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How to Save Money for Emergencies with Flexible Withdrawals

Written by Meerkat | 15-Jul-2025 10:25:01

To save money for emergencies, you need a flexible, low-risk savings plan that you can access when life happens. Meerkat’s savings solution offers exactly that: daily interest, CPI+1% on balances over R5,000, freedom to withdraw, and monthly prize draws where you could win R1,000 back into your savings

Life Happens. Are You Financially Ready?

Emergencies don’t send a warning. One day, your car won’t start. Next, a family member needs urgent medical help. These moments are stressful, but having money set aside can make a huge difference. It’s called an emergency fund, and every South African needs one.

But saving isn’t always easy, especially when you’re living month to month. And locking your money into long-term investments or accounts with penalties can be risky if you need access urgently.

So, how can you save money for emergencies with flexible withdrawals?

Let’s break it down.

What Makes a Good Emergency Fund?

A proper emergency fund needs to tick three boxes:

  • Safe – Your money must be protected 
  • Accessible – You should be able to withdraw it quickly without penalties.
  • Disciplined – It should encourage regular saving, even small amounts.

Many traditional savings accounts don’t offer this mix.

That’s why Meerkat created a savings plan that does.

Why Flexible Withdrawals Matter

Some bank accounts lock your money away or charge fees for accessing it early. That’s the opposite of what an emergency fund should do.

With Meerkat’s Savings Plan, you get:

Flexible access to your money
No withdrawal penalties
CPI + 1% return on balances over R5,000
Monthly prize draw entries for every R100 saved

Now that’s smart, flexible saving.

Win While You Save 

We believe good financial habits should be rewarded. That’s why for every R100 you save, you get one entry into our monthly prize draw.

You could win our grand prize draw of R1000 back into your savings plan or one of our smaller prizes. AND, when you refer a friend, and they start saving, you both receive a ticket for every R100 they save (up to a maximum of 3 tickets for your friend).

It’s our way of celebrating your progress, even the small wins.

Earn CPI + 1% Interest on Bigger Balances 

Unlike most savings accounts that barely keep up with inflation, Meerkat rewards long-term savers. If your balance is over R5,000, you’ll earn:

CPI + 1% interest annually

This means your money isn’t just sitting, it’s growing above inflation, giving you real returns while still keeping your funds flexible and accessible.

How Meerkat’s Savings Plan Works

Start small, you can start from just R25 per month

Here’s what you get:

  • Flexible monthly contributions
  • CPI+1% return on balances over R5k
  • Penalty-free access to your funds
  • Monthly prize draw entries
  • Integrated saving if you're under Meerkat debt review

It’s designed to help you save even when money is tight.

How Much Should You Save?

Start with what you can, ideally R100 to R500/month is a great beginning. Over time, build up enough to cover at least 1–3 months of expenses

Every rand counts. And with Meerkat, every R100 gives you a chance to win even more 

Why Choose Meerkat?

We’re not a bank. We’re not here to judge. We’re your financial wellness partner.

Whether you’re getting out of debt or saving for life’s curveballs, our Savings Plan helps you:

  • Grow your money with real returns (CPI + 1%)
  • Access your funds when needed
  • Stay motivated with monthly rewards
  • Build a safety net that’s truly yours

Start Saving (and Winning) with Meerkat -start your plan now>>