A New Year often brings ambitious financial promises: save more, spend less, clear debt, fix your credit, upgrade your life. But for many, the real challenge isn’t setting resolutions - it’s keeping them, especially in an economy still dealing with rising living costs and tight household budgets.
Despite the pressure, South Africans remain remarkably optimistic. According to TransUnion’s latest Consumer Pulse research, nearly seven in ten consumers believe their household finances will improve over the next 12 months, even as they continue to face economic strain.
This optimism creates the perfect foundation for financial resolutions you can realistically stick to - practical, sustainable habits that improve your money life throughout 2026.
1. Choose One Clear Financial Focus to Start With
One of the biggest reasons New Year’s resolutions fail is because people try to fix everything at once.
This makes single-focus goals more effective. Choose just one priority for the first quarter of 2026:
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Reduce a specific debt
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Focus on your credit score
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Build an emergency buffer
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Save for a planned expense
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Get better at tracking your spending
Once that habit is stable, you add the next.
Tracking spending, managing instalments and monitoring your available balance through the RCS App or online self-service portal is an easy, sustainable way to support whatever goal you start with.
2. Build a Budget That Reflects Real 2026 Costs
Budgeting only works when it reflects real-life pricing. You can view all the statistical data available, but you have to be aware of the actual economical environment you are experiencing. Building a plan off of last year’s numbers is unlikely to give you a realistic budget.
A practical budget should:
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Update all expenses based on actual, current prices
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Separate essentials from discretionary spending
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Include debt repayments as non-negotiables
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Make space for small, consistent savings
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Plan for annual expenses such as school costs, festive spending or car maintenance
Even R50-R100 saved monthly creates progress when maintained over a year.
3. Strengthen Your Credit Profile Using Small Monthly Actions
A strong credit profile opens doors - from access to credit, to better interest rates. Small habits can make the difference.
Key habits that noticeably improve credit health:
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Paying accounts on time
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Keeping balances below their limits
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Avoiding too many new credit applications
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Monitoring your credit report regularly
Research also shows that consumers who monitor their credit profiles are more likely to cure delinquencies and access new credit than those who don’t. The RCS Credit Gateway allows you to check your credit score securely and understand what factors are affecting it, helping you set informed New Year’s financial goals.
4. Start a Small Emergency Buffer - Even If It’s Just a Little
Savings remain one of the biggest pressure points for households. The Old Mutual Savings & Investment Monitor (OMSIM) shows that many working South Africans continue to struggle to build adequate emergency buffers, despite improving financial confidence.
This makes emergency savings one of the most meaningful resolutions.
Start with whatever you can:
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R20-R50 per week
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R50-R100 at month-end
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Automatically save loyalty or cashback earnings
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Round up transactions into a savings pocket
Consistency matters more than the size of each deposit.
5. Prepare for Big 2026 Expenses Before They Arrive
Unexpected or seasonal expenses - school supplies, home repairs, medical costs, festive shopping - are among the reasons South Africans take out credit. A sustainable 2026 resolution is shifting from reactive to proactive planning.
If you know a major expense is coming, plan early so you can:
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Budget gradually
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Explore affordable repayment options
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Compare interest rates
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Avoid last-minute financial stress
An RCS Personal Loan - when used responsibly and based on affordability - can help you manage planned, high-value goals like home upgrades or education costs, rather than taking on debt suddenly during a crisis.
6. Automate What You Can - It’s the Easiest Resolution to Keep
Consistency is the backbone of good financial habits. And in this digital age, automation removes the risk of forgetfulness or emotional decision-making.
You can automate:
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Debit orders for instalments
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Transfers to a savings pocket
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Payment reminders
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Regular credit score checks
Once automation is set, your financial system works for you - not the other way around.
7. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Economic pressure is real, and expecting a full financial overhaul in one year sets most people up for failure. But consistent, incremental improvement - like fewer late payments, slightly lower balances, or a small emergency buffer - creates long-term financial stability.
2026 doesn’t have to be the year you fix everything. It can be the year you build habits that last.
Money resolutions succeed when they are realistic, measurable and aligned with your everyday behaviour. With practical tools like the RCS App, Credit Gateway and the Personal Loan Calculator, coupled with responsible credit usage, you can make 2026 the year of steady, achievable financial progress.
