Alisa Corbett

‘Iwas working as an accountant, but last year I was retrenched. Instead of rushing into a new job, I decided to start my own company. Luckily I had some money put away so I could give it a go. But the “salary” I was giving myself every month was a fraction of what I’d been earning before, which meant cutting out unnecessary expenses. Easier said than done! Those Woolies cheesy puffs and three-for-two sales were my kryptonite.

‘I follow Tahlia on Instagram and saw her post about the financial diet. The idea of working with people who were also trying to save was really encouraging, and I hoped it might also help make me stick to my commitments.

‘My goal was to cut out unnecessary things: no more cheesy puffs, ordering through UberEats, buying books and home décor. And just because something was on sale didn’t mean I needed to own it! Ultimately, what was important was my medical aid, my car repayments and getting food on the table.

I started taking a list with me whenever I went into a store and would commit to buying only those things. I planned meals for the week so I knew exactly what I needed, and I just avoided clothing stores completely. I actually managed to cut down our weekly grocery bills by R200!

‘I’ve now been hired by a brilliant company and I’m extremely happy. Even though I now have a good salary again, I’ve picked up great habits from the financial diet and I still question every purchase. For the first time I can go0 into Clicks for two items and leave with just those two things!

‘Looking back, I’m amazed at how little I actually need. The experience really opened my eyes to the value of my money and how grateful I should be for what I have.’