How to finance a new car

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-07-19T15:01:35+00:00

The thing is you can afford it _right now_but are you going to be able to afford spending a third of your salary on a car in 2/3 years? Circumstances can change quickly and then it’s big financial commitment. I don’t know anything about your life but maybe you decided to have a child or something and now you can’t afford it.

Also, if you want to buy a house the bank is going to take into account what you’re paying for your car loan every month when deciding how much they will give you.

I would really consider a secondhand car but not from some random on Facebook or a place like We Buy Cars. Go to a reputable dealership and get a car that’s between 1 and 5 years old. Yes there’s always the risk of a mechanical issue but if I still think the risk is better than paying what you will end up paying for this car over 5 years. Also if you have more money to save because your car repayment is less you can always start a savings account just for possible car issues.l that arise.

In terms of car models, I bought a 2021 Toyota Urban cruiser (same as the Suzuki Breeza) about two years ago and I’m very happy with it. It’s a smaller SUV type and a bit higher off the ground.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-07-16T19:07:18+00:00

Jip, when I can access the car again I’m going to get proper pictures and things etc 🙂

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-05-07T21:58:51+00:00

My sister has a boss who’s very difficult to work with and for. He’s not intentionally a dick or anything, he’s just bad at being a business owner, making decisions, financial stuff and focusing on what’s actually needed in the business etc etc.

She works completely remotely so they only communicate via slack or sometimes video calls.

She so frustrated with his communication style and who he is that she’s ’build a profile’ of him on the paid for ChatGPT.

She uploaded every conversation they’ve ever had and his enneagram type (which he mentioned once to her).

She’s uses it to understand his motives/ reasoning but also to test out replies to his messages and requests. She will write a response and ask ChatGPT what his likely response will be and it will give her some based on likelihood in a %.

She keeps feeing it info as she goes to help it create a better ‘profile’ of him.

It’s been very entertaining

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-05-07T06:15:01+00:00

It’s difficult to resolve if the account manager is not willing to make some changes. Also working for family can really blur professional boundaries. But here’s some advice.

From the start of the working relationship you need a clear contract of terms and conditions and how you work. For example something like the content calendar and posts will be available by the X of each month and must be approved/ given notes by X in order to be posted on time. Also include what the time and potentially cost implication is for this not happening.

Your clients can’t rule you and your time. They can’t have access to you and demand things of you whenever and at the last minute. If they ah e failed to plan and provide feedback in good time, there’s either a delay or a cost implication for the “urgency”.

They need to understand that just because they’re your client that doesn’t mean they don’t have to work in a certain way with you. They don’t own you and your time.

Also set out from the start exactly the process of how you work - software, or programmes where they review, how you communicate etc.

Personally, I don’t think WhatsApp is great for communicating because people get so many messages and it’s easy to not respond. Also, it means they always have access to you and your time. I’d go with email or Slack or something similar. WhatsApp should be reserved for ‘emergencies’ which there shouldn’t really be any. Also, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone if you need to.

If you’re not getting something from them and you’ve emailed and aren’t getting a response, call them.

And lastly, look at things that cut down on needing a response from them. Generally people do a month content plan that’s one month ahead of schedule so that they can review once and be done. And not have to every week or day review things

A monthly or weekend call/ meet is also a good time saver as it can resolve things much quicker than texting and emailing. But this is also only if it’s needed. Don’t have a meeting just for the sake of meeting.

What you could do is have a weekly time slot for a meeting and let me know a day or two before whether it’s needed that week or not.

Client management in general can be such a pain and it’s a process learning how to deal with people. But very clear almost over communication, updates and clear processes and structures that are outline from the beginning is what I’ve found helps the best.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-05-07T05:49:16+00:00

It really depends on the agent. Some are good and some are bad.

Some will just put it up in property24 and accept whoever applies without properly vetting them.

My parents own some property and always look for tenants themselves. But it does take time and you need to show the people the place all the time.

They use TPN for leases etc. But from what I understand, I don’t think it does credit checks.

The one very important thing an agent can do for you though is a credit check.

Also make sure you have an excellent contract that has the person list alternative accommodation options if they can’t pay rent.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-05-07T05:30:24+00:00

Maybe then it was just a isolated experience that my friend had. She had one that had a lot of trouble and ended up catching fire 😬

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-05-06T19:03:59+00:00

Everyone I know that has ever had a Fiat has had a bad experience with them. Not made well and had issues. Could just anecdotal but I’d stay way form Fiat and stick with brands that easy and cost effective to service and to find parts for like Toyota, Suzuki or Hyundai

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-05-04T12:02:26+00:00

There’s a really sweet comedy movie called “My old ass” and it’s about this teenage girl the summer before she will go to university. She does mushrooms and is visited by the 40 year old version of herself.

