South Africans have always been known for resilience. Even after years of financial pressure, many of us are starting to look ahead with cautious optimism. The 2025 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor shows that while money is still tight for many households, people are beginning to plan more carefully and two priorities stand out above all: saving for retirement and saving for children’s education.
Why retirement is the number one savings goal
Nearly everyone agrees that planning for retirement is important. After all, none of us want to face old age without dignity or independence. Yet only 28% of working South Africans have made it a clear savings goal. Some are making good progress, but many remain unsure if they’ll have enough when the time comes.
This gap between intention and action is telling. Life gets in the way from day-to-day bills to unexpected crises and it can be hard to put money aside for something that feels far away. But every small step towards retirement saving builds comfort and peace of mind for the future. Use our retirement calculators to see how even small contributions today can grow into a secure tomorrow.
Education: giving the next generation a chance
Right behind retirement is education. About one in four South Africans say their top savings goal is to give their children or grandchildren the best possible start. Education is more than school fees; it’s about creating opportunities, breaking cycles, and building a better tomorrow.
The study shows progress is uneven: while higher earners are getting ahead, many families on modest incomes have only just begun. Yet every rand saved is an investment in a child’s future. Try our education calculators to see what it takes to give your children the best possible start. When parents and grandparents manage to set money aside for education, they’re planting seeds of hope that will carry through generations.
What it all means
Encouragingly, 75% of South Africans believe their financial situation will improve in the next six months. Optimism is high, but optimism alone doesn’t pay school fees or cover retirement costs. Turning that hope into progress takes action, even if it’s just starting small.
The good news is that South Africans want to learn. A remarkable 94% of people in the study said they value financial education and want access to tools and resources that help them make better decisions. That hunger for knowledge is a strength and one we can all build on.
Final thought
Saving for retirement gives you peace of mind. Saving for education gives your children a future. Together, they tell a powerful story: tomorrow depends on what we choose to do today. Take the first step use our calculators to see how you can start building both today.
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and Life Insurer.