South Africans face uncertainty as rising living costs and upcoming July electricity tariff increases place growing pressure on monthly budgets. Across the country, families seek practical ways to stretch their income while managing essential needs such as energy, transport, and groceries.
Against this backdrop, many families are reassessing everyday spending decisions. According to FNB, the focus is shifting away from short term reactions, towards more intentional and financially driven choices that help households manage costs more effectively over time.
“This environment is forcing people to pay closer attention to how they manage essential expenses like electricity, food and fuel,” says Kagiso Masela, Manager of Retail Sustainability and ESG Solutions at FNB. “What’s encouraging is that many of the habits that support better financial control also reduce waste and resource intensity. In practice, saving money and using resources more responsibly often go hand in hand.”
South Africa’s electricity system remains heavily reliant on coal, meaning that reducing demand not only helps households manage costs, but also eases pressure on the broader energy system. With electricity tariffs continuing to rise, efficiency and conservation are increasingly viewed as practical financial tools rather than purely environmental considerations.
Below are five simple habits that can support both one’s financial stability and responsible use of resources.
- Make energy work harder at home: Electricity remains one of the most significant monthly household expenses. Small adjustments like switching to LED lighting, using gas geyser or geyser timers, gas heaters especially in winter, unplugging unused appliances and making greater use of daylight can gradually reduce consumption.
Masela encourages households to take a more deliberate approach to investing in energy solutions, starting with a clear understanding of their electricity use and reducing consumption first. With better insight into their energy needs, households are better placed to make informed decisions about efficiency upgrades or alternative power options.
FNB supports this process through tools on the FNB App, via nav»Earth under the Energy theme, which help customers assess suitable solar, inverter and battery solutions, understand potential savings, and access financing options that helps spread costs while strengthening long‑term energy resilience.
- Reduce food waste and stretch grocery budgets: Careful meal planning, storing food correctly and repurposing leftovers can make a meaningful difference to grocery spending. South Africa wastes an estimated 10 million tons of food every year, according to the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature South Africa, representing both lost income and unnecessary environmental strain.
“Financial wellbeing often begins with small daily decisions about how resources are used,” Masela explains. “When people become more intentional about their consumption, the benefits extend to both their finances and the environment.”
Reward programmes like FNB’s eBucks further support households by offering savings on groceries and essentials when shopping at partner retailers, helping families stretch their budgets while being mindful of waste reduction.
- Choose reusable where possible: Reusable bags, containers and water bottles help reduce repeated spending on disposable items while limiting plastic waste. Many retailers already encourage reusable shopping bags, making it easier for consumers to adopt habits that support both affordability and environmental responsibility.
“It’s not about perfection,” Masela notes. “Making small swaps is what saves you money over time”.
- Rethink everyday transport: Fuel remains a major cost for many households. Combining errands into fewer trips, sharing rides or using public transport where possible can help manage transport expenses while also reducing carbon footprint.
Masela says digital banking tools increasingly help consumers understand their spending patterns. Carbon Coach, budget insights and expense categories available through your FNB banking App make it easier to identify opportunities to improve monthly money management.
- Buy with longevity in mind: Repairing appliances, maintaining clothing and choosing durable household goods can reduce the need for frequent replacements. A “buy well, buy once” approach encourages thoughtful purchasing while helping avoid unnecessary long-term costs.
Masela says that while no single habit will offset rising costs on its own, the combined effect of these choices can strengthen household financial resilience over time.
“Finding ways to make money go further can help consumers to care for the resources around them. Practical choices made over time can strengthen financial resilience while contributing to a more sustainable economy.”
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