Editor's note: lessons from 2025 & opportunities for 2026

As we wrap up another year of Personal Finance, 2025 stands out as a period of resilience and adaptation. South Africans have faced shifting economic tides, from the realities of higher living costs to the opportunities and challenges of new retirement reforms. Throughout it all, our mission has remained clear: to equip you with the insight and confidence to make sound financial decisions.

This year, we’ve explored not only the mechanics of money but also the human side of finance,  how families budget under pressure, how investors balance risk and reward, and how everyday choices shape long-term security. By shining a light on scams, pitfalls, and emerging trends, we’ve aimed to protect and empower our readers in a rapidly changing financial world.

Looking ahead to 2026, we see a year of possibilities. Financial well-being is not achieved overnight; it is built step by step, through saving, investing wisely, and planning for the future. Whether you are just beginning your journey or refining a seasoned strategy, Personal Finance will continue to walk alongside you, offering clarity and guidance.

We are deeply thankful for your support in 2025. Your engagement drives us to innovate, to ask harder questions, and to deliver journalism that matters.

Here’s to a new year filled with opportunity, growth, and financial confidence. May 2026 bring prosperity and peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

Season’s greetings and best wishes from the Personal Finance team.

PERSONAL FINANCE