January 2009 I paid for 3 year’s gym membership with Planet Fitness (a bargain because of an opening special). After a year and much frustration, I was still not activated as a member and with some serious threats I got my money back (I was actually in the police station busy with my statement when they finally decided to do something!).

But I still wanted to gym. The only problem was that I was not quite happy with spending R800 per month for my wife and myself to go to the gym. And that is when I did what I always advise on The Blue Roof – I put the grey matter to work.

I want more life cover for both my wife and myself.  A few companies offer a loyalty program that includes subsidised gym membership. So I promptly contact a few companies that I know and ask: 1.What is the minimum premium on a life policy? 2.What does the loyalty program cost? 3.What gym benefits does it offer? The bottom line is that I got the best benefits from Momentum.

Life cover for 2 at R300 per month, loyalty program (that offers many other benefits, such as cheaper airline tickets) at R140 and gym for 2 at R98. Which means I am spending R540 odd Rand per month (instead of R800), I get to gym, I have life cover (my wife will only be able to buy a cheap new husband when I die, but I can buy a very expensive wife when she dies ;) ) and I have many other potential savings. (And the nice part is that there is an amazing motivation to go to the gym built into the system!)

Why do I share this? Yes, to let you know I do have a six pack, albeit invisible under the wrapping ;) ? No, I share this to encourage you to investigate how you can “re-arrange” expenses to pay less or perhaps at least get better value for money.

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