If you’re struggling with Janu-worry in 2025, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In a rare calendar event, the average gap between the last payday in December 2024 and January is nearly 50 days! Meaning you’ve had to make your salary last nearly double the length of time it usually does. Which is certainly no easy task over the festive season, with all its extraneous demands …
JANU-WORRY IN 2025
In some ways, SASSA grants recipients have had it easier than most. Because unlike salaried employees with jobs, the government continues to payout social welfare with its usual cadence. However, for the rest of South Africa, Business Tech reports that residents are struggling to keep their finances in order over an inordinately long Janu-worry in 2025.
This is compounded by annual premium increases that occur in January and typical back-to-school or university expenses for those families with children. As a result, salaried employees are feeling financially strained and resorting to borrowing money to cover the gap. There have been calls for employers to help navigate this challenge so employees don’t have to accrue unnecessary debt. Â
LOW TO MID PROBLEM
Interestingly, historic research dictates that Janu-worry in 2025 will mostly impact middle- to lower-income sectors. Generally, high to higher-middle income groups have the luxury to budget accordingly for a period that’s nearly two-months long. While it may be too late to help with Janu-worry in 2025, experts say you must remember habitual payments/expenses that continue over yearend. It is these that push most households over the edge in the New Year.
Beyond poor financial management, experts warn of the unavoidable increases to cost of living. The simple truth is South African salaries are failing to keep pace with inflation. In turn, this makes meeting basic household expenses harder and harder each year. Combine that with the average South African overspending during the festive season (gifts, holidays, family gatherings, etc) and the financial strain becomes even greater for Janu-worry in 2025.
HOW ARE YOU HANDLING THIS EXTENDED PERIOD?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailinginfo@thesouthafrican.com. Or WhatsApp your thoughts on this article to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow The South African for the latest FREE-to-read content.
