Being a student is about more than just hitting the books; it's about embracing new experiences and making the most of every opportunity, but let's face it: living the student life on a budget can be tough. That's where Varsity Vibe comes in, your ultimate student discount companion.

Making smart money moves as a young adult will help you build a healthy financial future, and it starts with taking control of your finances and knowing the dos and don’ts of money.

You’ll have certain expectations about earning your first salary; in fact, you probably already know how you’re going to spend it, but many new employees are surprised when the amount that hits their bank account differs from their salary. That’s thanks to all the deductions and new financial responsibilities and considerations you’re dealing with.

What’s the hardest question to answer during an interview? It’s not about your experience, or even where you see yourself in 5 years. The most nerve-wracking question of all might just be, what are your salary expectations?

When you’re trying to move forward in life, such as buying a house or a car, but still have student debt, it can feel like you’re stuck at a crossroads. Do you start saving for a deposit or tackle your student loan first?

If you want to start investing, are new to the concept of investing, or you’re looking for different avenues to invest in, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and what to expect. Investing isn’t a one-size-fits all approach, but understanding the basics that should underpin your decision will make your investment journey easier and potentially more fruitful.

If you are coming to South Africa to study, you probably have a lot of questions. From applying for a study visa to which bank account you can open, here are some answers to help get you started.

Having an irregular income - inconsistent or varying amounts - makes managing your money more complex. If you’re self-employed, freelancing, or a contract worker, you might not earn a consistent monthly income, with some months earning no income while others earning double.

Networking is an important aspect of career development, and as a young professional, effectively building connections with the right people can help enhance your career prospects.

Searching for a job can feel daunting, especially if it’s your very first one. Plus, it’s easy to overlook key details when you’re job hunting, managing multiple applications, and trying to stand out from the crowd.

Your first job is a significant and exciting milestone, blending new challenges with immense opportunities. As you transition from being a learner to the professional world, equipping yourself with practical strategies and a resilient mindset can help you navigate this new environment with confidence.

The way we work has significantly changed in the past few years; from remote and hybrid working to the gig economy, these trends are having a significant impact on personal finances in terms of income stability, budgeting, retirement planning and skills development.

Starting a new job is a big deal, starting a job in a new city is an even bigger deal. Starting afresh in a new place can bring many opportunities, but there are certain challenges that come with moving, which can amplify the stress, such as finding housing, adjusting to a new environment and building a social network.

Worrying about money can be stressful, and in turn, how it makes us feel influences how we spend it, which means that when you’re emotionally impacted by money or debt, it’s likely that managing money could be more difficult.

Having a strong online presence is vital if you’re looking to advance your career, and if you want to compete in a fast-changing market, you need to keep up with your peers. Being on a platform such as LinkedIn increases your chance of being noticed by recruiters.

If you are in the market to buy a car, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding on brand new or used.

From diversifying your income stream and living your passion to having more flexibility and freedom, there are many reasons for having a side hustle, and with so many options available, now is a great time to start one.

Just like Gen Z, millennials have a different approach to saving, spending and investing. Having faced unique challenges and learning some hard lessons about money and life, they’ve had to adapt but, in the process, reshaped innovation in personal finance and banking.

Higher education is an investment in your future and a step towards the career and life you want, but it’s also a big financial commitment. Fortunately, a student loan can help make it affordable and manageable for you to follow your passion and realise your goals.

Managing your finances is a lifelong journey that will change and evolve as you become older and enter different life stages. Building financial freedom is a progressive process and it makes it easier if you achieve certain financial goals and have certain financial considerations in place by a certain age.

As you move up the career ladder, it’s easier to achieve your financial goals when you have a bank account that matches your ambitions. Our Professional Banking Account celebrates the hard work you’ve put in to get to where you are and recognises your potential for getting to where you want to be.

Whether you’re a recent graduate setting out on a new career path, or have years of experience and you’re looking to advance in your career, it’s important to have a development plan.

Life cover might not be first on a 20-something’s list of priorities, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important to consider when you’re young. Besides the important reasons to get life cover, there are also distinct benefits to getting insured in your 20s, from fewer exclusions and fewer added risk charges to lower premiums in the long run.

Buying your first car is an exciting step towards freedom and a significant decision that will most probably impact your financial future.