Raise your hand if you’d like to stop worrying about money! That sounds like a dream. Unfortunately, being human, it costs money to live and take up a space in a society. Many of us live pay check to pay check or barely make it through the month before school fees and bills are due again, starting the cycle from scratch. Not even to mention when something unexpected happens, like your car breaking down or a throbbing tooth putting you in the dentist's chair. This barely gives you a chance to put even the smallest amount of money aside and work on your savings. But how can we break this cycle, become financially independent, and stop worrying about money once and for all?

Nelson Mandela once said, "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." The sentiment behind these words deeply echoes the essence of Mandela Day, an annual remembrance dedicated to honouring the lasting impact of one of history's most significant figures. Mandela Day serves as a poignant reminder of our shared potential and responsibility to contribute to societal progress. It calls upon individuals to dedicate a symbolic 67 minutes of their time on July 18th – representing Mandela's 67 years of selfless dedication – to acts of kindness, service, and solidarity.

Being locked down for a week or two with the one you love sounds like a dream come true, but when weeks turn into months it might start eating at the relationship. We’re not saying every relationship is bound to fail during this time, we’re just saying it is normal to drive each other up the walls a little. Throw in the financial stress of perhaps not being able to work at this time and just the general toll a pandemic has on your psyche, and things are bound to get a little tense.

Earlier this year we called on the expertise of our bsmart members. We wanted to know where you shop to get the best deals on everyday essentials, such as milk, nappies, fruit and veg and anything on your shopping list. Do you shop around? Or do you do all your shopping in one spot?