I can afford e-tolls

President Jacob Zuma has signed the transport laws and related matters amendment bill and SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) will begin the implementation of etolls within weeks.

As far as I am concerned, e-tolls are entirely affordable as long as one takes the necessary steps to live within one's limits.

During the past six months I have been taking steps to prepare for the implementation of e-tolls in Gauteng. By tightening my belt, reducing non-essential spending and improving my living habits I have been able to reduce spending by over R1 000 a month.

I have developed discipline when doing grocery shopping. I now buy what I need in order to avoid leftovers and wastage. I have reduced the purchase of luxury food items including chocolates, sweets, cool drinks, juices, dried fruit, biltong, ice cream, biscuits, cakes and other snacks. I still enjoy these snacks, but have chosen cheaper options.

I have also started purchasing a few unbranded items. I have chosen brown bread instead of white bread, brown sugar instead of white sugar. I try to purchase the smallest packaging of items for food that expires quickly and if there is no small packaging, I have stopped consumption of the item altogether.

I estimate that I am saving R250 a month on grocery shopping.

I have also stopped purchasing luxury non-essential items like small gadgets, newspapers, magazines and books.

When I got my first job, I was spending R1 000 a month on clothing. My salary has increased five times since then, but I have spent that much on clothing this past six months.

I save hundreds of rands by going for a smaller satellite television package. I monitor my data usage on my cellphone and am now using Skype even more.

During take-aways, I avoid cool drinks using health reasons as an excuse. At restaurants I ask that drinks be brought with the meal.

I sometimes walk to the shopping centre saving on petrol and R10 parking fees. I have changed my driving habits, resulting in better fuel efficiency. No more visits to convenient stores at fuelling stations for me.

I scrutinise my bank statements closely to ensure that I am not paying unnecessary charges. I have found many hidden but unnecessary costs, and ensure I do not repeat my mistakes by incurring these costs again.

I cancelled a contract I had with a financial institution because the value I was getting out was less than what it was costing me. I closed another bank account that I did not need.

Some of this is good financial management and responsibility that I ought to have done, even if e-tolls were not being implemented. 

The point is many people, including myself, are spending money on goods and services that we do not need.

If we reduce unnecessary spending, develop self-discipline and encourage our families to reduce spending, we will be fine with implementation of e-tolls.

 - Fin24

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