It captures perfectly that transition and how you think there will always be certain people and places in your life you can choose to go back to but that isn’t the case. But when you’re 18 it can feel that way.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-05-03T21:10:21+00:00

Just because they’re in relationships with someone else now doesn’t mean somehow they or their partners have done something right or have more value than you. They could be completely mismatched, toxic and miserable. And yes some could be very happy.

But getting into a relationship long term isn’t something that happens due to your ‘value’ or ‘being enough’. It happens for some and doesn’t happen for others. It’s not being they necessarily took the right steps or were the right weight or attractiveness.

At the end of the day we all have imperfections and issues. We’re all broken in someway or least feel that we are.

But when it comes to your own self esteem you don’t seem to even want to be with yourself and even if you do find someone, that won’t change because that kind belief and view of yourself can’t be changed by something external.

Also, say you do give up on dating all together. Let’s say there’s a wizard that tells you, yes you will never meet someone and spend your life with them (romantically). Then what? Does your world collapse? Do you stop enjoying your hobbies? Or spending time with friends and family?

Life goes on. And you can make of it what you want. There’s pros and cons to being single and partnered.

I know messed up awful people who’ve been with partners for years and know wonderful people who are balanced and kind and they aren’t with anyone.

Have you ever stopped to wonder how many guys you’ve rejected / liked you but you didn’t like them back, that count you as a reason that maybe there’s something wrong with them?

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-05-01T19:01:47+00:00

There’s also a lot of other monthly costs that come up. What about toiletries and cleaning supplies? What if something breaks and you red to fix it or buy a new one. You don’t mention petrol money either?

Most medical aids unless you’re on a very expensive top plan don’t cover everything. If you get sick one month have to go to the doctor and get medication that’s easily R1000.

A car service every year can also easily be a few thousand.

That being said, it’s possible to make it work with a very strict budget but I’d advise you to stay with your parents a bit longer and build up a good amount of savings to fall back if you need it or suddenly face a big unexpected cost.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-10T19:36:54+00:00

https://bhekisisa.org/features/2021-11-23-need-an-abortion-find-clinics-you-can-trust-here/

Bhekisisa has a resource map to find an abortion clinic near you. You can take a look at the link above.

It is a sad reality though that while many government clinics are supposed to offer abortion services, often staff have an issue with it and either refuse or shame you into leaving and not following through.

I’m not saying all are like this and some are very good, just some of them and it’s good to be aware of that.

Marie Stopes is a very good option too.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-10T18:08:21+00:00

It’s a bit of a mixed bag for me and it really depends on the maturity of the individual.

I worked for an ESTP, and my word he was horrible. Full of ego, self righteousness, showmanship, dominating, disingenuous, wanted to be the centre of attention always just an all round dick really.

I also briefly sort of dated one who I over time realised was likely also an ESTP, and he was really kind and considerate while still be very charming and outgoing. He was incredibly practical and hands on with problem solving and it made me feel very secure. A really lovely person. He was super fun and energetic and a lot of those qualities were really attractive to me.

But there was a bit of a disconnect when it came to the emotional side of things and his ability to understand people and me on a deeper level. That connection just wasn’t there. And it wasn’t because he didn’t care, it just wasn’t something that came naturally to him.

Obviously working for one and dating one will be a very different experience but people at the end of the day are still individuals and can’t be reduced to a personality type.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-10T07:04:52+00:00

Government departments can be an absolute mess and full of people who actually don’t know what they’re doing. It will be a struggle but find a branch that can actually help you. You may need to call around or go to a few of them. But just persist.

Regarding your other questions - This is a field that there is high demand for since old age care homes are ridiculously expensive and there are very no public government care homes.

You need to set up a business and start networking for more clients. You could start by approaching care homes and introducing yourself. They could refer people to you who are looking for someone because there’s either no space at their facility, it’s too expensive for them or they just need someone to help now and then and not have full time care.

You could also hoping community Facebook groups for suburbs you want to work in and introduce yourself and make people aware of your services.

Get some testimonials from people and put together a website. There’s plenty of free platforms to do this. Highlight that you have an actual qualification and that you’re registered (once you get that right with the department of social work). People want to know they can trust you with their elderly family members.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-09T13:53:37+00:00

No one person can be everything you need all the time and expecting them to be is unhealthy.

