There was a time when the phrase ‘soft life’ was what you whispered with envy while scrolling through your social media pages. You’d imagine yourself having that luxury breakfast on a Tuesday, spa days ‘just because’, vacations with matching airport outfits, and the kind of financial freedom that meant never having to check your bank balance after swiping.
Yet, while you might still love the aesthetic, reality hits differently when your debit orders go off before the 1st of the month, and you’re choosing between UberEats and electricity.
But let’s be clear, wanting a soft life is not the problem. The real issue is trying to live one without a budget that’s soft enough to back it up. You can absolutely enjoy your life and save, but only if you’re honest about your reality as well as money habits and are intentional about your spending.
The myth of ‘I’ll save when I earn more’
Lethukuthula Ngcobo, Product Manager at FNB Integrated Advice, says “The biggest lie we tell ourselves is, ‘I’ll start saving when I’m earning more.’ However, the truth is that your lifestyle will always rise to meet your income, unless you tell it not to.” Whether you earn R5,000 or R50,000, the pressure to spend will always be there. The important thing is to give every rand a role. Saving doesn't mean depriving yourself, it means being clear on what matters to you and making sure your money supports that.
Take Sibongile for example, a young professional in her first job. She calls herself a ‘weekend baddie on a budget.’ Every week, she transfers R200 into her ‘Spoil Myself’ savings pocket on the FNB App. By month-end, that becomes her guilt-free fund for nails, chocolate cupcakes, or a bottomless mimosa brunch. “It’s not even about the amount,” Ngcobo says. “It’s about knowing that you planned for joy, instead of regretting it later.”
Boundaries are budgets in disguise
The soft life is also about navigating your personal and family responsibilities with grace and clarity. We all know the guilt that comes with saying no to family and friends however, financial self-preservation matters too. “Set yourself a giving limit,” Ngcobo advises. “Treat it like any other expense, allocate what you can afford without compromising on your goals. If it’s R300, let that be your monthly support budget. Anything more must come with a conversation, not just obligation.”
Small hacks, big wins
Want that Cape Town trip in December? Start small and start now.
Ngcobo says the FNB nav»Money Savings Goal tool lets you pick a goal, track your progress, and even name it something fun like ‘Make It Out of The WhatsApp Group’ or ‘Soft Life December’. Knowing that you’re moving closer to 100% of your goal each month can be surprisingly motivating.
Other practical hacks?
- Try the FNB nav»Money tool to check if you’re spending too much on takeaways or subscriptions, and to even set smart budget alerts or create savings goals.
- Implement ‘No-spend Weekends’ and swap some weekends out for a picnic or games night at home.
- Automate your savings. Set up a Scheduled Transfer on the FNB App that moves money into a separate savings pocket the moment you get paid.
Soft life = smart choices
Abiding by a solid savings plan could easily unlock your soft life. Being able to say ‘not this month’ without feeling guilty is something we should all aspire to and put into action. You should be able to buy what you want without panic and to spoil yourself without sabotaging your future. “Saving is how you maintain your future soft life,” Ngcobo says. “You’re building a life that cushions you when the unexpected happens.”
So go ahead, enjoy your cappuccino. Book that weekend getaway (but with a plan). Just remember, softness without structure is a short story but with a little budgeting love, your soft life can be a lifelong one.
