Times are tough – so if you’re one of the lucky ones to get a refund from the taxman, or a bonus from your employer, you may be tempted to splurge a little. But before you head off on that shopping spree, stop and breathe. Now is the time to be using any unexpected windfall wisely to cushion yourself against any financial shocks.
Reduce your debt
At a time when interest rates are soaring, any money you owe is becoming more expensive to service every month. A smart way to use your tax refund is to reduce your debt, starting with unsecured debts that generally attract the highest interest rates, like store cards, credit cards or personal loans.
Bulk up your RA
If you take your tax payout and put it into your retirement annuity, you’re effectively setting yourself up to get another tax refund on your refund, as it were. At a 45% tax rate, you’ll get R4 500 back next year on every R10 000 you put into your RA.
Create an emergency fund
Everybody should have an emergency fund for life’s little curveballs. If you don’t have at least R15 000 sitting somewhere for when disaster strikes, this is a great way to use your refund. Your future self will thank you.
Put your money to work
I often advise my clients to invest windfalls into vehicles like tax-free investments – note, not tax-free savings – or even unit trusts. Unlike tax-free savings, these types of investments will typically out-perform inflation every year, leaving you with a tidy nest egg in the future.
Top up your pension fund at work
If your company’s pension fund allows it, putting money into this fund is always a solid investment in your retirement funds – and it’s cheaper than a RA.
Ultimately, any investments you make with your windfall should be part of a proper financial plan – and proper financial planning starts with setting goals.
Good examples of short-term goals are setting up a budget, paying off debt and contributing towards an emergency fund. Medium-term goals could include setting up life, disability and funeral policies. Your long-term goals range from buying a house to financing your children’s education.
And if you’re still not sure what to do with a windfall, speak to a financial adviser. A qualified adviser can help you save more money and grow your money faster. It’s important to find a financial adviser that can partner with you for life; someone who gets to know and understand your unique circumstances.
– De Witt is head of financial planning at NMG Benefits
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