10 Money-Saving Hacks for Young South Africans

You’re finally earning, but money is tight. You may not be able to change the prices, but there **are** ways to manage the pressure. Here are ten powerful, practical tips to help you get through the cost-of-living squeeze in South Africa.

1. 1. Bulk Batch Bonanza (No More Buying Lunch)

   **Don’t buy lunches.** This cost adds up quickly over a month. Instead, spend time on Sunday meal-prepping.

   **Action:** Cook a large pot of stew, curry, or pasta dish, divide it into five portions, freeze them, and your lunches are sorted for the week.

2. 2. Shop Late & Prep Braai Leftovers

   Many supermarkets drop prices on bread, meat, veggies, and ready-to-eat meals in the late afternoon or evening. Same food, suddenly **30–50% cheaper**. Also, buy an extra pack of meat on special before your next braai, cook it, and freeze it in portions for instant ready meals.

3. 3. Oats Overload Mastery

   Buy rolled oats in bulk (R25 per kg). Use them not just for breakfast porridge but also for thickening smoothies or making savoury patties to stretch meat meals cheaply.

4. 4. Automate the 'Pay Yourself First' Trick

   Set your bank to transfer **10% of your salary** (or any amount) to a separate savings account on payday. This builds your fund without you needing to think about it.

5. 5. Stokvel Squad Goals

   Start a small stokvel with trusted friends, each contributing R100–R200 weekly. Use the pooled money for big goals like travel, education, or emergencies.

6. 6. Thrift Flip Frenzy

   Buy second-hand clothes and electronics on Facebook Marketplace or Yaga. Sell items you no longer need to make extra cash. It’s a cheap way to upgrade your wardrobe.

7. 7. Carpool Conspiracy & Transport Hacks

   Share rides to work or campus using apps like Lift Club to split fuel costs. When possible, use public transport or walk the last few kilometers.

8. 8. Geyser Ghosting (Lower Your Electric Bill)

   Your geyser is the biggest electricity user. Set the temperature to around $55^\circ \text{C}$ and **switch it off during the day or use a timer**. Small changes here can save you a surprising amount.

9. 9. Use Loyalty Card Power-Up

   Sign up for free store loyalty cards (Checkers, Shoprite, Clicks, etc.). Scan them **religiously**. The points turn into free groceries, toiletries, or airtime way faster than you expect.

10. 10. Side-Hustle from Your Couch

    Use your downtime to make extra money. Look for micro-jobs: answer surveys on Surveytime, sell Canva templates on Etsy, or moderate Facebook groups.