The order of operations for your money. Work down the list, don't skip a rung. Each step protects the next.
Pay rent, food, transport and minimum debt. Track what comes in and what goes out so you know your real surplus. Everything below uses that surplus.
A small cash cushion so a flat tyre or a burst geyser doesn't become credit-card debt.
Attack anything above ~12% a year: credit cards, store accounts, payday and personal loans. Clearing 20% debt is a guaranteed 20% return.
If your job matches pension or provident contributions, put in enough to get the full match. It's free money, so don't leave it on the table.
3 months of essential expenses (6 if your income is irregular or you're self-employed). Keep it reachable: a savings or notice account, not a fixed deposit.
Fill your TFSA (R46,000/year, all growth tax-free), then a Retirement Annuity (contributions deductible up to 27.5% of income).
Save for specific goals (house deposit, car) and invest in low-cost ETFs. Then overpay lower-interest debt (bond, vehicle) and build long-term wealth.
Money Mastery, the week-by-week playbook to take control of every rand you earn, spend, save and invest. Free when you create a Budget Hub account.
Create a free account →General guidance for South Africans, not financial advice.
The split that makes your salary last the whole month.
The R46,000 rule, explained in one page.
15 subscriptions you forget you're paying for.
TFSA, tax brackets, UIF and RA limits at a glance.
