Research shows that 24% of millennials are currently invested in a unit trust – versus only 2% among older generations – with 57% of millennials saying they invested in a unit trust with the purpose of increasing their net worth (1st) and 47% saying they looked to invest to reach financial freedom (2nd). However, the survey also revealed that 35% of millennials were saving money to pay back debt – this number was 13% for older South Africans.
Debt, typically in the form of personal loans, are often used to buy things that will be consumed – like appliances, clothes, or items that tend to depreciate over time. The survey revealed that 64% of millennials – compared to 14% among older generations – had a personal loan and 35% (versus 13%) of their income was spent on servicing the interest on debt.
Without a clear goal most people will find themselves spending rather than saving, every person is unique, and our relationship with money is often complex. An understanding of your intrinsic values is also essential to find the resolve to achieve financial freedom. When we’re working towards something that’s important to us, we’re often more willing to work harder to reach our goal.
To save monthly (however small the value), over a period of time, that saving will eventually accumulate to a substantial amount down the line.