Shirleys Creations

Is your grocery bill secretly higher than you think? One month of tracking reveals the

Inflation numbers don't tell the whole story. See how categorising every item bought exposed the real cost of family groceries and impulse buys.

By Shirley Bardenhorst August 12, 2026 6 min read

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Money Tips

R100 power gone in days? I tracked my usage to find the culprit.

By Shirley Bardenhorst July 30, 2026 5 min read

Putting R100 into the meter felt like throwing money away. I started an electricity diary to expose the real power drain in my home. You won't believe what I discovered.

Investing

My income is unpredictable, but my retirement savings aren't.

By Shirley Bardenhorst July 18, 2026 6 min read

It's easy to put off retirement planning when your pay varies. Here's how to make consistent contributions a reality, no matter what your monthly income looks like.

SARS

Is your side hustle paperwork a total disaster? Mine was.

By Shirley Bardenhorst July 18, 2026 6 min read

Stop relying on screenshots and faded slips. Discover the simple, grown-up system that transformed one side hustler's chaotic financial records into organised, SARS-ready proof.

Small Business

Is 'simple' turnover tax actually costing your business more than you think?

By Shirley Bardenhorst July 18, 2026 5 min read

Many small business owners are drawn to turnover tax for its apparent ease. But if you have thin margins and high expenses, this 'simple' approach could be a costly mistake.

SARS

Your side hustle is thriving — but are you ready for the tax surprise?

By Shirley Bardenhorst July 18, 2026 6 min read

That moment your side hustle profit crosses into 'proper money' means new tax rules. Find out how provisional tax changes your financial responsibilities.