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BY: TANA MALINGA
As the festive season fades and new-year expenses set in, many South Africans are feeling the strain of “Janu-worry”. Rising costs and stretched budgets have made financial discipline a priority for households across the country.
According to Ester Ochse, Integrated Advice Product Head at FNB, this period presents an opportunity to reset financial habits. “Now is a good time to reflect on your savings journey. Small changes to spending behaviour can free up cash and help households start saving, even when it feels difficult,” she says.
Ochse highlights several practical actions consumers can take to reduce pressure and improve financial stability in 2026.
Using available rewards and benefits, such as eBucks, can help cover everyday essentials including groceries, fuel, electricity, data, and airtime. Redirecting rewards toward necessities can ease cash-flow constraints during tight months.
She also advises consumers to be mindful of impulse spending, particularly around payday. Reviewing bank statements and delaying non-essential purchases by a week can significantly reduce unnecessary expenses.
Food costs remain a major pressure point. Meal planning and home preparation can lower monthly spending while supporting healthier eating habits. Affordable staples such as rice and beans can be stretched further by adding smaller portions of protein.
Transport is another area where savings are possible. Carpooling with colleagues or coordinating school lifts can help reduce fuel costs while contributing to lower environmental impact.
Regularly reviewing one’s financial setup is equally important. Consumers are encouraged to update budgets, beneficiary information, and track spending using digital banking tools such as the FNB App to avoid future financial stress.
Setting clear financial goals is also key. Whether focusing on debt reduction or saving R20 000, writing goals down and keeping them visible can help maintain discipline throughout the year.
Digital platforms continue to support smarter money management. Tools such as FNB eWallet allow users to send money, pay for essentials, and manage daily expenses. In 2025, South Africans completed more than 69 million eWallet transactions, covering categories such as 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.
Alternative Ways to Save
Additional savings can be unlocked through everyday lifestyle choices. Free access to library services and digital reading platforms reduces entertainment costs, while shopping online or without children helps limit impulse purchases and may earn additional rewards.
Consumers can also benefit from two-for-one deals available through platforms such as The ENTERTAINER on the FNB App, participate in community swap groups instead of buying new items, and plan no-spend weekends using free local attractions.
“With January nearly behind us, every rand counts,” Ochse concludes. “By making informed decisions, using digital tools, and committing to clear financial goals, South Africans can navigate 2026 with confidence and build a stronger financial foundation.”
