20 Money-Saving Hacks for Young South Africans

Here is a comprehensive list of actionable money-saving strategies to help you stretch your budget further in South Africa.

1. Loyalty Card Power-Up: Sign up for free store loyalty cards at Checkers, Shoprite, and Clicks. Scan every time to get instant discounts and redeem points for cash or groceries.
2. Oats Overload Mastery: Buy rolled oats in bulk for R25 per kg. Use them for breakfast porridge, smoothies, or savoury patties to stretch meals cheaply.
3. Bulk Batch Bonanza: Cook a large pot of stew or curry once a week. Freeze portions to avoid buying lunch or takeaways during the week.
4. Automate the 'Pay Yourself First' Trick: Set your bank to transfer 10% of your salary to savings on payday. This builds your fund without you needing to think about it.
5. Stokvel Squad Goals: Start a small stokvel with friends, each contributing R100 weekly. Use the pooled money for big goals like travel or emergencies.
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.
7. Carpool Conspiracy: Share rides to work or campus using apps like Lift Club. Split fuel costs and reduce wear on your car.
8. Student Perk Ninja: Use your student card for discounts on transport, streaming, and food outlets. Keep using it even after graduating if possible.
9. YouTube Fix-It Fiesta: Learn basic repairs like phone screens or bike tires from free YouTube videos. Save hundreds by fixing things yourself.
10. Sub-Slay Audit: Review all subscriptions monthly and cancel unused ones. Save R200+ by sharing family plans for streaming or software.
11. End-of-Day Grocery Gambit: Shop at closing time for reduced bakery items and fresh produce. Get quality food at 50–70% off.
12. Cash-Only Chaos: Use cash envelopes for weekly spending on food and fun. Once the cash is gone, you stop spending.
13. Geyser Ghosting: Turn off your geyser during the day and at night. Save up to 20% on your electricity bill.
14. Portion Potion Magic: Pre-portion meals and snacks into containers. Reduce food waste and avoid overeating.
15. Generic Brand Rebellion: Choose store-brand products for staples like rice, pasta, and cleaning items. Save 30–50% with no drop in quality.
16. Barter Buddy System: Trade skills with friends, like cooking for haircuts or tutoring for tech help. Get services without spending money.
17. Herb Hustle at Home: Grow herbs like mint or coriander in pots on your windowsill. Save R20–30 per bunch compared to store prices.
18. Bill Negotiation Ninja: Call your insurer or phone provider every six months to ask for better rates. Loyalty often earns discounts.
19. Library Loot Legacy: Use your local library for free books, audiobooks, and internet access. Avoid buying expensive reading or data.
20. No-Buy Challenge Thrills: Try a 30-day no-spend challenge on non-essentials. Redirect the saved money straight into your savings account.