Have you been looking for love in all the wrong places? Tired of Tinder, feeling hopeless about Hinge and bored of Bumble?  You might be suffering from Dating App fatigue. 

Dating app fatigue is a term used to describe the exhaustion and frustration that can come with using dating apps for an extended period of time. It is a common feeling among people who have been using dating apps for months or even years with little to no success in finding a meaningful connection. The constant swiping, messaging, and disappointing dates can take a toll on a person's mental and emotional well-being, leading to a feeling of burnout and disillusionment with the dating app process.  Dating app fatigue is causing more and more people to ditch the quest for love and focus more on themselves and their own personal happiness.

So, if you have completely given up on modern dating, and you want to plan a beautiful life for yourself and your 28 cats, where do you start? Johann Rossouw, a Certified Financial Planner from Fiscal Private Clients (and future owner of 28 dogs), has listed his top tips:

Create a budget.

The first step in financial planning is to create a budget. This will help you understand how much money you need to live comfortably and enable you to make informed decisions about your spending. Start by listing all of your monthly expenses, including rental/bond repayments, utilities, food, petrol and entertainment. Be sure to include any debts you have, such as student loans or credit card balances. Once you have a clear picture of your expenses, you can adjust your spending as needed to live within your means.

Become debt-free and stay that way.

Being debt-free can help you live within your means and avoid financial stress. Pay off any debts as soon as possible and avoid taking on new debt.

Build an emergency fund.

It's essential to have savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least 3 months' worth of living expenses in an easily accessible, high-yield savings account.

Save for retirement.

Retirement planning is important for everyone, but it's especially critical for those who don't have a partner to rely on for retirement savings. Starting early and saving regularly can help ensure that you have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. Make use of retirement vehicles such as a Pension or Provident Fund, or a Retirement Annuity.

Consider life insurance.

If you don't have dependents, you may not need life insurance. However, if you have debts or want to leave a legacy to loved ones or a charity, life insurance can be a valuable tool.

Treat yo’self (within limits)!

As Tom and Donna from Parks and Recreation memorably said “TREAT. YO. SELF”. It's important to treat yourself every now and then as a way to reward yourself for hard work and accomplishments.

However, it's crucial to do so within limits. Overspending on treats or indulgences can quickly add up and lead to financial stress or debt. Remember, treating yourself is important, but doing so responsibly is key to maintaining a healthy balance between enjoyment and financial stability.

Seek out the help of a professional

If you need any advice on one of the steps above, it’s always good to consult a professional. Seek out a Certified Financial Planner in your area.

While we cannot control our experience on dating apps, we can take control of our financial future. Aim to achieve financial freedom – your future self and 28 cats and/or dogs will thank you.

To reach out to Johann, a Certified Financial Planner, email him on  johann.rossouw@fiscal.co.za or see www.fiscal.co.za 

Fiscal Private Client Services (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial services provider in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act.  Our Financial Sector Conduct Authority license number is 12895.