Highlights in this issue:

*** Want to lose weight this year? Save R164.50 in the process…
*** Quitting this life threatening habit will put an extra R200 a week in your pocket…
*** Want to indulge in more “me time”? Here’s how to claim your 25% spa discount…

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From the pen of Karin Iten…

Dear Investment Academy Reader,

New Year is synonymous with setting goals for the year. But most of us are lucky if we stick to them until the end of January. And even the most die-hard resolution makers often see their resolutions go up in smoke by June.

But did you know that habits take just 21 days to form? So if you stick to your guns for just 21 days, your resolution will become a habit and you’ll be more likely to see the benefit. And today I’m going to look at the most common resolutions and cost-effective ways to get them going. And this Friday – I’ll show you how to implement new resolutions in your portfolio too.

Resolution #1: Tame the bulge and get in shape

Christmas can be exp[ensive – not just for your wallet, but also for your waistline. It’s not surprising then that the top resolution is to lose those extra centimetres.

That’s why Planet Fitness gyms around the country have got a special deal for new members. Visit their website at www.planetfitness.co.za and get a two week free membership pass to your nearest gym.

Average cost    : Around R329 per month for a standard membership depending on the club you join.
You pay             : Nothing in for the first two weeks
You save           : R164.50

Resolution #2: Quit that dirty habit

Thinking about giving up your vice? Consider this: The average smoker lights up between 20 and 30 cigarettes a day (and that’s when they aren’t out drinking with friends). At about R27 a pack, that’s almost R200 every week (or R800 a month).

Now consider the price of quitting: The cost will vary depending on the method you use. 30 sticks of gum will cost R57.36, on bottle of QUIT spray will cost you R75 and you'll pay R140 for a week’s worth of patches.

Average cost    : R200 a week.
You pay             : Depending on the method of choice, quitting will cost you between R57.36 and R140.
You save           : Between R60 and R142.64. But, after a few weeks, you won’t pay a thing since you’ll
no longer be addicted – saving you R200 every week.

Resolution #3: More me time

Many of us vow that this is going to be the year we look after ourselves better. Whether it be looking out for our health more, learning to let go of work issues when we leave the office or simply indulging in some deserved spoiling. If this sounds like you, then it’s time to book your first spa treatment. Mangwanani Spas countrywide are offering a full day African Revitalisation package (including a facial, full body massage, lunch and more) for just R1,950 per couple. This package normally goes for R1,299 per person and is available on Tuesday to Friday and Sunday until the 30th of January.

Average cost    : R2,598 per couple.
You pay             : R1,950 per couple.
You save           : R648.

Resolution #4: Learn something new

Let’s face it, studying is expensive, not to mention stressful. So why not learn a new skill by buying a book? Think about it. Let’s say you want to learn to use Microsoft Excel more efficiently. The average one-day course costs between R800 and R1,500. But, buy a book from Kalahari.net (like Excel for Dummies), set aside a few hours every week to get the hang of the program and you only pay R232.45.

Average cost     : Between R800 and R1,500.
You pay              : R232.45.
You save            : Between R567.50 and R1,267.55.

Resolution #5: Spend more time with friends and family

We all want to spend more time with those we love, but for many of us this means costly nights out. Not anymore. Here’s a way to go to the movies, dinner and even the theatre for less. How? By joining the Edgars Club and opting for its lifestyle benefits for between R16 and R20 each month – if you don’t use the card to purchase clothing. If you do, you’ll also be liable for the balance on the account and any interest due.

These lifestyle options qualify you for R12 movies at any Ster Kinekor Theatre (as opposed to between R25 and R45), 10% discounts at participating restaurants (including Sandwich Baron, Primi Piatti and Global Wrapps), including discounts for selected productions at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, the Pretoria State Theatre and various Barnyard theatres across the country.

So how much do you save? Well that depends on what you choose to do. If, for example, you take your family to the movies, here’s how much you’ll save:

Average cost    : Between R25 and R45 per person depending on the cinema = between R100 and R180 for a family of four (no popcorn or coldrink included).
You pay              : R12 per person = R48 for a family of four (R16 monthly fee not included).
You save            : Between R52 and R132 every time you go to the movies.

So there you have it. Good luck with your resolutions!

Karin Iten
For the Investment Academy

For more wealth-building secrets…

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