The cost-of-living crisis is no longer a passing concern. It’s a daily reality and crisis. The pressure is mounting – we are paying more for food, electricity, fuel and healthcare. For many South Africans over 55, especially those relying on fixed incomes, pensions, or part-time work, and particularly the SASSA pensioner, the challenge is real and ongoing.
One thing is for sure and remains constant and true: South Africans know how to make a plan.
The 55plus community somehow manage to stretch their rands and stay afloat despite the economic storm. They rethink spending habits and embrace community support.
Two YEI Hub members had this to say:
Fawzia: We have to be frugal, cut out the frills and budget tightly. One also has to choose between the little luxuries of life – go out for dinner with friends or go to a movie for instance? It’s a juggling act these days.
Wendy: We are feeling the pinch. No going out for dinner except for special occasions. No take aways. Making meals last for a second meal by adding lots of vegetables. Not going through to Cape Town at the drop of a hat. It costs us about R600 rand a trip (115 km each way). We have found ourselves walking more, gardening, we read and do jigsaws and we are very content. Lots of good shows on TV. I make quilts etc. We have not become house bound, we go out for coffee with friends and find ourselves shopping to find out how many lovely things we don’t need. I must add that I am very fortunate to still have a husband.
Let’s look at what many 55plussers are doing in their quest to become frugal:
Downsizing Tips for South Africans Over 55
Many 55plussers are embracing simpler living by downscaling. Some have traded in their large family home for something smaller, manageable and cost-effective. Some have sold their second car to save on maintenance and insurance. Some have moved closer to family or into retirement villages, shared senior homes, old age homes and granny flats on childrens’ properties. Shared costs can make a meaningful difference.
Grocery Savings Tips for South African Seniors
As You’ve Earned It says, Live well and Save smart. Food prices have gone through the roof. Many 55plussers are adopting clever grocery habits:
- Bulk-buying with neighbours, family and friends to access discounts without waste
- They are using their store loyalty cards and apps to maximum effect (like Pick n Pay Smart Shopper, Woolworths WRewards, Checkers Xtra Savings)
- They are planning meals and batch cooking in order to reduce food waste, unnecessary purchases and to save on electricity
- They are swapping meat for cheaper plant-based proteins like beans or lentils a few times a week
Frugal Living Without Sacrificing Joy
Frugal living is not about giving up everything. It’s about cutting the frills, not the joy in life. It’s about focusing on what matters. Many have:
- Cancelled or downgraded streaming services, gym contracts, or luxury subscriptions
- Opted for free entertainment: nature walks, community markets, book swaps
- Found joy in low-cost hobbies: gardening, knitting, reading, volunteering
Community Sharing Ideas to Save Money
Community makes us stronger. Think sharing lifts to and from the shops, sharing meals and even bartering your skills (think a haircut in exchange for your favourite marmalade or jam). Make these suggestions on your local WhatsApp group and consider sharing and exchanging frugal living tips, deals, services, or even second-hand items.
How South African Pensioners Are Earning Extra Income
Just because you are retired doesn’t mean you can’t earn a little extra. Many 55plussers are supplementing income by:
- Freelancing or consulting in their former profession
- Selling crafts, baked goods, and homegrown produce (who would say no to home-grown tomatoes and basil?)
- Pet-sitting, house-sitting, or tutoring
- Exploring part-time work online (like virtual assistance, minute-taking or language tutoring)
Where to Get Help: Financial Support for Seniors
- Don’t let pride stand in the way of support. Check out your local municipality to see if you are eligible for rates rebates.
- Don’t forget to check the YEI Directory
- Another consideration – convert your home’s equity into cash to cover living expenses – take a look at Water Financial
Share Your Cost-Saving Tips with the YEI Community
We would love to hear from you – our wise, experienced YEI community. How are you coping with the rising cost of living? What saving tips, tricks, or small changes have helped you make ends meet? Drop your comments in the comments section below. Your story could help someone else who’s struggling. Let’s uplift each other with resilience, resourcefulness in that unique South African spirit of “a boer maak n plan”
A YEI article
From Olga Kruger:
Goodmorning Guys,
This is what I do to get solvent to month end: I buy all my groceries at Shoprite, use the local Salvage Shop, and buy meat in moderation from a butchery. I only buy bread once a week; by staying out of the shops for the rest of the month I save the following: in my 1ste savings account: money for small treats, 2nd saving account: money to travel every 3rd month to the kids in Pretoria, and 3rdly, savings for bigger expenses like new tyres or a car service. I grew my own Herbs, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Greenpeppers and Eggplants plus Spinach in containers in my small garden. I own and stay in a Bachelor’s flat, and drive a reliable second hand car. Big tip: stay out of the shops, you save a lot of money
Give up meat altogether. Factory farming is viciously cruel and easily avoidable but money talks and farmers are reluctant to give up lucrative inhumane farming methods.. so by giving up meat, we are embracing a far cheaper, far healthier diet while at the same time, helping to put an end to unspeakably cruel farming methods. Vegan and vegetarian food is delicious and the array of tasty and nourishing food is unbeatable – and kind. “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian” ….. quote attributed to Sir Paul McCartney