As Savings Month draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the financial progress made and steps taken towards spending wisely.

But let's not forget that saving money doesn't mean sacrificing happiness and fulfilment. In fact, it's about being savvy and making the most of our resources.

To end this month on a high note, we've put together a list of the top 5 purchases that showcase how you can still enjoy life's pleasures without straining your budget.

So, let's celebrate the end of Savings Month by exploring these fantastic finds and continuing our journey toward financial prosperity!

1. Plan some downtime without breaking the bank

Part of the heritage that many of us enjoy is gathering our loved ones for a weekly meal - making beloved memories over delicious food.

If you’re in Joburg, and can’t enjoy this weekly tradition at home, book a Seven Colours Sunday lunch at the Radisson RED Rosebank for R220 per person.

Savour every bite of the hotel’s delicious lunch and head home without the hassle of dishes.

If you’re in Cape Town you may be looking for things to do during the cold and wet months. A visit to the Zeitz MOCAA in the trendy Silo district will get you out of the cold, away from your screens, and immersed in mesmerising exhibitions of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.

Tickets to the museum are R230 and you can make the visit a full day affair. Pop into the Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, just a few meters away from the museums entrance, for a delicious lunch and drinks at OUIBar + KITCHN.

Weather permitting take in the beauty of the Mother City at the hotel’s rooftop where you can end the day off with panoramic views.

2. Spend smartly without compromising on quality

One third of the South African population uses a smartphone, which has become an integral part of the lives of ordinary South Africans, who use their smart devices not only to communicate but to learn, shop, and even work.

Smartphones could leave consumers spending up to R43,999. Consumers buckling down and spending less on a quality and effective smartphone is one way to get the most bang for their buck.

The new Nokia C32 is a great example of an affordable smartphone that is reliable and durable and doesn’t compromise on the camera, operating system, or aesthetics.

On top of all that, it also comes with a free jelly protective case and screen protector in the box, already cutting down on what would usually be additional costs to keep your device safe.

Adam Ferguson, Head of Product Marketing, HMD Global, had this to say about this new Nokia device, The Nokia C32 reimagines what’s possible in an affordable smartphone.

Featuring the most advanced camera in the C-series to date, it’s here to give people high-quality photos at exceptional value.

We believe that value should not sacrifice design, so we have included a toughened glass finish usually seen in more premium designs to ensure the Nokia C32 looks as good as the pictures it takes.”

3. Invest in your health without racking up expenses

So many of us reach for a cocktail of health supplements as an easy option for boosting our immunity and supporting our body with vital vitamins and minerals.

Whilst these supplements may seem like the best option for supporting our health in our busy lifestyles, they can rack up in costs. Microgreens are an easy and cost-effective way to supercharge your wellbeing all year.

These tiny forms of young edible greens contain up to a whopping 40 times more nutrients than mature vegetables.

“So many of us lead busy and active lifestyles, so it’s incredible that you can get far more nutrients than the average vegetable just by consuming a small amount of microgreens.

“Just one bite of microgreens delivers a mighty dose of health benefits,” explains Rick Hein, Managing Director of MicroThumbs, suppliers of microgreens to retailers countrywide.

You can find punnets at your local grocery stores for around R50, or alternatively, use a microgreen infused pesto pasta sauce for R59.95 online.

4. Minimum spend with maximum output

For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you can buy jewellery that not only looks good but also helps you support sustainable practices and make a positive impact on the world.

Brand consultant at Relate Bracelets, Dalit Shekel, says, “Making an ethical fashion purchase is a way of looking and feeling good about your buy.

Our bracelets are made by seniors in townships, providing them with a sustainable income and a sense of purpose.

With each purchase, you are not only getting a beautifully crafted piece of jewellery, but also contributing to causes such as wildlife conservation, quality education, healthcare, and clean water initiatives”, she adds.

Relate Bracelets are available from Woolworths and start from as little as R35.

5. The not so fun but essential spend

Car insurance is almost always a grudge purchase - we all know how important it is to be sufficiently covered in case something happens, all while hoping nothing ever happens. Customers often feel that they are paying excessively for something that they may never use.

Enter digitally-based car insurance products such as that offered by MiWay Blink, which uses smart telematics to connect you, your car, and the insurer.

The result? An enhanced customer experience and an insurance product tailored to the needs of the individual.

It works by connecting a GPS device, SIM card, motion sensors, and analytics software to your car and phone, which allows MiWay Blink to track actual driving data and adjust premiums accordingly.

Head of MiWay Blink, Keletso Mpisane, on what this smart technology allows for, “If an insured customer drives less than 2,500 km a month, we give them a cash back refund on the premium they paid that month.

The refund increases with the less you drive, so, for example, if a customer doesn’t drive at all in a month, a refund of up to 50% of that month’s premium is paid back to them.”

Keep making savvy choices

Saving doesn’t have to mean restricting yourself from enjoying the good things in life, and it definitely doesn’t mean halting payments on essentials like insurance. It can be as simple as thinking about how to spend disposable income wisely.

From indulging in a delightful Seven Colours Sunday lunch at the Radisson RED Rosebank, to opting for an ethical fashion choice with a Relate Bracelet that empowers you to support sustainable practices while adding a touch of beauty to your look.

As we bid farewell to Savings Month, let's carry the valuable lesson of smart spending forward and continue making savvy choices that bring value to our lives while safeguarding our financial goals.