Youth Month is a chance to reflect on what it means to be young in South Africa today. For many, that means looking for opportunities in a tough job market, managing rising costs, and trying to build a future in an uncertain world. Whether you’re studying, sending out CVs, starting your first job, or running a side gig, money can feel like both a headache and a superpower. That’s why financial resilience matters. It’s about being able to handle setbacks, adapt when life throws curveballs and keep moving towards your goals.
Here’s the tough part, nearly half (45.8%) of young South Africans actively looking for work are unemployed. “That means financial stability doesn’t just ‘arrive’ with the first paycheck. Instead, it’s built deliberately through everyday money habits, smart decisions, and multiple income streams,” says Clair Brenner, FNB’s nav» CEO. But young people aren’t just waiting around. Across the country, many are finding creative ways to earn, learn and grow. Some are tutoring. Others are creating content, selling products online, coding, freelancing, offering services in their communities or turning hobbies into income streams.
Technology is also making it easier for them to access opportunities, learn new skills, and grow income in ways that were not possible a decade ago. “One thing we’ve seen at FNB is that there is a palpable demand among the youth for tools to intuitively support money management. Young consumers are increasingly focused on understanding their spending, building savings habits, and making more considered financial decisions, even when income is constrained,” adds Brenner.
Lethukuthula Ngcobo, FNB’s Product Manager for Integrated Advice, says this reflects a broader change in mindsets. “Financial literacy is about understanding your options, making informed choices and building habits that help you move closer to your goals.” While everyone’s journey is different, a few practical habits can make a meaningful difference over time.
Track your cash flow & invest in yourself: Small expenses have a sneaky way of adding up, so it helps to see the bigger picture. The nav» Money Smart Budget tool in the FNB App auto-categorises your spending, shows the balance between ‘money in’ and ‘money out,’ and sends helpful nudges to keep you on track. At the same time, building your future earning power matters just as much, and if you’re starting out in early adulthood, nav» Youth offers quizzes, tools, and perks designed to grow your confidence with money while you build skills for tomorrow.
Start saving consistently, even if it’s small: Many people think they need a large income before they can start saving. In reality, building the habit matters most. Even small amounts saved consistently can make a difference over time. Think carefully before taking on debt: Before opening an account or taking out credit, make sure you understand the costs involved and how you’ll repay it. Borrowing can be useful when done responsibly, but it’s important not to take on more than you can comfortably manage. Invest in your skills: One of the best investments you can make is in yourself. Learning a new skill, completing a course or gaining practical experience can improve your earning potential and create future opportunities.
Don’t do it alone: Whether it’s a stokvel, savings group, mentor or simply talking openly about money with people you trust, support and accountability can help you stay on track and reach your goals. “Consistency matters. Small actions repeated over time can have a meaningful impact on your financial future,” Ngcobo adds.
Financial resilience isn’t about sudden windfalls or lucky breaks, it’s about steady choices, creative hustles, and community support. And here’s the fun part, every time you save, learn, or share knowledge, you’re not just surviving, you’re building options for your future self. Think of financial literacy as the toolkit and resilience as the outcome; together, they help people navigate uncertainty, grab opportunities, and create stronger futures.
This toolkit doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, My Advisor on the FNB banking app gives you tailored insights and practical tools to help you plan smarter, gives you a better perspective of your money habits and helps guide you towards your financial goals.
Youth Month celebrates energy, ambition, and resilience, qualities that shine just as brightly in the way young South Africans are managing money today. One decision, one habit, one step at a time, they’re proving that financial resilience is more than survival. It’s a superpower.
Apiwe Mjambane
Soweto Sunrise News
