Remember when we thought saving money meant hiding it under the mattress or stashing it in a biscuit tin? Well, Sanda did exactly that. She stashed hers in an old sock until she learned there is a better way.

Many of us as adults were not taught to save. We were just told to “be careful with money” without any explanation on how. That is why so many adults today struggle with saving—not because they are careless, but because saving was never made simple, practical, or personal.

Sanda Says Goodbye to the Old Socks

Enter Sanda Says Goodbye to the Old Socks, a heartwarming, funny, and oh-so-relatable story. Sanda has been saving money the “old school” way, literally in old socks. But when her socks almost disappear, she learns a valuable lesson: saving money is more than hiding it. It is about having a plan, setting goals, and learning that small amounts, added up consistently, can do great things.

What we love most about this book is how it turns a boring adult concept — “savings strategy” — into something exciting and empowering for kids.

Tips for Encouraging Saving Habits

• Start a savings jar or envelope system. Label jars “spending,” “saving,” and “sharing.” Let kids decide where their coins go.
• Introduce goal savings. Is there a toy or outing they really want? Help them break down the cost and track progress weekly.
• Celebrate savings wins. Did your child save R20 over two weeks? Celebrate with a high five, a note on the fridge, or a special treat (not one that breaks the budget!).

And remember: kids do not need big money to learn big lessons. What they need is guidance, repetition, and stories like Sanda’s that show saving is not just smart; it is empowering.