Put these money habits in place from your very first pay cheque

First paycheque habits that still matter, no matter when you start

Remember your first paycheque? Chances are, it was already spent in your head before it even cleared. Maybe it covered a dinner out, a splashy tech purchase, or new clothes. The point is, you were probably more preoccupied with spending that paycheque than you were with thinking about how it should be budgeted, saved or invested.

If that sounds like you, then don’t feel bad. Most of us weren’t exactly handed a playbook on what to do when we first started earning money. This article isn’t about regret; it’s about reflection. The good news is that the habits that set you up for long-term financial success from your first paycheque are the same ones you can start today, no matter how long ago you got that first deposit.

These are the six money habits we believe make the biggest difference.

1. Don’t let other people’s money spend yours

It’s tempting to match your spending to what you see around you: friends buying new cars, colleagues upgrading apartments, social media hauls and unboxings. But social comparison is a fast track to overspending.

The reality is, you often compare yourself to a filtered version of other people’s lives.  You don’t always see the debt, the financial stress, or the compromises behind the scenes. Trying to match their spending habits can quickly lead to overstretching your own budget.

Even as your income grows, it’s worth being cautious. Lifestyle creep - that subtle shift where higher earnings automatically lead to higher spending - can make you feel like you're standing still financially, no matter how much more you bring in. Instead, build your own definition of what financial success looks like. Spend according to your goals, your values, and your reality, not someone else’s highlight reel. The money you earn should serve your life, not your image.

2. Wear your financial seatbelt

Sure, your first instinct on payday might be to splash out on sneakers or a concert ticket, but your first budget should really include some form of financial protection.

• Medical aid is non-negotiable. If a full medical aid feels out of reach, research medical insurance or a hospital plan. One bad fall or unexpected illness can wipe out your savings (or worse, put you into debt).
• Life insurance is cheapest when you’re young and healthy. Locking it in early could save you thousands over your lifetime.
• Short-term insurance for your car, phone, and laptop? It feels unnecessary until you’re staring at a cracked screen or accident repair bill.

Real talk: A short stay in a private hospital can easily cost more than an entire year of medical aid premiums. Think of insurance as your financial seatbelt; annoying sometimes, but lifesaving when you need it.

3. Budget like you’re the CFO of your own life

Budgeting gets talked about a lot, but making a budget work month after month is the real skill.

Our top tips for making budgets work:

1. Track expenses to find hidden extras: Start by being brutally honest with yourself. Track every cent for one month, even the boring stuff: snacks, subscriptions, late-night rides, impulse clicks. It’s not about shaming yourself. It’s about seeing the real picture. Like tracking calories, budgeting shows you where the hidden extras are sneaking in.

2. Use whatever tools work: Use whatever tools actually make it easier for you. You could lean on apps like 22seven, a simple spreadsheet, even old-school notebooks. The best system is the one you’ll stick to.

3. Try the envelope system: If you struggle to keep spending under control, go physical. Withdraw cash for certain categories, like groceries or entertainment, and once the envelope’s empty, you’re done.

4. Know your weak spots. Everyone has a few: that daily flat white, the “just a quick look” at Temu, the Friday night food delivery. Identify the small leaks that add up. It’s not about cutting out every joy, but knowing where you're most likely to lose track, so you can plan around it instead of being caught off guard.

5. Learn how to avoid impulse buys: Impulse spending is budget kryptonite. Build simple rules for yourself, like a 24-hour pause before buying anything non-essential. Remove saved cards from your phone. Unsubscribe from marketing emails. The goal isn’t to block every temptation, but rather to create speed bumps that give you space to think before you spend.

6. Get buy-in or support from family. Money habits rarely exist in a vacuum. If you share expenses with a partner or live with family, get everyone on the same page. You don't have to budget exactly the same way, but having basic alignment on goals like saving for a trip or cutting down takeout makes it way easier to stay consistent without resentment creeping in.

7. Always budget for something for yourself: If you try to budget by cutting out every single treat, it’ll backfire. Deprivation leads straight to binges. Always carve out a little space in your budget for things that make you happy, whether it's a small clothing budget, one nice coffee a week, a date night fund.

8. Always build in fat. Even the best planners can’t predict every cost. Life happens: a flat tyre, a last-minute gift, a trip to the pharmacy for some flu meds. Build a little “buffer” into your monthly budget (even just 5–10%) so unexpected costs don’t wipe out your savings or cause a financial panic.

9. Run an annual budget for big expenses. Some costs don’t show up every month, but they’re still real: annual car services, Christmas gifts, holidays. Don’t let them catch you off guard. List your big yearly expenses, total them, and divide by 12. That way, you can set aside a little each month, and when the time comes, you’re ready.

Treat your money like it’s a business you’re running. You're the CFO. Budgets aren’t meant to feel perfect, they're meant to keep you steering the ship instead of drifting aimlessly. Small course corrections every month are what make it work for the long haul.

4. Pay yourself first and mean it

Most people try to save what’s “left” after a month of spending, and then wonder why there’s nothing to save. Our advice? Flip it around. The first transaction after payday should be to yourself. Set up an automatic transfer into a savings or investment account, even if it’s just R200. Remember that every rand you invest today could be worth much more tomorrow, so don’t be discouraged. Compound interest loves early starters! For example, save R500 a month for 10 years with a 7% interest rate and you could end up with almost R72,000 at the end of the period.

5. Know the difference between good and bad debt

Not all debt is created equal. Some debt can actually push you forward, and some will quietly pull you under if you’re not paying attention.

Good debt is the kind that builds your future. It’s borrowing for something that’s likely to increase your earning potential or long-term wealth, like a student loan for a degree that opens new career doors, or a home loan on a property that grows in value over time. It’s still debt, sure, but it’s strategic.

Bad debt, on the other hand, chips away at your future. It’s usually tied to instant gratification: think store cards, clothing accounts, the latest phone upgrade you didn’t really need, or the impulse buys that feel exciting now but lose value the second you swipe your card. Bad debt gives you short-term satisfaction but long-term stress.

One of the biggest dangers with bad debt is falling into the "minimum payment" trap. Paying just the minimum due might feel manageable month to month, but it drags out the repayment timeline and lets interest pile up quietly in the background. You could end up paying two or three times the original amount over time, all for something you might not even use a year from now.

The golden rule to keep in mind is this: if it loses value fast and you didn’t genuinely need it today, it’s probably bad debt.

6. Get educated financially

You don’t need a finance degree to be smart with money. You just need the right information, and the right habits. If you’re looking for a resource that really adds value, check out Truth About Money’s Financial Independence Course. This is a free, practical guide to taking control of your money. It covers everything from budgeting to investing, in plain language.

Set a monthly “money date” with yourself, where you read a quick article or listen to a podcast about money. Small doses of education over time can save you major headaches later.

It’s not too late to start winning

If you were never taught this stuff early on, you’re not alone. Most people weren’t. Remember, the goal isn’t guilt, it’s growth. Whether it’s your first paycheque or your fiftieth, locking in the right habits today means a brighter tomorrow.