In a world where inflation is constantly sneaking up on your wallet, it’s easy to feel discouraged. You’ve been disciplined—skipped the phone upgrade, passed on that designer drip, even postponed the beach vacay—all in the name of saving and investing for the future.
But then boom. The price triples.
You look back and think, “Wait, was all that self-control worth it?”
Honestly, we get it. The irony is loud. But here’s the thing: delayed gratification still works. It just needs a smarter strategy behind it—one that acknowledges inflation, understands your risk appetite, and helps you build wealth despite everything the economy throws at you.
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The Temptation to Spend? Everywhere.
Let’s not lie— We (Nigerians) love nice things. And we deserve them! But the pressure is real. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is real on these social media streets. Social media makes it feel like if you’re not flexing the latest lifestyle, you’re behind. That “soft life” temptation? Always just one impulsive transfer away.
But here’s what the wealthy know that most people don’t:
💡 The ability to say “not today” to short-term pleasure is how you unlock long-term financial freedom.
Delayed gratification isn’t about punishment—it’s a strategy. And when you combine it with the right investment moves, it becomes powerful.
So... Why Save When Inflation Is Raging?
Fair question. With inflation hovering around 24%+ (as of March), despite the rebasing exercise earlier this year, it’s tough to find investments that consistently beat it. But here’s the trick:
You don’t need one magic investment. You need a balanced mix.
This is where diversification comes in. Instead of throwing all your money into one place, you spread it across different assets—so if one side is shaky, the others hold you steady.
Let’s break it down by risk appetite and show you how it plays out.
What Does a Diversified Portfolio Look Like for You?
🟢 The Cautious Investor – Low Risk & Steady Wins the Race
You don’t want drama—you want peace of mind. For you, capital preservation comes first.
✅ Try: Government bonds and fixed income mutual funds.
💡 Think: Chapel Hill Denham’s Money Market Fund—focused on low risk, with stable returns from money market investments.
You may not outpace inflation, but your money stays working—and that’s better than watching it lose value in a savings account.
🟡 The Moderate Investor – A Bit of Risk, A Bit of Growth
You’re ready to play the long game, but you want a cushion.
✅ Try: A blend of equities, mutual funds, and maybe some infrastructure projects like roads, telecommunications, power, etc.
💡 Think: Chapel Hill Denham’s Nigeria Dollar Income Fund —it mixes stocks and bonds to give you growth with a side of stability.
You ride market waves but sleep at night. Nice balance.
🔴 The Aggressive Investor – Go Big or Go Home
You understand and are comfortable with risk and market swings because you’re chasing higher rewards.
✅ Try: Equities, high-growth assets, venture capital.
💡 Think: Chapel Hill Denham’s Paramount Fund—for long-term investors who want exposure to fast-growing companies.
It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you play it right, the upside can be massive.
You Might Not Beat Inflation Every Time—But You Can Still Win in The Long Run
Let’s keep it real—no single investment is beating this kind of inflation every year. But a diversified strategy gives you your best shot at growing your wealth while managing risk.
Here’s why it works:
- 📈 Stocks: Over time, quality companies grow, and so do their returns.
- 💵 Fixed Income: They don’t spike, but they keep your cash flowing steadily.
- 🏠 Real Estate: Properties appreciate, giving you long-term inflation protection.
- 🏗️ Infrastructure: Building blocks of the economy, providing essential services and stable, long-term growth potential.
In this economy, not losing big is a win. Diversifying ensures that even when you're not 'winning' every quarter, you're still protecting your capital. Plus, compounding your returns—quarterly or semi-annually—gives you a stronger shot at outpacing inflation over time.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Economy Rob You Twice
We know it’s hard to save when suya is calling your name, school fees are waiting, and the cost of living keeps climbing. But guess what? Even small, consistent contributions matter.
You don’t need millions to get started. You need a plan, patience, and a portfolio that reflects your personality and risk tolerance.
So, next time you wonder if delayed gratification is worth it—Remember: wealth is built in quiet moments of self-control, not overnight wins.
And in a country like Nigeria where inflation remains high, a diversified portfolio is your best defence.
✅ Want to start with as little as ₦5,000? Use the InvestNaija app to explore investment options tailored to your risk level—including Chapel Hill Denham’s suite of funds.
Delayed gratification doesn’t mean denying yourself. It means giving your future self the luxury of options. 💰
