How to Fight Back Inflation with Every Rand

Ah, inflation. The unwelcome guest at the braai who doesn’t bring their own drinks, eats all the meat, and somehow still complains about the food. If you’ve checked the price of bread, petrol, or a simple Spur burger recently, you’ve probably had that moment where you blink twice, check your banking app, and then start googling “how to live off the grid.”

Just a few years ago, a loaf of bread was around R5 - now, you’re lucky to find one for under R17. Petrol? It used to be under R5 per litre; now it’s flirting with R21. Even your beloved 2L Coke, which once cost about R7, is now pushing past R25. Everything is going up except our salaries, and let’s be honest, our patience too.

But before you start planting your own mielies and considering life in a remote cave, let’s talk about how you can fight back and stay in control of your finances - even when inflation is acting like a Zuma-era Eskom schedule (all over the place and painful to watch).

1. Know Where Your Money is Going (And Stop Spending Like an Influencer)

You’re not a Kardashian. You don’t need a daily cappuccino with oat milk, a new pair of sneakers every month, or an Uber ride to the corner shop. Take a deep breath and track your spending. 

2. Stop “Hiding” Your Money in a Savings Account

We hate to break it to you, but your bank’s savings account is about as useful as a sugar-free koeksister when it comes to fighting inflation. With interest rates barely keeping up with the rising cost of life, your money is actually losing value by just sitting there looking pretty. This is where investing with EasyEquities comes in.

3. Invest, Even if It’s Just Your “Kota Money”

Think you need thousands to start investing? Nope. With EasyEquities, you can invest as little as R50 in shares, ETFs, and even fractional property. Instead of buying an overpriced pizza that you’ll regret in two hours, put that money into an asset that can grow over time and help you outrun inflation.

4. Diversify Like a True Mzansi Hustler

If you’re relying on one income stream in 2025, you’re playing a dangerous game. South Africans are masters of the side hustle - whether it’s selling Avon, baking amagwinya, or renting out a back room on Airbnb. Your investments should be just as diverse. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; spread your money across stocks, ETFs, and bonds.

5. Play the Long Game (Because Quick Rich Schemes are a Scam, Bru)

If someone offers you “guaranteed 100% returns in two weeks,” run. Fast. Investing is about patience and consistency. Markets go up and down, but history shows that a well-diversified portfolio grows over time. Stick with it and future you will thank you when you’re not forced to choose between petrol and lunch.

6. Stay Calm and Carry On Investing

Inflation will do its thing, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a victim. By making smart money moves - tracking your spending, investing wisely with EasyEquities, and playing the long game, you can stay in control even when prices are rising faster than Joburg taxi fares.

So, don’t stress too much. Keep investing, keep hustling, and maybe start buying those groceries before month-end price hikes turn your favourite snack.

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