As South Africans prepare to welcome 2026, familiar New Year’s resolutions dominate the national mood: eating healthier, exercising more, taking better care of our bodies. But something powerful is shifting. This year, financial wellness is no longer an afterthought — it is rapidly becoming a priority on par with physical health.
A growing body of research reveals an undeniable trend: South Africans want to feel financially strong, secure, and in control. According to a 2025 IPSOS study, 92% of South Africans pledged to take better care of their health, yet financial goals are catching up fast. Insights from consumer research agency KLA show that 82% plan to save more money in the coming year.
This shift is not surprising. It reflects a country navigating persistent economic pressures — and a population realising that financial fitness is essential for peace of mind, stability, and long-term wellbeing.
The Economic Reality: Relief, but Not Enough
Gavyn Letley, Product Head at specialist loans provider DirectAxis, explains that while recent interest rate cuts have allowed consumers a small sigh of relief, several pressure points remain:
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Food price inflation, although easing, is still stubbornly high
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Fuel prices have begun climbing again
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Electricity, rates, housing, and services continue to push monthly costs up
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Inflation overall remains above the Reserve Bank’s 3% target
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National economic growth remains constrained
This combination of factors continues to squeeze household budgets, making the case for stronger money management unavoidable.
“Even if you aren’t one of the growing numbers of people resolving to take better care of their finances in the coming year, it’s not too late to start doing so now and improve your financial health for 2026,” Letley says.
But he warns: realism is essential.
Too many people abandon their financial goals because they set ambitions that are impossible to maintain.
“When people realise they can’t achieve unrealistic targets, motivation dies. But feasible goals? Those build momentum.”
The key for 2026 is simple: start where you are — and take practical steps that actually stick.
Three Powerful Steps to Strengthen Your Finances in 2026
1. Start With a Budget — Your Most Important Financial Tool
Budgeting has a reputation for being dull, restrictive, or complicated. In reality, it’s the simplest, most empowering way to take control of your money.
A budget reveals two things:
Where your money comes from — and where it really goes.
Creating one can be as simple as drawing a line down the middle of a page:
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Left side: All your income
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Right side: Every monthly expense — with your bank statements as your guide
This simple exercise exposes unnecessary spending and frees up space for savings. And for those who prefer digital tools, several user-friendly online budget templates and platforms can walk you through the process step-by-step.
2. Improve Your Credit Score — It’s Your Financial Reputation
Your credit score determines how banks, insurers, landlords, and retailers view your reliability. It can influence:
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Whether you qualify for credit
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The interest rate you receive
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How much you pay over time
South Africans are entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau, but many now use digital tools for regular tracking. DirectAxis’ Pulse platform, for example, lets users check their score as often as they wish — at no cost. It also explains how the score is calculated and offers personalised tips for improvement.
Most people can boost their score by at least 20 points simply by:
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Reducing unused or excessive credit facilities
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Paying accounts on time
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Managing debt consistently
A stronger credit score can unlock better financial products — and save you thousands in interest.
3. Build Your Financial Knowledge — The Foundation of Better Choices
Financial empowerment begins with understanding how money works. Luckily, credible, accessible financial education is everywhere — especially online.
Letley recommends:
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Starting with specific topics you want to master
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Exploring content from reputable, authorised financial institutions
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Comparing multiple sources to ensure accuracy and practicality
This small commitment builds financial confidence, clarity, and long-term resilience.
“These are three simple steps that will give you a solid foundation to start building a healthier financial future,” says Letley.
2026: The Year of Financial Confidence
The message is clear: financial wellbeing is no longer optional.
It is necessary, achievable, and increasingly part of how South Africans define a healthier life.
As the new year approaches, one truth stands out — you don’t need to be wealthy to get financially fit. You simply need to start. And starting now gives you the gift of a stronger, calmer, more empowered 2026.
