Always pay yourself first
with Kim Potgieter
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Kim Potgieter
I’ve heard and shared many sage pieces of money advice with my clients. Sometimes we talk about money lessons we know now that we wish we had recognised earlier in our lives, and often we reflect on our money habits that have served us well. The habits that we are most thankful for.
I love the principle of cross-pollination between younger generations and elders, so this year, I have decided to dedicate the first half of 2023 to collating all the best money advice that I’ve picked up from my clients and share those with you – money habits that have paid off, lessons learnt, and wisdom shared.
In this blog, I want to share my big-time overall winning tip and a habit that I have practised since I was eighteen – paying yourself first. The idea behind paying yourself first is simple – before you pay any bills or make any purchases, set aside a certain amount of money for yourself into savings and investments. It’s about intentionally and purposefully putting money away for your future self.
One of the main reasons I love this tip so much is that it helps you prioritise your own financial well-being. We all have a tendency to put other people’s needs before our own, but by making yourself a priority and consistently and intentionally setting aside money for yourself, you are taking control of your future and financial security.
I see this money as a source of wealth, security and freedom. It allows me to live my life on my terms, and I feel secure knowing I have money set aside for my retirement. It also gives me peace of mind knowing that I have funds set aside for emergencies should something go wrong.
You may feel you don’t have extra money to set aside, but the key is to start small and make it a consistent habit. Even setting aside just 5% or 10% of your income can make a big difference over time. I started this habit as a student, and when I stopped working for five years to look after my children, I continued to save a portion of my allowance towards my investments.
This habit has made a huge difference in my life. It gives me so much security to know that I don’t have to rely on anyone else to look after me. It is a simple yet powerful way to take control of your life and your money.
I encourage you to put yourself first. Have the courage to prioritise your own long-term financial well-being and invest in your future.
Always remember, when it comes to your money, be inspired, be brave and be on purpose,
Kim
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