Saving Money In South Africa

Have you ever been so broke you couldn’t buy a bottle of water or had to have a friend transfer you R10 to get money out of your bank account?

Table of Content 

  1. Dining deals
  2. Keep your student IDs
  3. Use a basket instead of a trolley when grocery shopping
  4. Practice the three-day rule when shopping
  5. Have multiple emails to use promo codes more than once
  6. Use an app to keep track of your expenditure
  7. Get the latest promo codes on Picodi
  8. Take an interest in financial plans
  9. Don’t spend too much on stationery and the latest fashions

While your financial situation might not have been as dire as ours, you’ve probably asked your friends to “budget a bit” when the squad goes out on more than one occasion.

Besides cutting down on too many late-night suppers and Friday nights at McDonald’s, you can make more than a few lifestyle changes to reduce your monthly expenditure.

If you’re sick of being ‘the broke friend,’ we’ve made a list of 9 money-saving hacks you should know to keep your bank statement in the black.

1. Dining deals

Going out on date night doesn’t mean emptying your bank account. Use apps that offer dining discounts, such as Mr. D Food, and get up to 50% off your food bill.

2. Keep your student IDs

If you’re still a student, make use of student deals when you shop at:
  • ASOS: 20% off upon verification
  • Zaful: 6% off every Saturday
  • Checkers: 10% off discount for students is life from time to time
  • Sportscene: 10% off every Tuesday.

3. Use a basket instead of a trolley when grocery shopping

Shop at Checkers and Pick n Pay for the best grocery deals. Before entering the store, plan your meals and make a grocery list so you’d only put items you need into your basket.

Being aware of how much weight you carry and having limited basket space will prevent you from adding unnecessary items.

4. Practice the three-day rule when shopping

The rule’s simple: walk away when you go window-shopping and see something you want. If you’re still thinking about it three days later, allow yourself to go and get it.

This way, you ensure you’re buying something you like instead of accumulating cheap impulse buys.

But more often than not, if you can buy something from a physical store, you can probably purchase it cheaper online if you’re willing to wait for the delivery.

Wait for online sales, such as the upcoming Black Friday or Cyber Monday events, to score huge discounts.

5. Have multiple emails to use promo codes more than once

Many online shopping sites offer first-time users discounts, e.g., Netflorist or Faithful to Nature. Make different email accounts so you can use the codes more than once.

To achieve maximum productivity, send all advertorials and newsletters to one email to keep spam away from your primary work account.

6. Use an app to keep track of your expenditure

Download Money Manager on your mobile phone and key in every purchase. With different categories available (i.e., shopping, food, transport), you can track exactly where your money’s going.

Even though it might feel like a hassle, it’s an excellent habit to cultivate as it encourages you to be more aware of your everyday spending.

7. Get the latest promo codes on Picodi

We oWe often call for a Taxi when we realize we’re late for a dinner appointment with our friends again. Plan for better time management so you can afford to take the bus and still be on time.

If you only take too long to get ready, be the first to get promo codes for Uber and Taxify. There are limited redemptions, though, so the fastest fingers first!

8. Take an interest in financial plans

While being financially prudent is essential, learning how to grow your money is vital.

Besides having a regular savings plan that automatically transfers a fixed portion of your salary every month, you can make small financial investments such as money market funds.

Learn about compound interest investments and take an interest in the types of insurance to secure your financial future.

9. Don’t spend too much on stationery and the latest fashions

Instead of buying too-pretty-to-use paper you’d inevitably hoard, grab readily available office supplies or one of the many free pens you’ve received from student welfare packs.

Rather than accumulating clothes you’d only wear for one season, invest in wardrobe staples or wait for seasonal sales infamous fashion stores to save even 90% (MRP, Zando, HomeChoice,,, etc.).

Saving Is A Lifestyle

While many of these money-saving hacks focus on helping you stretch your dollar, it’s important to note that none of these tips will immediately save you a lot of money.

At the end of the day, being financially savvy is not about restricting and depriving yourself. It’s about making lifestyle changes that encourage you to shop smart!