So, it’s Youth Month again, and while we’re busy celebrating our history and our power, let’s get real about something that low-key stresses all of us which is money. It’s crazy, right? We’re out here building the future, pushing, and making massive moves, but somehow, no one really taught us how to truly manage our own cash in the real world. We’re expected to adult, but the rulebook for financial freedom? That’s on us to figure out. But this Youth Month, we’re flipping the script. This isn’t about being rich; it’s about being financially free, having choices, and building a life where money works for us, not the other way around. 

Firstly, let’s talk mindset. For too long, “financial freedom” sounded like something only for old, super wealthy people. But nope, that’s not our vibe. For us, it’s about gaining control, being courteous with every rand, and turning our dreams into a tangible reality. It’s about knowing where our money goes, making it grow, and creating a cushion that lets us breathe, take risks, and genuinely live our best life in Mzansi. It’s a mindset shift from earning to building

Then there’s the hustle. We’re digital people, right? That means our phones aren’t just for endless scrolling; they’re our new office, our marketplace. If you’re not already, think beyond just one income stream. That side hustle we’ve been dreaming about reselling custom sneakers, offering social media management, tutoring online, or even going into e-commerce with dropshipping ,now’s the time to push past the “what if” and just start. The gig economy is huge, and our comfort with tech gives us a huge advantage in finding different ways to earn beyond a normal salary. It’s about using our skills and passions to bring in that extra cash, even if it’s just a small amount to start.

Once the money starts getting in, the real game begins,making it work for us. Budgeting doesn’t have to be boring spreadsheets, it can be as simple as using a nice application that monitors where our money goes or just dedicating five minutes a week to review your bank statements. The goal isn’t to restrict ourselves permanently , but to understand our spending patterns so we can make conscious choices.

Cracking the code on financial freedom is about knowledge. No one’s going to hand us a manual, so it’s on us to read books, listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos from credible financial experts, and talk to people who are successfully managing their money. Learn about the stock market, understand inflation, figure out how taxes work. The more we know, the more confident we will be in making smart decisions that will prepare us for the future.

This Youth Month, let’s also focus on becoming the financial builders of our own lives. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about starting, learning and building that future, rand by rand, decision by decision. We’re already reshaping South Africa,now let’s make sure our bank accounts reflect that too.

– Lucky Mulalo, Campus Ambassado