Tag: FinancialWellbeing

Women play a vital role in driving economic growth and supporting households across South Africa. As more women take control of their financial futures, investing remains one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth, financial resilience and independence. While women increasingly take control of their financial futures, many remain underrepresented in investment markets.

We expect young women to make major money decisions from their first salary, yet many are never taught how. Building financial confidence has to start long before the first payslip arrives. After a month of grafting – and what seems like a lifetime of waiting – your first salary finally hits your bank account. Of course, everyone from your bestie to your gogo has an opinion on what you should do.

Women are often the glue that holds families together. They are caregivers, providers, planners and, increasingly, wealth creators. Yet while many spend their lives protecting others, they often overlook one equally important responsibility: protecting themselves and planning for the future of those who depend on them.

Ask most South Africans what a "clipper" is, and they'll tell you it's a R100 note. The nickname dates back decades, when R100 was often made up of ten R10 notes held together with a paper clip. Today, the R100 note carries another symbol that deserves just as much attention: the Cape buffalo. The buffalo offers a surprisingly powerful lesson about saving and the power of compound interest.

As South Africa celebrates Women's Month, conversations around financial empowerment, wealth creation and economic participation remain as important as ever. While women continue to make significant strides in the workplace, business and entrepreneurship, achieving financial independence remains a critical component of long-term financial wellbeing.

South African professionals facing sudden career transitions, such as resignation or retrenchment, find themselves at a critical financial crossroads. The first 90 days after resignation or retrenchment can determine their long-term financial security. Although this period represents a high-risk financial window, it can also create valuable opportunities for recalibration and growth.

As millions of South Africans struggle with debt, simple financial habits can improve long-term financial wellbeing. South Africa's household debt burden has climbed to an estimated R2.4 trillion. This places increasing pressure on households already grappling with rising living costs.

The role of the nine-to-five is changing, and South Africa’s financial reality reflects this shift. According to the South African Reserve Bank, household debt levels remain high at around three-quarters of disposable income. Meanwhile, savings rates remain persistently low. This leaves many households with little room to absorb shocks, build long-term security and provide for retirement.

The book arrives at a time when many women are seeking ways to strengthen their financial independence and build a more secure future. Financial Confidence for Her Wellbeing is a practical guide that helps women build a stronger relationship with money. It also gives them the confidence they need to make informed financial decisions.

Most South Africans are not gambling more because times are good. Instead, they are gambling more because money is tight. South Africa’s gambling industry generated a record R75 billion in gross gambling revenue during 2024/25. At the same time, the betting segment alone grew sharply from R8.8 billion in 2019/20 to R23.7 billion by 2022/23.