By Tokiso TKay Nthebe
As we wrap up the year and step into the festive season, many of us are excited, exhausted, and trying to stay financially grounded all at once. This is also the time when the pressure to spend more — and plan less — is at its peak.
But a simple home project recently reminded me of something powerful about financial health, financial planning, and staying focused on long-term goals.
The Day a Pile of Paving Bricks Taught Me a Money Lesson
I decided to replace the paving at my home and plant a fresh lawn. I imagined softness, greenery, and a renewed sense of life. What I didn’t imagine was the heap of paving bricks left behind once the workers were done.
A messy, overwhelming pile.
Frustrated, I grabbed my gloves and started packing those bricks myself — one by one.
An hour in, tired and dusty, I realised something: this was going to take time. I took a break, switched my playlist, and came back to it the next day with fresh energy.
Somewhere between lifting, stacking, and taking deep breaths, it hit me…
This is exactly what rebuilding our finances feels like.
1. Even the best financial plans come with surprises
I thought planting a lawn would be a simple fix. Instead, it created more work before things got better.
In the same way, your financial planning might be solid, but life will still surprise you:
- unexpected expenses
- family emergencies
- income changes
- festive season temptations
Sometimes, financial wellness means acknowledging the mess and committing to clean it up, brick by brick.
2. Building wealth requires patience and repetition
Stacking hundreds of paving bricks isn’t glamorous. It’s slow, repetitive, and honestly — a little boring.
But that’s exactly how money management works:
- saving consistently
- contributing to investments every month
- saying no when it matters
- sticking to your budget
- choosing long-term gain over short-term excitement
Sometimes, financial wellness means acknowledging the mess and committing to clean it up, brick by brick.
Protecting Your Financial Health During the Festive Season
December is beautiful — but it can also derail your year’s hard work if you’re not intentional.
The festive hype, the social pressure, the impulse to overspend… it all adds up quickly.
Here’s your reminder:
- You don’t need to match anyone’s spending energy.
- You don’t need to buy everything on sale.
- You don’t need to undo the progress you’ve made in 2025.
This season, choose financial clarity over financial chaos.
Brick by Brick, You’re Getting There
Whether you’re rebuilding, resetting, or simply trying to stay disciplined this month, remember this:
Wealth is built the same way you pack paving bricks — slowly, intentionally, and with patience.
One good choice at a time.
One brick at a time.
Keep going. Your financial wellness journey is unfolding exactly as it should.
Stay trailblazing
