As a country with a complicated and difficult past, many parents, families and even communities have sacrificed much to give their children the best chance at getting a decent education and a start at realising their dreams. Although these efforts continue to benefit individuals and communities, Kanyisa Ncemane, General Manager: Customer Solutions at Old Mutual Personal Finance, points out that they also inadvertently create a cycle of financial responsibility.
Ncemane explains that black tax is linked to complicated emotions and must be approached delicately. “While many of us are thankful for the opportunities we’ve received – and want to repay this in some form – our success can also come with a sense of guilt,” she says.
According to Ncemane, while many young South Africans cannot avoid paying “black tax”, they can learn to manage their finances in a way that helps them support their families without ignoring their own financial needs and goals.
When rethinking black tax, Ncemane lists a few tips for swimming instead of drowning:
Be realistic about your money
You cannot take control of your money if you do not understand your financial situation. Free, open online courses like Moneyversity means there’s no excuse to not understand money matters. Weigh up your income against your expenses and commitments. Take time to review your bank statements, or use a free app like 22seven which categorises your income and spending automatically.
Get help and good advice
If you’re struggling to stay afloat financially, get a life jacket. If you’re lost and off track with your money goals, get direction. “We don’t always know how to create and maintain financial boundaries with our loved ones, and this is something a financial adviser can help you to put in place.”
Have open conversations with your family about money
You don’t necessarily need to disclose your payslip, but Ncemane says that sharing your financial goals and giving your dependents a view of your expenses will help them understand what you can realistically afford. “Sometimes our families believe we can afford more than we can. This is why it’s important to have open conversations with the people that we care for and feel financially responsible for.”
Empower yourself and your family
Demonstrate healthy financial behaviour by, for example, drawing up your own budget and sticking to it. “Our parents did not have access to the tools and resources we do today, so helping them understand the value of good money habits can benefit everyone.”
Enjoy your income
Finally, Ncemane says it is important to enjoy your income. “We work hard so that we can enjoy the rewards. Finding a balance between your financial responsibilities and taking steps towards your own financial goals can give you peace of mind when it comes to your money.”
