Youth Month: Money savvy tips for young people

Building financial confidence early can shape the course of your future. Product Manager of Integrated Advice at FNB, Lethukuthula Ngcobo, shares practical advice and insights to help young professionals take control of their money, one intentional decision at a time.

For many young professionals, the first paycheck marks more than just independence, it signals the beginning of a deeply personal relationship with money. It’s a phase filled with new responsibilities, exciting possibilities, and, often, a fair share of uncertainty. But building financial stability doesn’t require perfection; it starts with awareness, consistency, and a willingness to learn. “Oftentimes money starts becoming truly personal for people when they kick start their careers. Every decision has an impact. My focus has always been on helping young people to start building their financial control early, not perfection, just confidence and direction,” says Lethukuthula. Here, she unpacks the everyday habits, mindset shifts, and smart strategies that empower young people to move from simply earning to building lasting wealth

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Get a grip on your finances and preserve your mental health

GLAMOUR: What are the most important financial habits young professionals should build as soon as they enter the workforce?

Lethukuthula: The most important habit is awareness. Before you worry about investing or credit scores, you need to understand your own relationship with money and your behavioural patterns, what comes in, what goes out, and what tends to quietly eat away at your income. The second habit is paying yourself first. Even if it’s a small amount, saving upfront sends a powerful message to yourself that your future matters. Over time, these small acts of consistency build confidence.

GLAMOUR: What are some of the most common money mistakes you see young people making early in their careers?

Lethukuthula: A common mistake is upgrading your life too quickly. Often, people try to live at the level of their aspirations instead of focusing on their reality and the life they’re building toward. Think of new car smells, premium subscriptions, and weekend plans that assume the salary will always stretch a little further than it actually does. Another is ignoring finances because they feel intimidating. Avoidance might feel easier in the moment, but it usually proves to be more expensive at a later stage.

GLAMOUR:| How can someone start setting realistic financial goals when they’re earning their first salary?

Lethukuthula: Goals should stabilise your life before they stretch it. An emergency buffer creates room to think clearly and take measured risks. In-app tools, like FNB nav» Money, help frame financial goals around your real situation, making planning far more sustainable.

GLAMOUR: What’s the best way to approach budgeting without feeling restricted or overwhelmed?

Lethukuthula: Budgeting shouldn’t feel like punishment. It’s really about choosing where your money should go. When you plan intentionally, spending becomes less emotional. Using digital budgeting tools in your banking App helps you see patterns without feeling judged. And once you have visibility, control feels natural, not forced.

GLAMOUR: How much should young professionals aim to save, and how can they stay consistent?

Lethukuthula: Ideally, aim for 10–20%, but consistency is more important than hitting a perfect number. Saving becomes effective when it’s automatic and rule‑based. This is where I sometimes think of the viral Tik-Tok sensation of Felicia’s Dad, not as someone being strict, but as someone who believes in clear systems. If he were managing savings for instance, the money would move at a set time every month, without drama or negotiation. That kind of structure isn’t restrictive; it creates consistency and trust in the process. And yes, (I know) sometimes discipline will feel like Felicia’s Dad switching off the Wi‑Fi, which is uncomfortable in the moment, but boy is it financially productive in the long run!

GLAMOUR: When should someone start thinking about investing, and what are some beginner-friendly options?

Lethukuthula: Once saving feels predictable, investing becomes the natural next step. Early investing benefits more from time than from capital size. Start with diversified, low‑barrier options and build understanding gradually rather than chasing high returns.

GLAMOUR: How can young people balance enjoying their income now while still planning for the future?

Lethukuthula: Enjoying your money is important, especially after working hard for it. The balance comes from planning enjoyment, not just reacting to desire. There’s a big difference between soft life as intentional ease and soft life funded by stress. Real enjoyment happens when you know tomorrow is taken care of too.

GLAMOUR: What role does financial literacy play in long-term wealth building?

Lethukuthula: Financial literacy gives you independence. When you understand money, you rely less on pressure, trends or other people’s opinions. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about knowing enough to protect yourself and ask better questions.

GLAMOUR: How can someone effectively manage debt, such as student loans or credit cards, early on?

Lethukuthula: Debt becomes a problem when it’s misunderstood or approached emotionally.
Start by knowing your interest rates and paying more than the minimum whenever possible. Used wisely, credit helps build your profile. Used casually, it slows you down quietly.

GLAMOUR: What are some smart ways to build and maintain a good credit profile?

Lethukuthula: Consistency is everything. Pay accounts on time, keep balances manageable, and avoid opening credit just because it’s available. Good credit is built slowly, but that patience pays off.

GLAMOUR: How can young professionals protect themselves financially?

Lethukuthula: An emergency fund is essential; it prevents setbacks from becoming crises. Insurance is another layer of protection that often gets delayed, but it’s really about preserving your progress. Protection isn’t pessimism; it’s maturity.

GLAMOUR: What mindset shifts are necessary to move from simply earning money to building wealth?

Lethukuthula: You must shift from reacting to money to directing it. Wealth emerges from systems that operate consistently over time, not from sporadic wins. Intentional planning replaces urgency.

GLAMOUR: How can social pressures and lifestyle inflation impact financial progress, and how can it be managed?

Lethukuthula: Social pressure is real, especially when everyone’s highlight reel is in your face. Between groove culture, social media and comparison, it can feel like everyone is always “outside.” This is where boundaries matter. Saying no today is often how you afford peace tomorrow.

GLAMOUR: What tools, apps, or resources would you recommend for someone starting their financial journey?

Lethukuthula: Start with tools that make money easier to understand, not harder. Anything that helps you see your full financial picture, track patterns over time, and reduce friction in everyday decisions is useful. Digital tools are most effective when they support habits, like visibility, planning, and consistency, rather than demanding constant attention. If a tool helps you spend with more awareness, save more predictably, or remove small everyday stress points, it’s doing its job. The best tools fade into the background while your confidence grows.

GLAMOUR: If there’s one piece of financial advice you wish every young professional knew, what would it be?

Lethukuthula: You don’t need to have it all figured out; you just need to start. Small, intentional steps compound into confidence, options and freedom. Your financial journey is yours, and progress beats perfection every time.