How to be a savvy investor

SAVINGS: FOSTERING A CULTURE WHERE CONSUMERS ARE 'MORE FINANCIALLY DISCIPLINED'

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National Savings Month is almost over. Consumers learned from various experts how to save but how many of us know how to really be a savvier saver and investor? In July each year we celebrate National Savings Month, an initiative of the Savings Institute of South Africa to promote healthier financial habits and encourage households to save for the future.

"In essence, the intention is to foster a culture where South Africans can become more financially disciplined, leading to greater financial independence," says Steven Amey, head of Intermediated distribution at Ashburton Investments.

"To foster this culture, South Africans must learn small actions in savings and investments can make a big difference in their lives.

Why is healthier savings and investment habits necessary? According to Eighty20 XDS Credit Stress Report 2025 for the first quarter of 2025, consumers have much to be concerned about because they rely too much on debt.

Household debt reached an outstanding R2 56 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, up 2.1% from the previous quarter.

"The most concerning aspect of this is the number of overdue loans. A staggering 34.8% of all loans are in arrears," Amey says.