Consumers are encouraged to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary debt and make more intentional spending decisions
As households prepare for the added costs that often come with the Easter period, consumers are urged to take a more deliberate approach to their seasonal spending. Easter often brings extra expenses, from food and travel to family gatherings and entertainment which can quickly place pressure on monthly budgets if not properly planned for.
For many households, these seasonal costs come on top of existing financial pressures. With unemployment remaining high, irregular income affecting many families, and a significant portion of South Africans already over‑indebted, even modest holiday spending can tip budgets into strain if not carefully managed. This call to action follows the conclusion of Global Money Week in March, an annual international campaign that promotes financial literacy. With this year’s theme, “Protect your money, secure your future”, the initiative highlights the importance of empowering consumers with the knowledge and skills to make sound financial decisions, a message that remains timely as households face seasonal costs and rising living expenses.
Ester Ochse, Product Head of Integrated Advice at FNB, says: “Preparation well in advance, even a month or two before Easter, is key to avoiding unnecessary financial stress over the holiday period. The best starting point is to be clear about what you can realistically afford, set a spending limit upfront, and build a budget that accounts for the full cost of the season. By planning early, consumers give themselves more time to make intentional choices and enjoy the celebrations without added strain.”
Practical tips for smarter Easter spending:
- Set a clear spending limit early: Decide upfront what you can afford and work within that amount.
- Shop with a list and compare prices: Reduce impulse buying and consider house brands or lower-cost alternatives.
- Budget for the full cost of Easter: Include groceries, transport, toll fees, meals, entertainment, and family commitments.
- Plan ahead for rising travel costs: With fuel prices set to increase sharply in April, petrol by over R4/litre and diesel by over R7/litre, households should budget for higher transport expenses well before the holiday. Factor in fuel, tolls, food, and a buffer for unexpected costs. Consider carpooling, loyalty rewards, homemade meals, and limiting non-essential travel.
- Use digital tools to track spending: In-app budgeting tools, spending trackers and account alerts, to help monitor your money in real time.
- Be cautious of promotions and bulk-buying: Specials only offer value when they apply to planned purchases.
- Be mindful with credit use: With nearly four in ten credit-active South Africans already in default on one or more loans, and many households facing reduced or irregular income due to unemployment, borrowing for short-term holiday expenses can deepen strain. Managing credit carefully, prioritising essentials, and exploring alternatives such as loyalty rewards or lower-cost substitutions can help ease the pressure
- Save ahead for seasonal expenses: Even small, consistent savings can make a difference, particularly for households where income is uncertain or irregular. Building a buffer, however modest, helps reduce reliance on debt during high-spend periods.
- Turning planning into savings: A family of four planning a road trip from Johannesburg to the Eastern Cape could easily spend R2500 on fuel, R300 on tolls, and another R400 on food and snacks. By budgeting these costs upfront, preparing homemade meals, and using loyalty points to offset fuel, the family could save over R500, money that can be redirected to other priorities or set aside for future holidays. Similarly, a household that shops with a list and compares prices could save R200–R300 on groceries, easing pressure on the monthly budget.
Dhashni Naidoo, Programme Manager for Consumer Education at FNB, says high-spend periods can also be a useful opportunity to reinforce healthy money habits at home.
“Financial savviness is often built through practical everyday decisions. Whether it is comparing prices, planning before shopping or discussing the difference between needs and wants, these are the habits that help consumers make more confident choices.” Naidoo also urges consumers to remain alert to scams and misleading offers during the holiday period, especially when shopping online.
“High-spend periods can create opportunities for fraudsters to target consumers through fake promotions, pressure-based offers, and email or text message links requesting payment or personal details. Consumers should be cautious of deals that seem unusually attractive, verify retailers before making payment, and never share sensitive information unless they are certain the platform is legitimate.”
“With thoughtful preparation, access to the right tools and more intentional spending decisions, households, even those facing income uncertainty or debt stress, can enjoy a meaningful Easter celebration that balances festive enjoyment with financial resilience,” Ochse concluded.
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