“There’s a big difference between the two,” says Jared Bartholomew, director of Deton Private Wealth. “You can do a lot if you’re willing to incur massive debt and live on credit, but eventually those decisions come home to roost. It’s not a sustainable lifestyle, and we’ve seen how destitute it leaves apparently wealthy people in their retirement years.”
Here’s a scary thought. If you want to be living off a combined monthly household income of the equivalent of R100 000 in 30 years’ time, you need to be saving R37 000 a month today.
The reality is that you’re more than likely not putting that into your RA or investment fund each month, and yet you’re dreaming of sandy beaches and blue seas for your retirement.
“And yet I’ll repeat the statement that anyone can become a millionaire, given time, patience and above all discipline,” says Bartholomew.
Here are eight steps to get you started on your path to real – and lasting – wealth.