Might not be the right platform for this type of talk but I heard that at 30 you should have at least 1 full annual salary tucked away (excluding assets) to the guys that are older now does that make sense to you and is it correct in me saying that it will not be enough if you want to stay together with our EU Counterparts?

Mmmm two schools of thought,I am more of the second idea, which is at 30 you should be taking more risks with your money in order to create more money, cash sitting in a bank account earning 5% interest in case you loose your job is not smart money working for you, and getting that interest rate up means not having instant access to your cash, so have 3 months salary in a call account but have 9 months salary invested in something that may pay you when you are out of work but will continue to buy you more value when you are in work..invest overseas if you want to keep up with the Europeans invest here if you want to beat them...

"invest here if you want to beat them"
+1
Local knowledge & entrepreneurship are king, just add some intelligence, attitude & determination. Won't make you rich unless you're downright lucky, however should allow you to live (and retire) comfortably.

I would suggest you invest whatever you can afford in a fund monthly. There are over 1000 to choose from, so do your homework and get hold of a reputable investment broker and see what suites you. This is a long term investment, as to put your money into the money market, you are going to loose in the long run as asslapper has correctly pointed out to you.

Do not attempt to keep up with the Jones's.

Saving for a rainy day is absolutely necessary . Asslapper has put it quite correctly on the ratio based on my age .

If you had invested a lump sum during the market crash of 2008 in a general equity portfolio you would have more than doubled your money by now.

My advice, if you have a bond, pump every sent into it. You will save thousands on thousands of interest

Dont close the bond. Its like a piggy bank. If you need cash, with draw from it

I have multiple bonds, with 1.1k in cash onhand.

If you dont own, take out endowments. When they mature, just leave them. They will grow like crazy.

After that, look at unit trusts or play the jse

Then, buy more property...

Punt less ;) save more ?