How to stretch your budget, stack your savings, and still get what you need
Let’s face it. Life’s gotten more expensive over the last few years.
Whenever we see news headlines saying, “Petrol price relief for SA motorists”, we get excited, but essentials like food prices and the costs of goods and services remain high. South African households bear the brunt of this as salaries aren’t exactly keeping up with inflation.
But there’s good news. While the cost of living is rising, so is our ability to shop smarter.
Here’s how.
South Africans are changing how they shop
The days of shopping without comparing prices are over. People are now checking prices online before popping into a store. They’re now choosing no-name brands over popular name brands, hunting down promotions, as well as using loyalty programmes, and cashback to save where they can.
This shift focuses on control and not survival alone. It’s all about stretching your money and making decisions linked to your needs and priorities without overspending and hurting your pockets.
Why comparing prices matters more than ever
You save R10 here, you save R20 there. Now, on its own, it might not seem like much. But over time, those amounts add up and can make a difference to your wallet.
Comparing prices is no longer a choice. It’s become a habit that pays off, and it protects your budget. Did you know savings grow when you stack them? That’s where bsmart members gain an edge.
Stack your savings with bsmart
When you pay with your bsmart card at participating retailers, you’re not choosing between one benefit or another. You’re unlocking all of them at once:
- Use your bsmart card to earn monthly cashback
- Swipe your store loyalty card and earn points
- Take advantage of in-store specials and promotions
It’s a triple win. Nice.
And the best part? You don’t have to change where you shop or what you buy. You just need to pay smarter.
5 simple habits that stretch your monthly budget
Want to get even more out of your money? Here are 5 quick habits that make a real difference:
1. Plan before you shop
Make a list based on what’s on special. Check store apps or flyers. Planning your meals around promotions helps you save without effort.
2. Compare prices online
Before buying anything big, like a kettle or a bulk pack of nappies. Pause. Use price-checking apps or online catalogues to find the best deals.
3. Stack your benefits
Pay with your bsmart card, swipe your loyalty card, and look for marked-down items. This combination gets you closer to a true Better Price.
4. Buy in bulk (when it makes sense)
If you know you’ll use it, buy in bulk. This can work with essentials like milk, coffee, rice, and sugar. And if it’s on promotion, then it’s a bonus for you. A tip would be to buy only what you can use or store and nothing more that could lead to waste.
5. Track your savings
It’s easy to do this through a simple note on your phone or checking your bsmart cashback statement every month, tracking your wins motivates you to keep going.
Why bsmart still makes sense in 2026
Prices may be going up, but the smartest shoppers aren’t just spending less. They’re spending better.
With bsmart, you’re not only paying safely and easily, you’re turning your everyday spending into real savings. You’re making every swipe count. Check out our bsmart YouTube Shorts for real saving tips.
In 2026, that’s what shopping smart is all about.
You don’t need to chase deals all over town. You just need the right habits and the right tools.
Start with a plan. Stack your benefits. Pay with your bsmart card.