Cutting costs is often seen as a grim exercise in denial, but it need not be. For South African families squeezed by rising food prices, transport costs, and municipal bills, the trick is not to cut out joy, but to target waste. The first step is understanding where your money really goes.

Start by tracking your spending for one month, using a simple notebook or any of the banking apps that now sort your transactions. You may be surprised to see how much leaks away on small daily habits.

Next, tackle the big three: groceries, electricity, and transport. Plan meals in advance and make a shopping list to curb impulse buys. Buy in bulk when items are on special and consider joining a stokvel for savings power. On electricity, switch off appliances at the wall, replace bulbs with LEDs, and limit geyser hours. These steps save more than you think.

With fuel, try lift clubs, use public transport when you can, or group your errands into a single trip.

Cutting insurance costs by comparing providers and raising excesses can yield savings with little impact. Avoid store cards and high-interest debt. Interest eats your money before you ever see it. Lastly, do not feel guilty for cutting back. The aim is not just to survive, but to build a little buffer and find peace of mind in uncertain times.