I figured you thought that headline was a joke. It actually isn’t. Being single is far better than being broke and that’s the truth! Just ask your mate who’s probably in a serious relationship lasting up to a year or two right now, bet you didn’t know he spent close to R5,000 in the past year – possibly even more, just on dates.

Um… yeah. Exactly.

So the reality is, this phrase may be applicable to more males than women, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t apply to both genders. Here’s why being single is better than having nothing left in your bank account:

1. No One Will Force You To Spend a Cent!

You probably found yourself having less than 200 bucks in your wallet. There’s a little secret stash somewhere for emergencies. You didn’t intend on using it but oh no…. here come’s bae wanting a little movie date nyana. It’s either you take them out to the movies or you just don’t love them at all, now do you? How do you maintain your positive reputation with the love of your life if you are broke? You have to Spend those rainy day savings on the person who probably isn’t going to contribute a thing.

Yes, relationships sometimes will force you to spend money when you actually wish you won’t. If it’s not a birthday cake, it’s Valentine’s Day gift, an anniversary dinner, a trip to the beach, or a snack along the way – it’s always something. Worse of all, buying lunch for two (each and every day you hang out) is definitely a cost you probably did not think about when you were single and shooting your shot.

So here’s the thing: being single will save you all the drama of having to fuss and fight over who pays the bill, who pays for the ride, and who buys snacks – simply because you have all the authority to simply make an alternative arrangement and not spend a cent.

Before you date, remember this: the other person will always have the expectation of wanting something. Have a little extra money in your budget for needs and wants. A beverage and transport fees may just be a need. Food and something “cute”, may just be a want. Entry fees are also an expense you’d need to add to your budget. If there’s a demand for quality time, there’s probably a cost to it, and when it comes to the bill you’re the first person that comes to mind.

2. You Can Eat As Much Bread, Noodles & Pilchards As You Want!

Food is must get! Grocery is a monthly expense we cannot run away from but sad to say, you probably just realised that the grocery cabinet starts looking rather under-resourced around the middle of the month, no? Fortunately, you do not have to worry; a packet of noodles is only about R5, surely?!

Now imagine hanging out at your place with your bae. You could be studying together, perhaps it’s a Netflix day – who’s going to eat Pilchards and Bread? Surely, you would but not when bae’s around. Bae wants McDonald’s and you’re going to make sure they get it.

Budget, budget, budget my friend. Being single allows you to not worry about which appetizer you will be having for supper, you can eat whatever you want even if it’s last night’s boiled eggs and the previous day’s mashed potatoes – food is food and no one will judge you for that.

Enjoy these moments while you still can. Dating means pleasing the person you’re with and this includes the meals you have when you have company over.

3. Me Time – Doesn’t Cost A Thing

Wanting to go places? Maybe you just want to be alone? The ultimate reason here is you need escapism and the beautify part is, going out or staying indoors on your own does not need to cost you a thing. It’s your own expectations you’re managing and I bet you’ll manage them pretty well knowing that there’s just a few cents to spare in the piggybank.

See, spending time with bae would have cost you an arm and a leg if you’ve got just under R500 to your name. They probably want more than just a walk in the park, a moment in the public square watching the birds, a hike up the mountain to see the city skyline or a stroll along the sea-side promenade. All of these things are free of cost – you can always get water from the tap just to stay hydrated. It wouldn’t cost you anything to make the most of your therapeutic, time of enjoyment had you been single and left to decide what you do with your finances every time you feel like going out for time alone.

4. Walking Is Mahala

Bae probably stays far away, don’t they? If that isn’t the case, it’s probably that they’re highly unfit or grew up in a household that drives everywhere, because requesting an Uber to the mall and back, is like asking for a piggyback ride everywhere around town.

We get that Walking takes energy, it’s time-consuming and the distance may likely seem a little bit far but it’s for your own good, both financially and physically. We all could do with some exercise.

Here’s the trick. Walking is free – especially when you’re single cause no one will force you to choose otherwise. Relationships and transport are co-partners. Logistics is the crucial part after communication and sadly, while communication is oftentimes “free” (I mean, someone has to pay for Wi-Fi), you’ll find getting from A to B always comes with a fee. Even public transport can be costly. This means paying for them more than you’d probably pay for yourself had you just been single. Walking is mahalla, both to the mall, to work, to the cafe, the spaza shop, the beach, the park, the mountain, the city square and the fountain – wherever you need to go. It wouldn’t cost you a thing if you had to do it on your own.

Dating comes with the demand of making sure the other person travels safe and sound. Your partner always needs to be comfortable with how they will get to you and back.

5. More To Save or Donate

Probably this is something that has not scratched your mind but being single means you actually have a few extra bucks to give. Instead of buying Valentine’s gifts, Birthday prezzies, anniversary treats, and a cake for spoils, how about storing up those Rands into a fund that would make a difference in your community? There’s a lot more we can do with the money we aimlessly spend on entertaining one another and this is your opportunity to put it to good use.

Here’s the trick, all that “girlfriend allowance”, Uber costs and date expenses can be stored away in a monthly charity fund, perhaps one can make this separate account in their bank account. This allows you to give more than you usually may have – it is also an opportunity to consider giving something to a cause you may not have given to before.

Sounds overrated, I know but the same goes with your time. Here’s more room for you to spend your time doing something helpful and impactful in your world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, singleness may seem rather lonely but it does come with its benefits. The more time you have to yourself means you have more opportunities to invest in your goals, your dreams and help uplift the world around you. The more time you have to yourself means you have more room to make independent choices, study and save up for a get-away you probably would not mind enjoying alone or with a friend or family member.

Your singleness gives you access to embracing yourself all the more.

Here’s to making the most of singlehood! Being on your own does not make you a loner, it makes you independent.

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