The start of December is a reminder that the Christmas season is here. Retailers are eagerly anticipating their biggest month of the year, hoping that it helps them to reach some of the sales targets missed throughout the year due to the low-growth environment. Individuals face the month with mixed feelings. On the one hand, they are excited about spending time with friends and family. On the other, they dread the excessive spending that characterises the holiday season. This excessive spending affects some more than others - it all depends on how many relatives are looking to you for financial support. The most common situation is the typical South African low- to middle-income family structure where one or two people are the primary income earners responsible for the entire family. They end up covering the bills for many members of the extended family, most of whom are unemployed. Each year, the family grows, and each year, the financial burden on one person rises. Being the prima...

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