The ultimate dream of millions of younger South Africans is to live a life of abundance while still living within their means, because as the adage goes ”life is the moment we are living now and now is the time to enjoy it.”
Young people, in particular, in South Africa are playing a never-ending waiting game – waiting for the economy to grow, for their luck to turn, and biding their time in jobs that pay the rent and other bills, but with not much left behind for other essentials and discretionary spending.
“Maybe it’s a stretch to expect to live as though one is financially well-off when you are still at the beginning of your carreer and working your way towards a higher income but there are many ways to elevate your lifestyle while you are working your way up the proverbial ladder. Living extravagantly is not the answer,” says Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, one of South Africa’s leading debt counselling companies. “You need to be savvy about your money, smart about your spending and make informed financial decisions.”
Invest in yourself
Here, Roets offers sage advice for South Africans who are aspirational and looking to fast track their lifestyle into one of abundance, not austerity.
“The first thing to do is to understand that your biggest asset isn’t your car or clothes or that swanky apartment that you’re co-renting with friends or family – it’s your skillset.
“One of the smartest things you can do early on in your career – or at any time really – is to invest in courses, certifications, and digital skills that can help pivot you into higher-paying positions. In a competitive job market, growth gives you leverage and broadens your prospects,” Roets says.
Cultivating a mindset of abundance
Finding that one thing that makes you feel like you’ve ‘made it’ in life can elevate your lifestyle and overall wellbeing to the point that you believe you are riding high. From this vantage point, it’s easier to navigate the highways and byways of life, enriching your life with experiences that are emotionally rewarding, rather than accumulating possessions that don’t pay dividends.
“Taking advantage of South Africa’s natural beauty with free activities like hiking or walking in botanical gardens, natural reserves, or on the beachfront, can accomplish the same thing,” Roets points out. “Check local community boards for free or affordable music, dance and theatre events, host a games night or braai with friends at home or in a spectacular natural setting.
“Pursuing your passions and hobbies gives you the opportunity to meet others who are living life large too, and their habits, ideologies and values will rub off on you, to your benefit,” advises Roets.
Doing so will help you recognise and appreciate the richness in relationships, health, learning, and personal growth – forms of abundance that money can’t buy – yet are vital to attaining the lifestyle you want.
Master your finances
Roets advocates that mastering your finances is key to living well, and making progress in life. The trick is to avoid debt completely, if at all possible.
Here he recommends four tips to help you manage your finances:
- Track your expenses to the T so that you can catch any slip-ups fast;
- Cut silent killers like unused subscriptions or cancelled debit orders;
- Be mindful of inflation: when buying a vehicle, designer labels or décor items on credit, take into consideration the true cost of lifestyle inflation as this can drain your salary fast;
- Avoid getting into debt unless it’s absolutely necessary – and if you do, settle your debt as fast as you can, to minimise paying off interest.
Top Tip: Budget with intention and spend on what will actually improve your life.
The Side Hustle
Over a third of South Africans (around 36%) were reported to have side hustles in 2026, mostly driven by the rising cost of living, and often to supplement a steady salary.
“Turning your spare time into extra income or creating future wealth is one of the smartest moves you can make towards living a bountiful life,” Roets says. “There are so many workable options, ranging from buying and reselling goods to teaching online and delivery services. It’s the way of the future,” he points out.
“Living loud isn’t about making noise – it’s strategic. It’s about waking up without money stress, knowing and having options, and building something bigger than just the next payday, while you make the most of what you have to pay and play with right now,” advises Roets.
Yes, you can live your best life right now. A few shifts in perspective and behaviour can create a genuine experience of an abundant, full life regardless of your current income level.