Top tips on how to avoid letting Janu-worry become Febru-worry

Janu-worry is unamimously considered the longest month in the year, and it’s not an overstatement to say that South Africans spend January counting pennies or wishing that they did not have to overspend in December.  

For many South Africans, the ‘Janu-worry blues’ is a familiar “hangover” experience thanks to the obligatory festive season spending spree that, for most, is a must-do, not a nice-to-have because of family gatherings, gift-giving and travel. And one that often leads consumers into a debt trap. 

Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, says: “Every year we see many families entering January feeling the pressure of rising living costs and the busy festive season. With a few early, manageable steps, that pressure can ease and start shifting into a sense of control rather than panic.”

JJ van Wyk, Financial Adviser at Momentum Financial Planning, says there is a strong connection between debt and mental health. “A significant link is often observed between one’s financial situation and their mental well-being. Financial difficulty can trigger stress and anxiety, which may lead to or worsen mental health issues. These difficulties can then make it harder to manage money, maintain income, and seek assistance, potentially creating a cycle that intensifies the financial strain,” he points out.

Yes, there is a price to pay for throwing caution to the wind in December, and for millions of us, it comes with a nagging sense that the New Year has already started on the back foot. This year may be the worst yet for households across the country who have been battling a relentless cost-of-living crisis that shows no sign of easing. 

The good news?  Janu-worry doesn’t have to define the rest of nextyear.

Clarity calms anxiety

A few intentional check-ins and gentle resets can turn anxiety into control - without needing a total financial overhaul. 

The worst thing to do is to lie awake at night worrying, so says Roets. “Rather take positive steps right away to help make ends meet.”

Roets shares some tips that can help alleviate the financial stress that is eating away at your peace of mind, while making sure that you stay out of conflict with your creditors.

1. Take a reality check of your financial situation directly after (or on) New Year’s Day.  That way you have absorbed the shock of facing the real state of your finances by the 2nd of January, and you can plan your way through the rest of the month, clear-headed. 
2. Then, make a list of your essential or fixed monthly payments and pay back the minimum payment on each amount owed. This will help you make it through to February with less financial stress.
3. Next make a list of your variable expenses, such as groceries, airtime, data, petrol or transport costs and figure in expenses like take-aways and restaurant meals. This is where you can cut costs by, for example, reducing restaurant visits or take-outs during the month of January,  or scaling back on the amount of data you purchase. A little can go a long way, and even modest actions taken can signal that you’re back in control. 
4. Avoid the trap of extreme budgeting.  Over-restricting in January often leads to burnout - and overspending - by February. Start with one or two small adjustments like ordering in fewer takeaways. The key words are Downsize and Economise.

“The ultimate strategy is forward planning,” says Roets. “Use January as the launch pad for the next 11 months. With small intentional steps, you can change January into a turning point to have a better year ahead, as you work towards staying within your budget and possibly even saving money for a buffer against rising costs and unforeseen expenses,” he advises.

Roets adds: “Debt spirals often begin with silence. The sooner you face your financial reality, the sooner you can regain control, and no one should feel ashamed to ask for help when they need it.”

If you do find yourself going into 2026 with your bank balance in the red, seek help from a registered debt counsellor who can assist you to manage your financial predicament.

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