Top 3 Ways You Can Save Money This Long Weekend

HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY, SOUTH AFRICA!

From left to right: Rahima Moosa, Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. 

Our female predecessors worked hard and sacrificed much so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today. The march of 9 August 1956 sought to protest against a discriminatory Apartheid law that required those defined as "black" (black, Indian, and coloured) under The Population Registration Act to carry "passes," which restricted their movement.

Thanks to Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Sophia Williams, and thousands of women, we are no longer subject to such a law.

While we enjoy physical freedom, many of us do not enjoy financial freedom. Living beyond one's means, high consumer debt, and a low savings rate are some of the main reasons many South Africans do not enjoy financial freedom.

As many South Africans plan to go out this long weekend to celebrate their loved ones, read on to learn about a few ways you can save money this long weekend.

Ways to Save Money This Long Weekend

Without further ado, here are three ways to save money on this special long weekend.

1. Watch a Movie at Home Instead of Going to the Movies

Photo by Jens Kreuter on Unsplash

It is far cheaper to watch a movie at home than to go see one at the movies. Depending on the cinema tier or location, you can expect to pay up to R158 to see a 2D movie at Ster Kinekor. The lowest 2D movie at a Ster Kinekor cinema is R31 at Ster Kinekor Sterland. A Cinema Nouveau movie ticket costs R81. Let us assume the average person buys a Cinema Nouveau ticket at R81 to see a 2D movie. Add to that the cost of popcorn, sweets, and drinks, and you are looking at well over R200. According to an article written by Moneybags , the total cost of snacks and drinks cost R95.80 at "local Ster Kinekor." 

That was in 2016. If we increase that amount by the inflation rate of 2017 (5.27%)  and 2018 (5.26% estimate) and the Value Added Tax Increase in 2018 (from 14% to 15%), we are looking at a cost of R113.58. The total cost (movie ticket and snacks) is now R194.58! This is just for one person and does not take into account the cost of driving to see the movie.

It is more affordable to watch a movie at home, make some popcorn homemade popcorn and enjoy a movie on the couch! 

2. Make Presents for the Special Women in Your Life

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

You may want to splurge on expensive gifts to show you care about and love the women in your life, but homemade gifts do just fine. Add a personal touch with words of thanks, handwritten cards, pictures, and some sweets (or "candy"). You can find affordable boxes, gift wraps, and art supplies that will make your present stand out!

3. Make Use of Travel Discount Apps

Photo by Fikri Rasyid on Unsplash

Planning on going on a girls' trip this long weekend? Many travel and hotel comparison apps exist so you can find the most competitive prices on travel and accommodation. Do a Google search of "hotel comparison websites" and "travel discounts South Africa" to find the best deals online. 

If you are thinking of flying, it is more affordable to purchase tickets well in advance (sorry!), but you can still search for Women's Day travel deals online. If you are a student, you can make use of student deals that offer students discounts.

What is usually required is your student card (proof that you are a student) and/or signing up for the student club at your university. You can always save for the following year's Women's Day travel plans and purchase plane tickets early next year. Save money, and think ahead.

Final Thoughts on Saving Money During the Long Weekend

That wraps up the Top 3 Ways You Can Save Money This Long Weekend! What other ideas do you have? Are you planning on traveling? Staying at home/the university residence to catch up on work? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. 

eishstudentbudget was started in 2015 by a South African university student who is passionate about saving and making money. #eishstudentbudget is a personal finance blog that educates university students on their finances. Take the 'eish' out of student finances!