Old Mutual has released the female-focused findings from its annual Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor (OMSIM) 2025, a survey that tracks the shifting attitudes and behaviours of working South Africans.

The insights are being released as part of Old Mutual’s participation in the JSE’s SheInvests 2025 programme, which brings women together to build financial knowledge and assurance. By linking research with practical education, SheInvests highlights the steps women can take to move from goals to long-term financial security.

“Women are navigating an increasingly complex financial landscape, yet what stands out is their determination and optimism,” says Vuyokazi Mabude, Head of Knowledge & Insights at Old Mutual. “By participating in platforms such as SheInvests, we are helping women turn their financial goals into practical strategies for lasting stability.”

Women are under pressure but showing resilience

The OMSIM 2025 results reveal that while overall financial stress indicators have stabilised since 2024, women are experiencing greater strain than the broader market. The proportion of women who are considerably financially stressed has risen from 39% to 43%, with stress levels climbing to 49% among single mothers, significantly higher than the national average.

Despite these challenges, women are also displaying determination and resourcefulness. 76% believe their personal financial situation will improve in the next six months, the highest score since 2020. Belief in the country’s economic outlook is also strengthening, with 34% of women expressing optimism, up 6 percentage points from 2024.

“These results show that women remain focused on progress, even when faced with higher levels of financial stress,” adds Mabude. “It highlights both the pressures they face and the confidence they are building to shape their financial futures.”

Growing assurance in savings and investments

Women are becoming more assured in their financial decision-making. The proportion of women who feel very confident in their savings and investment decisions has increased steadily over the last three years, reaching 36% in 2025. This trend is strongest among younger women and those earning higher incomes. The use of financial advisers is also rising, with 45% of women now seeking professional advice compared with 40% in 2023.

Balancing priorities and diversifying income

Income security remains the top financial priority for women, particularly younger females. Many women are diversifying their income streams to manage risk and support household expenses. 56% of working women are “poly-jobbers,” supplementing their regular jobs with side hustles, freelancing or after-hours work. 35% earn some income using social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, and 47% own or part-own a business.

Debt remains a significant concern, with more than half of working women frequently worrying about it. Encouragingly, 55% report that their debt levels have declined compared with a year ago. Women are also actively preserving savings, with fewer dipping into reserves or pausing investment contributions.

Savings goals centred on family and the future

Women continue to prioritise saving for retirement and children’s education. Eight in ten have a savings goal in place, with retirement saving, education, emergencies, and paying off debt ranking as top objectives. While many women set financial goals, fewer believe they can achieve their long-term ambitions, highlighting an important gap in financial planning. One in two working women still do not know where to turn for financial advice, which is why Old Mutual is focused on expanding access to advice and financial education.

Old Mutual’s commitment

Old Mutual believes that equipping South Africans with financial know-how, tools, and solutions is key to supporting financial progress. By enabling women to build confidence, set achievable goals, and manage their financial realities, Old Mutual is committed to helping them move closer to long-term stability.

“Our goal is to ensure that every woman has access to the guidance and support she needs to achieve financial security,” concludes Mabude. “We want to empower women not only to cope with immediate pressures, but also to plan with certainty for the future.”

The release of these findings reflects Old Mutual’s broader commitment to participating in industry platforms and partnerships that expand access to financial knowledge and opportunities for South Africans.