Stretch your Rand this year. Here are some money-savvy tips for 2026. The Integrated Advice Product Head at FNB, Ester Ochse, says with the festive season behind us and new year expenses weighing heavily, many South Africans felt the pinch of “Janu-worry.” But now, she says, the time has come for people to reflect on their savings journey. She says small tweaks to your spending habits can free up cash and help you start saving, even when it feels impossible.
Stretch your Rand
Ochse shares simple ways that can help households ease financial strain and navigate the year on a stronger footing:
Use your rewards: Redeem your eBucks to cover essentials like groceries, fuel, or electricity. “How many times have you, in a crunch, reached out to your eBucks as opposed to your money to buy electricity, data or airtime?” asks Ochse. eBucks can be a valuable tool to ease payment pressures.
Avoid unplanned spending: Payday often tempts impulse buys. Review your recent transactions and wait a week before making non-essential purchases to curb spending urges.
Prep your meals: Meal prepping at home saves money and promotes healthier eating. Stretch meals with staples like rice and beans, adding portions of protein to bulk up.
Cut transport costs: Carpooling with colleagues or parents on school runs reduces fuel expenses and benefits the environment.
“Every rand matters,” says Ochse.
More money-savvy tips for 2026
Refresh your financial setup: Review your smart budget, beneficiary details, and track spending via the FNB App to avoid future stress.
Set clear money goals: Just as fitness goals are popular in January, financial goals should be too. Whether it’s paying off debt or saving R20 000, writing them down and placing them on a vision board keeps you motivated.
Embrace digital tools: Platforms like FNB eWallet make it easier to send money, pay for essentials, and manage finances seamlessly. In 2025 alone, South Africans used eWallet for over 69 million transactions, covering groceries, fuel, airtime, and electricity.
“The versatility of our eWallet platform allows customers to not only send money but also make purchases and manage their finances seamlessly,” says Hema Morar, Executive Head of FNB eWallet.
Out-of-the-box ideas to save more
- Use your library card and online reading apps: Borrow e-books and audiobooks for free.
- Avoid taking kids shopping: Reduce impulse buys by planning your shop visits or shopping online to earn eBucks, e.g., via PnP as soon as possible.
- Join community swap groups: Exchange clothes, toys, or household items instead of buying new.
- Plan no-spend weekends: Explore free local parks, museums, or community events.
“By making mindful choices, embracing digital tools, and setting clear financial goals, South Africans can navigate 2026 with confidence and lay the foundation for a financially healthier year.”
