Try the tool
Savings Goal Calculator
The short answer: aim to save at least 15% of your income, including any retirement contributions. But the right number depends on your age, goals and where you are starting from.
Savings rate targets
| Situation | Target savings rate |
|---|---|
| Just starting out | 10% (build the habit) |
| On track | 15% (the standard goal) |
| Catching up / late start | 20–25% |
| Chasing financial independence | 30%+ |
Work out your own numbers in seconds:
Plan your monthly saving →Where your savings should go, in order
- 1. Emergency fund — 3–6 months of expenses first
- 2. High-interest debt — clear it; the interest saved is a guaranteed return
- 3. Retirement — a retirement annuity also cuts your tax
- 4. Other goals — house deposit, investments, a tax-free savings account
Make the number real
Saving 15% of a R25,000 salary means R3,750/month. That can feel like a lot until you see what it becomes: invested at 10% for 20 years, R3,750/month grows to over R2.8 million. Run your own figures through the compound interest calculator and set a target with the savings goal calculator.