R99 or less: 10 small purchases that save you money every month

Smart money isn't always about the big things. Sometimes, it's about the cheap wins that accumulate over time. From prepaid hacks to plug-in tricks, these are 10 things under R99 that could save you money almost every month, especially after Januworry, before the most expensive month of the year, December (and everything else in between). Researched, sometimes tested, and available without needing an entire lifestyle change.

Airtime or data bundle via Capitec app (R10 - R99)
Buying bundles from inside your bank app is often cheaper than buying from your mobile provider directly. Capitec, FNB, Nedbank, and other banks usually offer discounts on standard data or airtime packages, and it accumulates quickly, especially if you’re topping up every week.

▶ Savings: Around R5 - R10 per bundle
▶ Where: From within your banking app

Silicone tap aerator (R25 - R80)
Pop this on your kitchen tap and it decreases your water usage by up to 50% without affecting the pressure. It’s a cheap gadget that lowers your water bill, especially if you wash dishes the old fashioned way.

▶ Where: Takealot, Builders, or your local hardware store

Waterless car wash spray (R70 - R99)
If you’re still dragging the hose out or paying R150+ for a car wash every month, you’re basically watering your wallet down. A bottle of waterless car wash spray gets you 5 to 8 washes. It's great for water restrictions, Joburg dust, or CPT's weird drizzle-dust combo.

▶ Savings: R400+ if you stop going to car washes or using high-pressure water
▶ Where: Takealot, Checkers, or any decent motor spares shop

Airtime advance app like UpnUp (Free - usage-based)
UpnUp rounds up every transaction you make and stashes the change in an airtime wallet. If you use prepaid, this low-key trick saves you from surprise zero-balance days.

▶ Savings: Depends on usage, but you won’t be stuck without airtime
▶ Where: Google Play or App Store

Multi-plug with surge protection (R89)
Loadshedding doesn’t just kill time, it also fries your tech. One R89 plug with surge protection can save you from losing a router, laptop charger, or speaker.

▶ Where: Checkers

Prepaid electricity via discounted platforms (R50 - R99)
Apps like Powertime or Prepaid24 sometimes offer discounted tokens if you buy in certain windows or use rewards. Combine this with bank card cashback like eBucks or Capitec Live Better and your units go further.

▶ Where: Powertime.co.za, Capitec app, or Prepaid24

Reusable coffee cup (R45 - R99)
If you buy coffee on the go, like any semi-functional millennial, some cafés give small discounts (R2 - R5) for bringing your own cup. Buy it once, and you save money and dodge the guilt of another paper lid in the landfill.

▶ Where: Mambo’s, Checkers, Amazon South Africa, Clicks, Game

Browser extension that tracks coupon codes (Free)
Honey and Coupert both work in South Africa. They auto-check for working promo codes at checkout on sites like Superbalist, Takealot, and even Checkers Sixty60. You don’t have to go Googling for 'Superbalist coupon 2025'.

▶ Where: Honey, Coupert, or the Chrome and Firefox browser stores

Airtime converter (Free, with R10 minimum)
Apps like MTN MoMo let you convert extra airtime into data, electricity, or even send it to someone else. Stop letting unused airtime expire!

▶ Where: MTN MoMo app (Android, iOS)

LED night light bulb (R25 - R99)
Keeps hallways or rooms lit without leaving full lamps or ceiling lights on. It costs minimal to run and works well during those 'Is it still loadshedding?' moments.

▶ Where: Checkers, Mr Price Home, Takealot 

You don’t need a five-year plan or a side hustle to save money. Sometimes you just need a good plug, a smart app, or stop buying R15 electricity tokens with R2 in card fees.