Times are tough and consumers often find themselves struggling to make ends meet, especially as everyday expenses, such as fuel, food and electricity tariffs, continue to rise. This, as salary increases often do not keep up with inflation. It can be even tougher if you're trying to meet your saving and investing goals. So, what can a person do to make ends meet every month and to save for goals and dreams? To answer these questions and more I spoke to Jeanette Marais , Deputy CEO at MMI Holdings and began by asking, Where does one begin the process of making ends meet and start saving?