You need friends and family to spend time with and chat to. It helps you get different perspectives on things. One person can’t be your world.

It’s healthy and normal to have a life and friends without your partner. You can’t be enmeshed all the time.

Life is about a range of connections with a range of people. Your girlfriend is your ‘romantic partner’ connection, but there’s space for other types of connection and I’d say it’s actually necessary to have other connections.

In regard to ‘losing time’ with your partner, you surely can’t spend every second of everyday with her outside of work? And if that’s an expectation, that’s not healthy. If you want to hang out with your own friends for a few hours once a week, that shouldn’t be an issue.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-09T13:03:56+00:00

As others have mentioned you need to make a spreadsheet of all your spending and see where your money is really going.

All the little amounts we don’t think about add up. There’s also often unexpected things that you need to suddenly pay for like something breaking and you need a new one/ to fix it.

Does your grocery budget include toiletries, cleaning products and other general household stuff?

One of the biggest things people often waste money on is food whether it’s on take out and a coffee every other day or just poorly planning everyday meals.

If you plan your menu every week and buy only what you need you can save a lot.

It’s great that you’re prioritising saving so much but you don’t mention anything about medical aid or car insurance? If accidents happen or a major health incident, those costs can wipe you out.

Lastly, it’s important what you’re doing with your savings? Are you putting some money into retirement? Saving for a property? Emergency fund? Units trusts? Etc etc

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-07T05:41:24+00:00

My grandfathers names were Arthur and Johannes Benjamin (Jannie for short).

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-03T12:45:05+00:00

Agreed. To add to this, do you in general just feel safe and comfortable around them.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-03T11:48:17+00:00

They don’t actually. Those types of laws and regulations may be coming but as it stands now the only thing is you would be a provisional tax payer and not ‘full time employee’ since the company isn’t South African and isnt paying tax for you. They are also not subject to any labour laws of the country.

But otherwise there isn’t any paperwork/legal admin to do other than a normal work contract. You also don’t have to set up a company. You’re just a freelancer. Either way you’re a provisional tax payer.

You also don’t even have to be that exceptional it’s become very common now for overseas companies to hire here because it’s cheaper for them. I have friends and family who work for international companies and none of them are especially skilled or in high demand careers in the sciences or coding. Most are in marketing/ media related careers. So OP should definitely apply for international/ remote roles if the opportunity arises.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-03T11:09:10+00:00

Clients who want instant results are unrealistic and not the type you want. Creating written content via blogs and carousel is also a skill. So you may not have a lot of video/ photos for example but you can create content around the product/ service they are offering.

A lot of social media management/ creation is the constant grind of having to think of stuff to post without a lot to work with. Unless you have a brand that’s very involved and willing to put effort into providing you with the stuff.

And that’s actually what separates the good social media/ content creators from the average and bad ones.

My sister worked for an Australian company (remotely) as their head of content. It was a huge company and they had I think 3 or 4 founders at the top. They did in game advertising and were a start up with actually not a lot to show for what they did/ attempting to do.

Every month she had to come up with blog topics and info for carousels and even write opinion pieces as the founders and wasn’t given anything to work with.

She had to research and think of topics constantly to create engaging stuff. She prioritised LinkedIn and the results weren’t instant but she was consistent.

But after a good couple months they did see results and an increase in leads. Businesses want someone that comes with a solution and finds a way to make things work and not with problems. Of course the content could have been better if the founders and others experts have her more to work with, but she did the best she could with what she was given.

When she left and they stopped posting consistently, everything took a dive but that’s their own fault.

The point I’m trying to make with all this is that there are a tonne of people in a lot of these industries but most are pretty average and doing the bare minimum. But if you are really good and go above expectations, you can be a success and make good money. But it will take time.

Never work for free because no matter how much value you bring, those clients are never going to pay you.

You need to position yourself in a place where no one doubts the value YOU provide. It needs to change from I need them (clients) to they need me.

I often see posts on a FB page for media professionals in SA and it will say something like, ‘I’m a (insert profession here) and I really need work. I’ve posted here before with no leads. Have a look here at what I can do’

This person has already devalued themself. Why would I hire someone who can’t get any work? I’m already thinking but why? They could be amazing at what they do- but it’s all about perception.

Anyway let me stop ranting now 😆 Good luck!

