Tributum Newsletter #60

Hello

The number 60 not only represent the number of newsletters, this month it also represents the number of months that Tributum Consulting has been operating – 5 years. I cannot believe it, not only that we made it to here, but yeah – we made it here! Time flies when you are having fun – and it has been for the most part.

A good friend of mine that just completed major medical treatment (although there is still a road lying ahead so good luck my friend) recently said that difficult times teach humbleness and gratitude. Those are also two of the biggest lessons I have taken from the past 60 months. Like the Terminator says in his book – a self-made man does not really exist. No-one really does it alone. Success ultimately is the sum of many parts, and for that I have to give thanks to so many people – you as readers of the newsletter, clients, friends, my family and the Grace of God. You have been part of the journey and I hope that you will remain part thereof going forward. Humility is learnt every day – as soon as I think I know something, I learn how I did it wrong or how I could have been done differently or better. Again, no one really does it alone.

The 2024 National Budget was…like most SA household budgets. There is only so much that comes in and little can be done to change that – unless you are prepared to work harder or smarter or change your fiscal position quite drastically. Then there are the rising debt costs as your income is not sufficient to cover expenses. You need to control household spend, but the kids say they need more pocket money to cover their own costs. They will stop doing chores if that does not happen.

The car breaks down, often. Those relying on a working car are unhappy but where possible they find other modes of transport. Rather than selling the car and relying on Uber, you keep on fixing the car, while paying for Uber anyway. These costs are not in your control, but you remain in charge of “managing” the finances.  You live in hope…

From a tax perspective it was a “give one, take one” budget. No real increases in tax rates which is good, but also no real reduction for individuals through bracket adjustments. Your German fizzy drinks and other braaivleis beverages will be a bit more expensive but overall its less painful for taxpayers than it could have been. But unless the Finance Minister, and Government as a whole, can do a great “Hold on to my German fizzy drink and watch this move” trick with the economy I fear that pain is merely being delayed. The how much and when mainly depends on the growing number of grant dependents and the NHI…

So, here’s to the next 5 years, and beyond. May the same mistakes not be repeated, only their learnings. May the same successes taste just as sweet. May good fortune remain a loyal companion and may all of this be true for you as well. Until next month, keep breathing.