Therese Havenga, Head of Business Transformation at Momentum Savings

Valentine’s Day is the world’s biggest marketing campaign for couples. But what if the most radical act of love is not dinner for two, but freedom for one? The truest love story isn’t written in roses, but in the choices that secure your future self. Every rand saved today is both a gift and a promise: a bouquet that never fades, a love letter that grows in value. And this year, singles are invited to think differently – to see saving as the ultimate act of self-love.

Psychologists often remind us that the ability to delay gratification is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success and happiness. Saving is exactly that: choosing future joy over instant indulgence. Every time you put money aside, you’re telling yourself: “I matter. My tomorrow matters.” It’s not just about numbers in an account; it’s about identity, confidence, and self-respect. For singles, this reframing is powerful. It transforms saving from a financial chore into a statement of resilience – proof that long-term security is cultivated within and not provided by someone else. That’s why even couples can revisit how they think about money.

The numbers back the argument. According to Old Mutual’s 2025 Savings and Investment Monitor, fewer than 6% of South Africans can retire comfortably, while the majority rely on family or government support. This isn’t surprising when the household savings rate is negative, around -1% of disposable income, compared to a global average of roughly 9%. In other words, most South Africans are spending more than they save.

Choosing to start early – even with R200 or R500 a month – isn’t just a financial habit, it’s a radical act of independence. Compound interest becomes the quiet partner that never ghosts you, turning small gestures into lifelong security.

Unlike roses that fade within days, savings bloom bigger every year. Picture your 60-year-old self smiling with gratitude for every rand you tucked away. That’s the real love story you’re writing today. Setting up a debit order is like sending a monthly love letter to your future self. And with budgeting apps, you can watch your progress and celebrate the wins along the way. Even better: pour a glass of wine, have a “financial date night” once a month, check in on your savings, tweak your goals, and give yourself credit for staying consistent.

The numbers confirm your choice. The graph (attached) is a bit radical: The green line shows how minimal savings without interest are, merely putting R500 in a suitcase every month, so to speak. It won’t keep up with inflation, and lose value over the 20 years: You won’t be able to buy with it what you can buy with it today. The orange line shows it is marginally better to at least increase your monthly contribution to stay on par with inflation (in this case 6%). The blue line shows the magic of actual growth, of 10% per year after fees – that’s when money takes flight. It makes sense to invest and stay invested.

Long-term savings are important, but short-term resilience matters just as much. Life has a way of throwing curveballs – whether it’s a job loss, a medical bill, or an unexpected expense – and that’s why having a safety net is so powerful. For singles especially, an emergency fund works like a shield. With three months of living costs saved, you can breathe easier, sleep better, and face life’s curveballs with confidence. Think of it as your Anti‑Heartbreak Fund: every deposit is a promise to yourself that you’ll be okay, no matter what surprises come your way.

This Valentine’s Day, don’t wait for someone else to bring you flowers. Bring yourself freedom, dignity, and joy by planting financial seeds that will bloom for decades. In a country where most people struggle to save, choosing to invest in yourself is not only romantic – it’s revolutionary. The greatest love story you’ll ever write is the one between you and your future self.