Choose a change that suits your budget
You might order fewer takeaways, switch to a cheaper data plan or cancel an unused subscription. This tool shows how much you could set aside if you kept up that change. You can then decide whether the saving is worth it to you.
Contributions and growth are separate
Saving R500 every month for 60 months gives you R30,000 in contributions before growth. The projected balance assumes you add the money at the end of each month and earn a constant rate, compounded monthly. Actual returns depend on the product and may vary.
You can reduce part of an expense
You can choose a 25%, 50%, 75% or complete reduction. For example, cutting an expense by 25% leaves 75% available to spend on it. Try an amount you could realistically keep saving each month.
What the projection leaves out
It excludes inflation, tax, investment fees, volatility, missed months and the possibility that your expenses change over time. The future balance should not be used as an investment promise or relied on for a retirement decision. Try changing the assumed growth rate to zero. That shows your total contributions without any growth.
Want to know where a monthly amount could come from? Try Payday Compass. For an explanation of emergency savings, see our guide to building a cash buffer.