Practical, easy-to-use tips to start saving money quickly – no matter your income.

Let’s be honest: saving money can feel impossible when your salary barely covers the basics. Whether you’re living in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth or a rural area, rising prices, high transport costs, and unreliable electricity all put pressure on your wallet.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to earn more to start saving. You just need the right tools and a little strategy.

At Lula Lona, we believe smart saving is possible for everyone. In this guide, we’ll share 10 simple, fast-acting tips to help you save money starting today – no complicated budgets, no empty promises.

1. Track Every Rand for One Week

Before you can save, you need to see where your money is going. For 7 days, write down every single purchase – from bus fare to bottled water.

Most people are shocked by how much they spend on:

• Takeaways and snacks
• Mobile data
• Impulse purchases at the till

Knowing your habits helps you spot where small changes make a big impact.

2. Cut One Daily Expense – and Redirect It

Find one daily habit that drains your cash. Examples:

• R40 for fast food = R1,200/month
• R20 for bottled water = R600/month
• R15 daily on snacks = R450/month

Cut just one of these and move the saved money into a separate account. It adds up fast.

3. Set a No-Spend Challenge

Try a “no-spend day” or “no-spend weekend” where you avoid all non-essential purchases. It’s a reset button for your brain – and your bank balance.

Build momentum by stacking these into:

• No-spend weeks
• No-spend categories (e.g. no new clothes for 30 days)

Gamify the challenge with friends or family for extra motivation.

4. Use a Separate Savings Account

Psychology matters. Keeping savings in the same account as your everyday spending makes it too easy to “accidentally” use it.

Instead:

• Open a separate, interest-bearing savings account
• Label it: Emergency Fund, Holiday, or Car Repairs
• Set up an auto-transfer (even R100/week counts)

Banks like Capitec, TymeBank, and FNB offer free savings pockets and vaults.

5. Buy in Bulk (Smartly)

Bulk buying isn’t just for big families. It helps avoid last-minute trips to the store and locks in better pricing.

Good bulk options:

• Toilet paper, rice, beans, maize meal
• Long-life milk, cooking oil, canned food
• Laundry powder, soap, sanitary products

But avoid bulk for perishables (fruit, meat) unless you freeze or share with others.

6. Cut the Cost of Airtime and Data

In South Africa, data is gold. But overspending on airtime is one of the biggest silent budget killers.

What to do:

• Switch to WhatsApp bundles or zero-rated platforms
• Use free WiFi in safe public areas (cafés, libraries)
• Compare prepaid vs. contract pricing
• Turn off auto-updates and background apps

Many mobile networks also offer night data or rewards-based bundles – explore and compare.

7. Cook More, Deliver Less

Even “cheap” takeaways add up. Cooking simple meals at home can save R1,000–R2,000/month.

Tips:

• Plan 3–4 basic meals per week
• Use affordable staples (lentils, eggs, veggies, rice)
• Cook in batches and freeze

Services like Checkers Sixty60 or Pick n Pay asap! can still save money if you use delivery strategically and avoid impulse aisle buys.

8. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps

You don’t need a fancy credit card to earn rewards. Many South African apps and retailers offer cashback, discounts, and loyalty benefits.

Try:

• SnapnSave (cashback on grocery items)
• Pick n Pay Smart Shopper
• Checkers Xtra Savings
• FNB eBucks, Nedbank Greenbacks, Discovery Vitality

Only earn when you shop for essentials, not as an excuse to spend more.

9. Sell Unused Items

Have clothes, gadgets, or furniture you don’t use? Turn them into cash.

Use platforms like:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree
• Yaga (for fashion)
• WhatsApp community groups

Set a weekend goal to declutter and list 5–10 items. Even R100 here and there builds your savings buffer.

10. Turn Saving into a Game

Saving doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Make it a game:

• Save every R5 coin you receive
• Do a 52-week challenge (start with R10, increase weekly)
• Save every time you say “no” to a want
• Reward yourself (low-cost treats) for milestones

When saving feels fun – you’ll do it more consistently.

Saving Is Possible – Even Now

Even in a tough economy, small wins stack up. You don’t have to save thousands overnight. But if you start with just R100 this week, then R200 next week – momentum builds.

And with the right mindset, tools, and support from Lula Lona, you’ll be surprised at what’s possible.

Next Steps:

✅ Pick 2 tips from this list and try them today

✅ Open a separate savings pocket

✅ Track how much you save in the next 30 days

Your financial journey is personal. But you’re not alone. At Lula Lona, we’re here to help you save smarter – and live freer.