By Anita Booi – Matmichmel Innovation Hub
September in South Africa is special. It’s Heritage Month – a time when we pause to reflect on where we come from, who we are, and what unites us. It’s when families gather to celebrate traditions, when we hear music that carries the heartbeat of our culture, and when we remember the sacrifices of those who came before us.
But here’s something we don’t often talk about heritage is not only about our surnames, languages, food, or celebrations. It’s also about what we pass down – not just in memory, but in real, tangible terms. Think about it: the way we handle money today is part of the story we’re writing for our families, communities, and future generations.
Heritage is the recipe your grandmother left behind, yes – but it can also be the savings account you leave behind for your child. Heritage is the song that reminds you of home – but it’s also the freedom of not drowning in debt because you made different choices.
So, during this Heritage Month, let’s talk about money. Let’s talk about what it means to build a financial future that becomes part of the legacy we leave behind.
Why Finances Belong in the Heritage Conversation
Many young people feel like finances are “grown-up problems.” Rent, car payments, groceries, or that ever-rising data bill are already heavy enough. Sometimes we think I’ll worry about saving or investing when I’m older and earning more.
But the truth is, the way you handle money right now is shaping your tomorrow. And not just your tomorrow – your children’s, and even your grandchildren’s. That may sound overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly empowering.
Our parents and grandparents made sacrifices so that we could go to school, get jobs, and live with opportunities they didn’t have. In the same way, we have the chance to push the story further forward. To break cycles of poverty, debt, or “just getting by.” To create something new.
That’s what Heritage Month is about: honoring the past while building a stronger future.
What Financial Heritage Looks Like
Financial heritage doesn’t mean you have to be wealthy to start. It means being intentional with the little you have today, so it multiplies tomorrow. Let’s picture a few examples:
• A young graduate who decides to save R500 a month, instead of spending it on new sneakers every month. Ten years later, that small sacrifice could grow into a down payment on a house.
• A 23-year-old who chooses not to take on unnecessary credit card debt, avoiding a cycle that traps many people for decades. That decision becomes part of their story of financial freedom.
• A young professional who takes time to learn about investing, instead of only chasing quick cash. Their patience turns into generational wealth. These aren’t massive, once-off decisions.
They’re small, consistent habits. That’s what heritage is – it’s what lasts beyond the moment.
Three Key Principles for Young People Today
1. Budgeting as a Lifestyle, not a Restriction
Many people hear “budget” and think it means cutting out fun or living like a monk. But budgeting is simply giving your money direction.
Think of it this way: if you don’t tell your money where to go, it will decide for you. Suddenly, you’ve spent half your salary on eating out, clothing, or things you don’t even remember buying. A budget says: I choose where my money serves me.
Try this:
• Spend on your needs first (rent, transport, groceries).
• Allocate a portion to savings or investment (even if it’s small).
• Give yourself a little for wants and fun—life must be lived, too.
The point isn’t perfection. It’s consistency.
2. Invest in Yourself Before Anything Else
Your greatest asset isn’t crypto, property, or even the stock market – it’s you. The skills you develop, the education you pursue, and the networks you build are worth more than any quick return. When you learn new skills, you make yourself employable.
When you grow your knowledge, you open doors for entrepreneurship. And when you invest in your health and wellbeing, you make sure you’re strong enough to carry your dreams.
Ask yourself: what is one thing I can learn this year that will increase my value next year?
That’s an investment.
3. Think Generational, Not Just Monthly
Too many of us are trapped in “survival mode” – living paycheck to paycheck, just trying to make it through the month. It’s understandable, given the economic climate, but it’s also
dangerous. It keeps us short-sighted.
Instead, begin thinking in decades. Ask yourself:
• What can I do today that will help me in 10 years?
• What choices can I make now that my children will thank me for?
For example, choosing to put away even R200 a month into an interest-earning account may not feel like much now – but in 20 years, that money could change your entire future. That’s legacy thinking.
The Myths That Hold Young People Back
Let’s be honest – many of us don’t talk about money enough. And when we do, myths often creep in.
• “I’ll start saving when I earn more.” Truth: If you can’t save when you earn little, you won’t magically save when you earn more. Habits matter more than amounts.
• “Investing is only for the rich.” Truth: Thanks to technology, you can start investing with very small amounts. Apps and platforms have made it possible for anyone.
• “Debt is just a part of life.” Truth: Not all debt is equal. Student loans may be necessary; high-interest store accounts or credit cards aren’t. Be wise.
• “I don’t have time to think about retirement now.” Truth: The earlier you start, the less you have to contribute. Your money does the work for you through compound growth.
Your Financial Heritage Starts with You
Here’s the most powerful thing to remember just because you may not have inherited wealth doesn’t mean you can’t start wealth. Just because your parents struggled doesn’t mean you’re destined to struggle too.
Heritage is not fixed – it’s built. Every rand you save, every wise choice you make, every cycle you break, becomes part of your family’s story.
Imagine this: one day, your children will thank you for making the choices you’re making now. They’ll inherit not just your last name, but your wisdom. They’ll inherit not just your traditions, but the freedom you worked hard to create. That’s what Heritage Month challenges us to do – to celebrate where we come from, and also to rewrite the story where necessary.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
1. Open a savings account (if you don’t already have one). Automate a small transfer every month. Out of sight, out of mind.
2. Educate yourself about financial literacy. There are free podcasts, YouTube channels, and books tailored to young people in Africa.
3. Cut one small expense this month and redirect that money into savings or investment.
4. Talk about money with your friends or family. Break the silence. Share tips, encourage one another.
5. Set one financial goal before the end of this year—whether it’s clearing a debt, saving a set amount, or starting an emergency fund.
Final Word: Your Money, Your Legacy
Heritage Month is about pride, identity, and culture. But it’s also about responsibility. What will the next generation inherit from you – not only in tradition, but in opportunity?
You may not be able to change your past, but you can absolutely shape your future. And by shaping your future, you shape your family’s future. That is heritage. That is legacy. That is power.
So, this September, celebrate your roots, wear your traditional attire, dance to the music of your people – and also take one step towards building a financial story that lasts long after you. Your heritage is more than where you come from. It’s also where you’re going.
