The art of creative saving
Frugality can be taken too far. There are people who use a stick to get the last drop out of a tube of toothpaste or limit the number of blocks of toilet paper each family member may use. The opposite end of this spectrum are people who are either so egocentric or downright insecure that they cannot conceive of the possibility of having anything but the best. However, somewhere in be-tween there is a group of people who enjoy finding creative ways of spending as little as possible.
Tap Into the Sharing Economy—Mzansi Style
The sharing economy in South Africa is flourishing. Beyond globally known platforms, local initiatives help people borrow, rent, or swap goods and services. Consider:
• Neighbourhood WhatsApp Groups: These are invaluable for borrowing tools, baby gear, or even textbooks, cutting down on unnecessary purchases.
• Clothing Swap Events: Popular in cities
like Cape Town and Johannesburg, these events let you refresh your ward-robe at little cost.
• Community Carpooling: Save on rising petrol costs by connecting with others on platforms like Carpool SA or through local Facebook groups.
Reverse Shopping—Sell Before You Buy
Online Marketplaces: Before shopping, declutter and list unused items on OLX, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace. This not only brings in cash but makes you more mindful about new purchases.
Upcycling: South Africans are masters at creative reuse—repurposing secondhand furniture or glass bottles into décor saves money and the environment.
Subscription Smarts
Streaming Service Rotations: Rather than paying for all your entertainment at once, alternate your subscriptions to Showmax, Netflix, or DStv Now based on your interests. The ultimate saving (if you aren’t
Free Trials & Local Deals
Always set reminders to cancel before the trial ends, and hunt for South Africa-specific deals on platforms like Takealot or Superbalist.
Black Friday bulk buys
If you have the storage space (garage or shed) buying non-perishables in bulk can add up to significant savings. Things like dishwasher capsules, laundry powder or pods, olive oil and instant coffee can last over a year in storage.
Stylish and classic
A frugal trick that has been well used by many old money individuals and families is the classic car. Drive a car that is both stylish and individualistic. Best of all is that it costs next to nothing to insure as a car over 20 years old is deemed to be a classic and therefore incredibly cost effective to insure (for as little as R200 a month) and can be just as reliable as a new one. Buy a well maintained and low mileage classic for as little as R200 000 and you have a classy and extremely low cost means of transport. An added bonus is that it will more than likely maintain its value and perhaps even increase in value. Win/win.
Cashback and Loyalty Stacking
• Bank Rewards: Take advantage of pro-grams like Standard Bank’s UCount, ABSA Rewards, or FNB eBucks by stacking points, cashback, and discounts for groceries, fuel, and airtime.
• Retail Loyalty: Combine loyalty cards from Clicks, Dis-Chem, or Pick n Pay Smart Shopper with voucher deals and in-app coupons for maximum savings.
• No-Spend Challenges—Mzansi Edition
• Commit to no-spend days or weeks, using only what’s in your pantry or freezer. Many South Africans join no-spend challenges on social media, sharing tips and encouragement, which keeps the experience fun and motivational.
Before buying new, check Gumtree, Cash Crusaders, or local charity shops for pre-loved bargains, from electronics to sports gear to furniture. This approach is wallet-friendly and supports a circular economy.
Embrace DIY—South African Know-How
From fixing appliances to making your own household cleaners, YouTube and local experts offer guidance. Learning basic car maintenance or gardening skills can save on service costs and empower you to be more self-reliant.
Cut “Vampire” Electricity Use
With load shedding a persistent reality, South Africans are already energy-conscious. Take it further with:
• Timer switches to automatically shut off geysers and appliances (although the jury is out on whether or not this is an effective way of cutting down on electricity). A better alternative is replacing electric geysers with gas.
• Solar-powered gadgets and lights, especially for outdoor spaces.
• Regularly unplugging electronics and using power strips to isolate devices when not in use.
Friction Shopping—Delay and Decide
Remove saved cards from online shops, delete shopping apps, and implement a 24-hour rule for non-essential purchases to curb impulse buying. The inconvenience helps you resist marketing temptations.
Hidden Discounts & Local Deals
• Student/Senior Discounts: Always ask for discounts at cinemas, restaurants, and public venues—even if they’re not advertised.
A 60/60 chance…
Believe it or not, it has been established that buying groceries (and only groceries) online cuts down on the average spend. Apparently buying groceries online helps avoid buying all sorts of unnecessary goodies we see along the way or are shopping on an empty stomach. The same does not apply to gadgets and clothing as online sites seem to lead to impulse shopping.
Grow Your Own—Even in Small Spaces
Whether you have a garden or just a sun-
Conclusion: The Art of Creative Saving in South Africa
South Africans are no strangers to adversity, and this resilience is reflected in inventive ways to save. By embracing both new technologies and ubuntu-inspired community solutions, you can stretch your rands further, support local initiatives, and build lasting financial security. The journey to prosperity in South Africa is uniquely resourceful—proof that a little ingenuity goes a long way.