Simple money saving tips that actually work
“Saving is about behaviour, not income.”
Payday is here, and for many of us, debit orders are already lined up. Before your salary is gone, have you thought about setting some money aside for yourself?
With bills, groceries and daily expenses, saving money can feel like a luxury. You want to save, but it often seems out of reach. The good news is you don’t need to win the lotto to start, and saving doesn’t have to be complicated.
Financial educator and digital creator Katlego Kevin believes saving is more about your habits than how much money you have.
Kevin, who shares financial advice as @katlego_kala on social media, draws from his own savings journey to offer practical tips for anyone wanting to start saving or stay motivated.
Think of him as a virtual accountability partner for people working toward their savings goals.
“Some common mistakes people make are waiting for the 'perfect' time to start saving, saving whatever is left over instead of prioritising it and comparing themselves to others.
"A big misconception is that you need to earn a lot of money to save – that is not true. Saving is about behaviour, not income,” he says.
Also read: 6 simple and low-effort ways to save money
How to start saving without feeling overwhelmed
"You do not need a lot of money to begin. Consistency matters more than the amount. One practical tip is to save first before you spend.
“Even if it is R50 or R100, putting money aside as soon as you get paid helps build the habit," he says.
Kevin says tracking your spending helps you see exactly where your money goes. He adds that saving challenges can make the process more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
How to grow your savings and build an emergency fund
Here are a few simple savings challenges to help kickstart your 2026 savings journey:
- 52-week saving challenge: Save a small amount that increases each week
- No-spend challenge: Cut out unnecessary spending for a set period
- Save extra money: Round up purchases and save the difference, or save all your 'extra' money like bonuses, cashback or side hustle income.
Kevin says that even if you do not have a specific savings goal, building an emergency fund or saving for future opportunities is still a good reason to save.
"An emergency fund is a great place to start because it protects you from stress when unexpected expenses come up," he says.
"You can also save for flexibility, knowing you have options if life changes.
If you find it hard to save regularly. Kevin shares these tips to help make saving consistent and effective:
- Accountability partners can also help. This could be someone who checks in with you or saves alongside you.
- Automating your savings is another powerful tool because it removes temptation and makes saving automatic.
Kevin admits his own savings journey was not easy. He made many mistakes, including stopping and starting again, reminding us that progress doesn't have to be perfect.
But with a change in mindset and some patience, saving can become a habit over time.
"When saving feels impossible or you are tempted to dip into your savings, remember to be kind to yourself. Missing a month does not mean you have failed.
"If you need to use your savings, that is what they are for. The most important thing is to start again as soon as you can and not give up."
He says it's also important to reward yourself when you reach a milestone.
"Rewarding yourself is important because saving should not feel like punishment. Small rewards, like a treat or a budgeted spoil when you reach a milestone, can keep you motivated."
Watch the video below where Kevin explains how to pay yourself first.
*Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is not professional financial advice and is intended for general guidance only.
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