I used to have a ‘drawer of shame’, full of unopened letters from SARS dogging me about freelance income I’d forgotten to report in 2012. I opened one letter, felt overwhelmed by the financial jargon and, for some reason, decided not to deal with it until I absolutely had to. Three years and one accountant later, I faced my mistake.
![Wait! Don't Make That Money Mistake](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/15671/276112/5ad9ca16497ed/Wait-Dont-Make-That-Money-Mistake.jpg)
The penalties had grown my balance to three times its original size! I beat myself up about it, but now I make sure my taxes are on point. “When it comes to money, most learning comes from doing,” says Stefanie O’Connell, a personal finance expert. “By fixing your mistake, you’re taking full ownership of your financial life.”
Ahead, women share their blunders – and what they learnt from them.
“I was R120 000 in debt from emotional shopping after my divorce.”
– Rachel, 49
I got married at 19, but just a few months later, I got a divorce. I didn’t file for spousal support because I wanted him out of my life entirely, and I got several part-time jobs to cover the rent, on top of going to university. It was the first time I’d ever lived alone – I’d gone from living with my parents to having roommates to living with my ex – and suddenly I had to figure out how to be self-sufficient.
I started going to the mall two or three times a week and making impulse purchases for R600 or R700 on clothing and makeup. I didn’t need this stuff, but I was so depressed that I’d do anything to feel better in the moment. I’d think, ‘This makes me feel pretty and I deserve to be happy.’
Eventually I racked up R120 000 of credit card debt, spread out over nine cards; a few months later, I also had home and student loans to pay. In total I owed R1 790 000. At my lowest point, I had R10 in my savings account!
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2018 من GLAMOUR South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2018 من GLAMOUR South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
![Are you considering moving to UK?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/yD5T3g-iU1704715194084/crp_ARE-YOU-CONSIDERING-MOVING-TO-UK.jpg)
Are you considering moving to UK?
Bestselling author, Sam Beckbessinger is also a seasoned mover, and her latest offering, Moving to the UK, offers helpful tips, funny anecdotes and to-do lists to help you navigate this transition.
![A beauty solution](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/geKX7MI9I1704710197839/crp_A-BEAUTY-SOLUTION.jpg)
A beauty solution
At Standard Beauty, they take pride in being an all-women-run team, bringing diverse perspectives and unparalleled expertise to the skincare industry.
![3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/W55vlgtcM1704715409089/crp_3-THINGS-TO-DO-WHEN-YOU-OVERIHINK-EVERYTHING.jpg)
3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything
How to overcome analysis paralysis.
![A la MODE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/KA-3AfHBJ1704715607112/A-LA-MODE.jpg)
A la MODE
With bold looks and exceptional value for money, the new Omoda C5 has made a big splash in the local motoring scene.
![Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/bkkOdop-s1704715013238/SPOTLIGHTING-ABANTU-FOR-THE-PEOPLE.jpg)
Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE
Small businesses play an important role in the South African economy, and we're playing our part by showing them some love. This month, we shine the spotlight on Abantu Media, cofounded by Jay Wabantu who is also a tattoo artist and photographer.
![CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/47Ii6s2na1704714949807/CELEBRATING-EMPOWERMENT.jpg)
CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT
Pan-African bank Absa partners with Glamour for their influential Women of the Year Awards 2023
![TAX SEASON UNPACKED](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/wK9_iDSxj1704714766385/TAX-SEASON-UNPACKED.jpg)
TAX SEASON UNPACKED
The word 'tax' stirs up many emotions, so we've roped in Tax Specialist, Natasha Lorde to answer your questions and help get you ready for Tax Season.
![It's a COMPARISON trap](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/mtT36k_j01704714626098/ITS-A-COMPARISON-TRAP.jpg)
It's a COMPARISON trap
Even picture-perfect couples go through rough patches. Here's how to avoid the social media comparison trap.
![Embracing CHANGE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/rlpVG10Sp1704714031418/EMBRACING-CHANGE.jpg)
Embracing CHANGE
It's time to stop comparing your current body to your former one. Romanticising the past is easy, but we're not meant to look the same our whole lives.
![Healing YOUR INNER CHILD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/15671/1528568/UfhdOYnDY1704713445865/HEALING-YOUR-INNER-CHILD.jpg)
Healing YOUR INNER CHILD
The journey of self-discovery is nuanced and you may have discovered a younger you that needs to be seen and heard. Certified Meditation Practitioner, Melissa Lainn, shares her approach to healing the inner child.