanned events or expenses. Examples are a medical emergency or a bill for unexpected car repairs. Life happens. If you have the money, it’s never the end of the world, but if you don’t, it can leave you feeling desperate. Emergency savings can mean the difference between having the money available, or having to borrow, pay interest and live with dumb debt.

When buying a car, it’s best to be practical and look for a reliable car that’s economical and easy to maintain. Soon, you can use the money you saved to purchase a car for cash or put down a large deposit to reduce your monthly repayments and pay the car off faster. The same logic applies to the purchase of almost any big item.

If a money-making opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are many options out there to choose from and many different institutions that offer savings and investments, all packaged differently. The trick is to use the best and most appropriate product for your objectives. It is always a good idea to speak to a financial adviser to help choose the product that is right for you.

It’s said that luck is where opportunity and preparation meet. It may happen that you get that job you were hoping for but, as a result, were not able to go on the holiday you were saving towards. Keep the funds safe for your planned holiday. The opportunity will come around again and you’ll be able to pay for it in cash. Your savings are the keystone to your financial wellness and give you economic freedom.

With just a little patience, planning and focus, your savings can be the means to getting what you want and the key to your overall financial wellness.