As we celebrate Savings Month in South Africa this July 2025, I am thrilled to announce the launch of EBnet’s innovative Kids Menu – a dedicated online resource designed to foster a culture of saving among families. This new initiative, accessible at https://www.ebnet.co.za/kids-menu/, serves as a vibrant hub for parents and children alike, profiling a range of savings vehicles to secure children’s education and featuring age-appropriate, fun videos that make learning about money engaging and enjoyable. It’s more than just a tool; it’s a step toward building a financially resilient generation.
The Kids Menu is tailored to address the unique needs of families in today’s economic landscape. For parents, it offers a comprehensive comparison of savings options, including Tax-Free Savings Accounts, Fixed Deposit Accounts, Unit Trust Investments, Education Endowment Plans, and specialised Savings Accounts for Kids. These vehicles are profiled with details on typical returns – ranging from 2-5% for kids’ savings accounts to 8-12% for long term unit trusts – and their suitability for goals like funding tertiary education or preparing for life’s milestones.
Also profiled are trusted providers and their education savings vehicles, such as Standard Bank, EasyEquities, Allan Gray, Capitec, and Old Mutual and other leading providers. For children, the hub includes “Money Matters Videos” that transform abstract concepts into relatable stories, inspired by the wisdom of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”
This initiative couldn’t come at a more critical time. Early stage education on money matters is paramount for cultivating lifelong habits of financial responsibility. Research shows that children who learn about saving and budgeting from a young age are more likely to make informed decisions as adults, avoiding common pitfalls like overspending or under-preparing for emergencies. By introducing these concepts through playful, interactive content, we empower kids to view saving not as a chore, but as an adventure. The fun EBnet savings mascots – Sammy, Penny, Kim, Kourtney, Flora, Benny, Christo, Natty, Phoenix, and Nonhlanhla – bring this to life. These whimsical characters, from the adventurous Sammy, who is making saving great again, to the wise Penny, star in our videos and stories, teaching lessons on budgeting, financial goal-setting, and the magic of compound interest in ways that resonate with young minds.
Compounding this issue is the tendency among South Africans to prioritise material acquisitions over future security. Consumer spending on luxury items, particularly fancy cars and clothes, continues to surge despite economic pressures. Recent data shows households favouring durable goods like vehicles and electronics, often at the expense of savings, with luxury car sales trending upward in 2025 even as budget conscious buyers opt for prestige over practicality. Luxury shopping overall is booming, with high end retailers thriving amid a shaky economy, while essential savings for rainy days or retirement lag behind. This “live for today” mindset, fuelled by cultural and social factors, leaves little room for building emergency funds or investing in education – critical buffers against life’s uncertainties.
Change starts with education and action. Through the Kids Menu, we’re not just providing information; we’re inspiring a shift toward proactive financial planning. The mascots embody this spirit: Sammy encourages small daily saves, Penny teaches the value of every cent, and the entire crew – from Kim and Kourtney’s teamwork lessons to Nonhlanhla’s focus on community wealth – reinforces that saving is a family affair. We’ve seen how initiatives like this can transform behaviours; for instance, early exposure to investment concepts has helped countless families break the cycle of debt.
