Today’s post explores the best saving tips for SA Moms. Being a mom in South Africa is a full-time job – and it can become very expensive too! Some days it feels like a never-ending money pit with grocery essentials, school fees, fuel, and those in-between unexpected school-related expenses.
Every month, I see my salary come in and disappear within minutes! I’m sure most of you can relate – many of us simply don’t have the luxury of going on family vacations or splurging on a few luxuries. It’s all about surviving from one month to the next!
But the news is not all bad: with a few smart strategies, you can manage your finances, hopefully save more, and still enjoy the little things that make family life special.
Here are some of the best saving tips for South African moms — realistic, local, and easy to start today.
Top 12 Saving Tips for SA Moms
1. Create a Budget and Keep Track of it
The first step to saving is knowing where your money goes every month. I have a monthly budget that I created on MS Word where I list all my expenses and expected income sources. Make sure you list everything: from school expenses to Airtime purchases and account instalments.
Tip: Try free apps like 22seven (by Old Mutual) or Money Manager to automatically track spending and set monthly budgets. Most banking apps also have features where you can input your expenses and keep track of your spending.
When you see your spending patterns, it’s much easier to make informed adjustments.
2. Plan Meals and Make Home-cooked Meals
Eating out or grabbing takeaways can easily double your food expenses. Takeaways have become so expensive, especially if you have a large family. By planning meals ahead, and cooking your own meals, you save both money and time. Preparing your own meals is also healthier because you control what ingredients you use.
Bonus Tip: Cook extra portions and freeze them – it can be a life-saver for busy school nights.
Shop smart at stores like Checkers, Pick n Pay, or Shoprite where weekly promotions and combo deals can make a big difference. Also, make sure you swipe your reward cards – at the end of the day, every cent counts.
3. Buy in Bulk — But Wisely
Bulk shopping at Takealot, Makro, Game, or Boxer stores can save you a pretty penny, especially on non-perishable products like toiletries, pet food, cleaning products, and long-life foods like rice or pasta.
However, compare the unit price per item to make sure you’re actually saving, and avoid bulk-buying items that spoil quickly.
4. Use Store Loyalty Cards and Cashback Rewards
South African loyalty programs are gold mines if used properly!
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Pick n Pay Smart Shopper offers points that you can convert into cash discounts.
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Woolworths WRewards gives instant discounts at checkout.
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Clicks ClubCard and Dis-Chem Benefits let you earn cashback vouchers every few months.
Combine loyalty points with sales for maximum value – every rand adds up.
5. Declutter and Sell Unused Items
Kids outgrow clothes, toys, and school gear faster than you can blink. Sell these items on Facebook Marketplace, OLX, or Yaga to earn a little extra cash and free up space at home. You can make a few extra rands while decluttering your home at the same time. How often do we hang onto unused items that are just gathering dust?
6. DIY and Get Creative
Instead of buying new decor or party supplies, try DIY projects with your kids. There are so many videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok that have pretty nifty ideas. Make your own cleaning sprays with vinegar and lemon, or bake party treats instead of ordering them. Have you seen the prices of frozen items like samoosas and cocktail sausage rolls lately?
By making your own party snacks or cleaning materials, you can save money and make fun memories together, while teaching your kids a few helpful hacks.
7. Cut Back on Unused Subscriptions
Do an audit of your monthly debits like DSTV or gym subscriptions. You might be surprised how many subscriptions you no longer use.
Cancel or pause extra streaming services or gym memberships.
Smart Tip: Alternate between Netflix, Disney+, or Showmax instead of paying for all three at once.
8. Shop Second-Hand for Kids
Kids’ clothes and school uniforms can cost a fortune, so don’t be shy to shop second-hand.
Look for bargains on Facebook mom groups, local thrift stores, or apps like Yaga.
Many parents sell barely used clothing and shoes at half the price.
9. Teach Your Kids The Value of Money
Helping your children understand money from an early age is one of the best gifts you can give them.
Let them earn small rewards for chores and encourage them to save part of it in a piggy bank or youth savings account at your bank (many SA banks offer free youth accounts).
10. Set Up Automatic Savings
Treat savings like a non-negotiable expense.
Set up a monthly debit order into a separate savings account right after payday – even if it’s just a small amount like R50 or R100.
Banks like Capitec, FNB, and TymeBank make it easy to set up automatic transfers and earn interest on your savings.
11. Plan Ahead for Birthdays and Holidays
Special occasions can sneak up on your wallet. Start saving early for school trips, Christmas, or birthdays.
Pro Tip: Buy gifts and decorations during end-of-season sales at Mr Price Home, Pep Home, or Crazy Store — you’ll pay half the price later.
12. Affordable Self-Care for Moms
Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean expensive spa visits or beauty salon treatments.
Take a walk in the park, soak in a bubble bath, or do your own nails at home. Visit community markets or free local events for a fun, budget-friendly day out with the family.
🌸 Final Thoughts
Saving money as a South African mom isn’t about living without, but rather about living smarter. Every small change you make adds up to a more secure, less stressful future for you and your family.
Remember: you don’t have to make big changes all at once. Start with one or two of these tips today, and soon you’ll see your hard work paying off – one rand at a time. I hope you’ve enjoyed my post about saving tips for SA moms and that you will give all or some of them a try.
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