• FNB Consumer Education Programme Manager, Dhashni Naidoo

The financial decisions we make today can shape our options tomorrow

For many young South Africans, managing money has never been more complicated. Between rising living costs, limited job opportunities and a constant stream of online content promising fast money, it’s not surprising that shortcuts can sometimes look appealing.

Open almost any social media platform and you’ll find stories of trading wins, betting slips, side hustles, luxury lifestyles, and people claiming to have found the secret to making money quickly. What those stories often don’t show are the setbacks, losses and years of consistency that usually sit behind sustainable financial success.

Young people are growing up in a world where success is often packaged as something that happens overnight, even though real financial progress rarely works that way. Building financial wellbeing is less about finding a quick win and more about developing habits that help people navigate life’s ups and downs.

According to FNB Consumer Education Programme Manager, Dhashni Naidoo, Youth Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the financial habits young people are building today and how those habits shape their future options.

“Young people are navigating genuine financial pressure, and it’s understandable that opportunities promising quick results can seem attractive. The challenge is understanding the difference between entertainment, speculation and financial planning. Building long-term financial wellbeing requires habits and decisions that support your broader goals, not just your immediate needs.”

Why betting deserves attention

One area where this conversation is becoming increasingly relevant is online betting. With betting apps available on smartphones and gambling-related content becoming more visible across social media platforms, betting has become part of everyday digital life for many South Africans.

According to the National Gambling Board’s 2024/25 Annual Report, betting accounted for almost 70% of South Africa’s gross gambling revenue, highlighting the growing role it plays in the country’s gambling landscape.

While many people bet for entertainment, Naidoo cautions against viewing betting as a solution to financial pressure.

“When money is tight, the idea of a quick win can be tempting. The reality, however, is that gambling is unpredictable by nature. It should never be relied on to pay bills, solve financial challenges or create financial security,” she says.

Naidoo says one of the defining financial challenges facing young people today is learning how to navigate a world full of opportunity, noise and competing messages about money.

“We’re living in a world where quick results are constantly being marketed. Whether it’s betting, scams, unrealistic investment promises or other forms of easy-money messaging, it’s important for young people to understand that financial wellbeing is usually built through consistency rather than shortcuts. The habits you build today can have a far greater impact on your future than any quick win.”

“One of the most important financial skills young people can develop is learning how to distinguish between what promises instant gratification and what creates lasting progress. The choices made today can shape the options available tomorrow,”

Before spending money on any form of entertainment, including gambling, consumers may find it helpful to ask themselves a few practical questions:

• Have my essential expenses been covered?
• Have I met my debt repayment obligations for the month?
• Do I have savings available for unexpected expenses?
• Can I comfortably afford this expense if I lose the money?

“These questions are not about restricting choices but about understanding how a particular decision fits into your broader financial picture,” explains Naidoo.

Young people should also be cautious of offers that promise guaranteed returns, easy money or risk-free opportunities. Fraudsters often exploit financial pressure through fake betting platforms, investment scams and schemes designed to create urgency and encourage impulsive decisions.

“If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. One of the most valuable financial habits anyone can develop is learning to pause, ask questions and think critically before making decisions involving money.”

Naidoo encourages consumers to take a few simple precautions before committing money to any opportunity. Verify that the company is legitimate and properly registered, use recognised and trusted payment channels and be cautious of offers that create pressure to act immediately. Promises of guaranteed winnings, risk-free returns or exclusive opportunities available for a limited time should be treated as potential red flags. Taking a few moments to verify the details can help consumers avoid costly mistakes.

Youth Month is ultimately a reminder that financial wellbeing is not about avoiding risk altogether. It is about understanding risk, making informed decisions and developing habits that create more choices and opportunities over time.

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