Dealing with black tax - How to learn to say 'no'
Many South Africans pay black tax. Here is how you can put a stop to it when it comes to your finances.
'Black tax' is a term that defines money that people pay from their income to their family members, often out of obligation not generosity.
Members are made to feel guilty if they cannot afford to financially aid their family members, especially every month.
It is often a result of coming from poverty-stricken homes where families would expect their better-off members to carry the financial burden once they start working.
Paying black tax means you have to put a hold on some of your financial plans/goals to ensure your family members are well taken care of.
It moves from just paying for basics to having to go the extra mile to support family members. In some instances, those with jobs have to buy their parents, siblings, and relatives groceries, clothes, pay children's school fees, extend the family home, etc. This is not done out of generosity, but is something that is expected by the family once the member starts working.
READ: Black Tax and how to deal with it
How to say no to your family
Have a frank conversation with your family members
It is important to evaluate your finances and have an honest conversation with your family members.
Although it is good to support your family where you can, do not commit to what you cannot afford. Let them know if supporting them puts you in a stressful place financially.
Learn to say no
It might take you saying a few no's before you are more comfortable declining to assist your family members with money you don't have.
Learn to say no without feeling guilty.
Give when you can
Although you might not be able to afford to support your family members financially every month, on occasions that you can, be a blessing to them. The key is to give what you can afford to give.
Do not go into debt
The last thing you need to do is enter into debt just because of your family members, unless it is debt that you are comfortable with and can manage.
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