5 ways to save as a broke-AF trainee

5 ways to save as broke-AF trainee

‍

1. Pack a lunch

If you are like me, you are definitely not a morning person, and the snooze button is your bestie. Packing lunch can be tedious.

I get it. The last thing you want to do is get up earlier to pack lunch – you don't know what you will be feeling for later on. 

Sadly, we are grown now. We even have to plan for that 3 pm lunch break.

*cries in audit*

On the flip side, don't deprive yourself of the social experience with your colleagues. Even if you brought lunch, tag along with your friends and colleagues during their dining experience. 

Don't worry; nobody will judge you and your PB and J.

Here's a way to beat the clock - Make it the night before

Try not to be too strict about this. Realistically, you are not going to make lunch every day. But you will be looking forward to that Friday Grand Chicken Spicy from McDs. 

2. There's food at home - Our parents were right 😭

Okay, so, what do I mean? 

You're now a young professional with never-ending financial commitments. It doesn't mean because you work in Umhlanga that whenever you pass a McDonalds or Starbucks, you must get something or you. 're driving past gateway … 

… and all of a sudden, you are wishing for a nice beef chow mein from Simply Asia – don't give in!

Go home - that wors you left to defrost in the morning is waiting for you.

Wait for Friday (refer back to point 1). You can spoil yourself with something nice.

And don't let that deferred tax query get to you. 

3. Iron your clothes the night before

You will thank yourself tomorrow. Thinking about what you are going to wear can add to the pressures of the morning rush. Plan it: you are gonna wear that black formal pants with you white shirt- sorted.

You are probably thinking: "wait what does this have to do with money?"

Ironing the night before saves yourself … what exactly?

You are rushing in the morning, doing a millions things that could lead you to burning a hole in your brand-new work duds.

Now you gotta replace it, and no way will you be happy after that.

You are no longer a student, time is money. Don't forget it.

Okay ... what if you don't burn your shirt? 

But now you're late because you're like me and refuse to open your eyes on time. You know you have to be at work by at least 7.50 at because getting in that lift from basement level 3 to the  top floor your office is located will already take 40 Days and 40 Nights. 

So to avoid that, you are left with no choice but to speed.

Which leads me to point 4

4. DON'T SPEED!

It's a different story if you're not paying for your own fuel then go ahead (I say live king, live)*. Diesel stands at around R27/l

One second you're on 40km/h then 80 then 120km/h –

- Guys, don't do it.

You're a trainee, you can't afford to speed. Your car will get to 80km/h on its own, you don't have to strain that right foot of yours.

More revs per minute - your engine is now working harder.

And all of a sudden, that fuel that was supposed to last you a week will last you 2 days.

Reminder – you don't need to race with that Mercedes next to you at the robot. Just take it slow and easy with your i10.

‍

5. Live within your means. 

On a more serious note, ignore the fact that everyone in your family and your friends think you're rich because your email signature says accountant. 

Swiping for a bottle of Jameson at the club?

‍

My brother, sit down. 

‍

You're still in training. All the experience you are getting over these 3 years will enable you to be in a position to live over your current means, one day

Track your spending! At the end of the month, check if you were over or under your budget. In the future, adjust your budget to be a lot more realistic. 

‍

One day, when you are the chartered accountant you dreamed of, you can thank yourself as a trainee and make those big boy moves!

‍

*Editor's note: Accensis does not condone speeding nor breaking the rules of the road, even if you need to come to work on time.