Like millions of South Africans, Johannesburg couple Marc and Charmaine Albers were disappointed when Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced further tax increases last week. Much like the wizardry with which the National Treasury had to balance spending against weak revenue, the pair - along with South Africans across the spectrum - juggle to make ends meet. "We've squeezed blood out of a stone to make it happen, but you get to the point where you can't trim any more," Marc said this week. In the past year or so the couple has been forced to cut spending as higher food, fuel and medical aid costs weighed heavily on their disposable income. They withdrew from an investment which was underperforming because of the weak economy, and settled some of their debt, including credit cards which they have cancelled, and shifted to a bank with cheaper fees. They do not have a flashy lifestyle, and even though their combined gross annual earnings put them firmly in the middle class, red meat...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.