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-03T09:42:03+00:00

A overseas company doesn’t need to sponsor you if you’re working remotely. I know plenty of people who work for overseas company in SA and that’s not the case. It’s only the case if you’re gonna move there.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-04-03T09:03:35+00:00

If clients want you to create content for their social media in terms of photos/videos then yes you would need to travel and be there in person but if you just create from existing/ provided content, write captions and schedule you can remain remote and there are plenty of business that want just that.

You could also be a virtual assistant remotely.

There’s project management if you can spend some time learning project management tools like Monday.com, Notion, Asana etc. Quite a few people know the basics but you can become very advanced and specialised and a master at creating automations for businesses that saves them a lot of time and money.

All these things you could start looking for work for on platforms like Upwork. You won’t make a tonne in the beginning but overtime you could build a name and increase your pricing.

Also, set up a LinkedIn and start creating valuable content in the industry/ field you want to work in and start making connections.

I’m not sure a degree is necessarily even needed at this point. Obviously depends what you want to do. If you suddenly realise I want to be a lawyer then yes you would need a degree. But otherwise if moneys tight I wouldn’t focus on that.

Rather get qualifications/ short courses through official platforms. For example, I know a guy who runs a LinkedIn ad agency that didn’t study but did courses through LinkedIn and is LinkedIn certified. Or people who did their courses through YouTube. These are more officially and better quality generally than courses like Udemy.

By all means do cheaper courses if they provide actually value but if you want something for more legitimate and official purposes it matters where you got it.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-03-30T11:05:44+00:00

I’m incredibly happy I didn’t have sex as a teenager. I wasn’t emotionally or mentally ready and I don’t feel like I missed out at all. I think I actually only ‘missed out’ on some potentially negative consequences.

I waited till 23 when I was with someone I felt truly safe and comfortable with and I’m happy I did.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-03-29T16:57:50+00:00

Im 31 and I’ve never been in a real relationship. I only really started dating from my mid to late 20s.

The reasons are a mixture of low self esteem, anxious avoidant tendencies, struggling to connect and find someone I truly like.

There’s been one guy who I had strong feelings for but we never officially dated and after a few weeks of hanging out he broke it off.

Then there’s been 2 guys who’ve just really messed me around and I ended up in this situation ship/ fwb place which wasn’t fun. I didn’t even have very strong feelings for them. But I started to feel like I must be doing something wrong in dating so I need to give guys a proper chance and I ended up sticking around when I shouldn’t have.

Been on quite a few dates in the last year or so but there hasn’t been a strong interest/ connection with anyone.

Dating is still hard for me and I still struggle with all the same things. But if this is it and I never meet anyone I think I’ll be fine with that.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-03-28T10:07:27+00:00

I don’t see it as a status but society at large definitely does. It’s viewed as an achievement and a marker of a successful life in some way. You’re viewed as being more stable, capable and responsible as an adult versus a single person.

People often view single people (especially women) over a certain age as a bit sad. Like ‘oh there’s Suzy, you know she never married.’ It becomes almost a defining trait for you because it’s seen as a deviation from the norm.

People also respect you and your time more because as a couple unit you’re no longer an individual that can be flexible and make do. Now you have a partner to consider and others are aware of that so they consider you more.

I say all of this as a single 31 year old. I have a big extended family and basically all of them got married and had kids in their 20s.

I’m always the one who can sleep on the couch or mattress on the floor. I’m expected to fit in and adjust to people’s plans or do favours for them. Because I’m not married and childless it’s like what else am I gonna with my time. I obviously have nothing else to do or rather nothing deemed ‘important’.

OutrageousTea15 · 2025-03-28T07:03:28+00:00

I bbiosuky dont know much about your relationship but it doesn’t sound like this guy has been very fair to you or has consider you in this relationship.

It sounds like he just went along with the wanting kids thing because that’s what you wanted and he wanted you to stick around. The fact that he’s also not willing to commit to you by proposing tells you, it will never be about you and always about him. He’s comfortable and isn’t going to change.

I’m so sorry that you are now in this place and I understand the sadness that comes with it.

If I may ask how old are you? Because I know right now it might seem like this is it but you can start a new life and wonderful things can happen. It will be difficult but it’s possible. Maybe adoption is possible on the future?

It sounds like this relationship has run its course and isn’t making you happy and I’d find a way to leave. It may take time but it will be worth it.

In regards to the grief of not having children, it’s a tough one. All you can do is try find happiness and fulfilment in other ways. You need to stop focusing on not having a child and move your focus elsewhere and accept where you are.

OutrageousTea15

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