Building Wealth While Living at Home: Salim’s Quiet Investment Game

Money isn’t just numbers it’s choices, risks, wins, and sometimes, expensive lessons and losses. #INVESTinSTORIES dives into the real-life journeys of Nigerians navigating wealth, work, and financial freedom. From first paychecks to big-money moves, every month we’re unpacking how people earn, hustle, spend, and invest in their future.

No jargon. No pressure. Just real stories about money, because everyone has one. 🚀

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What do you do when your portfolio grows faster than your responsibilities? For 28-year-old software engineer Salim, the answer is simple: live with intention, invest in dollars, and enjoy the now while quietly stacking for later. Let’s unpack how he’s balancing wealth building with living fully, all without a formal budget.

 

What was your first Memory of Money?

I think my dad's real estate background influenced me; that was my primary exposure to investment as a kid. My time at university in the UK also taught me how to manage money independently. But my actual journey into investing began in 2021 when I bought MTN shares in the public offer. That experience really sparked my interest, pushing me to dig deeper and start reading investment books such as Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. And ever since then I have been learning and investing more. This question brings to mind, my childhood experience with stocks. own experience with stocks as a child. When I was young, stockbrokers would regularly visit my father's workplace, encouraging employees to invest in stocks for themselves and their families. My father decided to purchase shares for all of us. Years later, around 2015, one of these brokers noticed my father's name in their records and began searching for him to help us claim our accumulated dividends. When we finally cashed out, I received over a million naira. It was the first time I'd ever had that amount in my bank account. I was eighteen at the time, and it felt incredible to see how those forgotten investments had grown over the years.

 

Share a thing or two about yourself. Ideally a summary of your 'Money Life' or InvestINstory

I don't follow a structured financial plan; my approach is fairly spontaneous. Whenever I accumulate over ₦2 million naira, I'll typically save or invest around ₦500,000. While I understand the importance of saving, I believe it's equally crucial to enjoy life in the present because time is precious and unpredictable. Living with my parents has been a tremendous advantage in building up my savings. I'm genuinely grateful that they provide for my basic needs like food and housing, which allows me to save a much larger portion of my income than I would otherwise be able to. This support system has given me the freedom to be more flexible with my money while still building for the future.

 

What’s your Smartest Financial move?

Imagine this: I bought 1,006 shares of PRESCO for ₦185,424, and they're now at ₦1,159,020. The 'what if' scenario really gets me if I'd had the foresight to invest ₦1 million, I'd probably be looking at N10 at ₦10 million in under eighteen months.

 

What’s a Money dilemma you’re currently going through or you’ve been through?

In December 2023, a colleague at work asked me to lend him ₦300k. It took me almost a year to get back ₦200k, and he then begged me to forgive him the remaining ₦100k. Since then, I stopped lending my money out to people.

 

Can you share the situation that led you to loaning your colleague money and how it shaped the way you now think about helping friends or family financially? 

The way I think about helping friends or family financially completely shifted after an experience with a colleague. I'd lent him some money, and then I ended up leaving that job before he could pay me back. What followed was over six months of constantly chasing him, and even then, he never fully settled the debt. That whole experience left a really sour taste and totally changed my approach to money and my relationships. Since then, I've completely stopped lending money. Instead, if someone needs financial help and I'm able to assist, I'll just give them what I can afford as a gift. This way, I can help without all the stress and potential damage to the relationship that comes with unpaid debts. It's been so much healthier for both my finances and my peace of mind.

 

People often think investing is for the rich! What’s the biggest misconception Nigerians have about it?

Don't let the idea of needing 'big money' deter you from investing. I genuinely believe that if I hadn't seized the opportunity during MTN's public offer, I'd still be stuck just saving in the bank. My initial investment was around N300,000 (at ₦169 now it is at ₦355), which I understand isn't pocket change for everyone. So, here's my advice: just start, no matter how small. You can get into many mutual funds with as little as ₦5,000. That ₦5,000 whether weekly or monthly, that’s all it takes to start. And finally, remember this is a long-term game, not a short-term sprint. I've seen MTN's stock go up and down, but I've never sold because I believe that in the long run, it'll always trend upwards. Consistency and patience are key.

 

You mentioned your dad’s background in real estate influenced your early understanding of money. Can you share a specific moment or lesson from him that stuck with you? 

My father is a real estate investor who provides capital to others for property deals. Watching him operate taught me the fundamental lesson that you need money to make money. I saw how his capital worked for him even when he wasn't actively involved in the day-to-day operations. This shaped my entire approach to finances. I realised that accumulating money isn't just about security, it's about creating opportunities. Every naira I save is potentially a tool for generating more income. That's why I prioritise building my savings, because I understand that reaching certain financial thresholds opens doors to investment opportunities that aren't available when you're living paycheck to paycheck. My father's success showed me that the real goal isn't just earning money but accumulating enough capital to make your money work as hard as you do.

 

What do you currently prioritise most when making money decisions, security, growth, enjoyment, or something else? and why? 

Honestly, I prioritise making memories and experiences now while still building wealth for the future and posterity. I've seen how money can work through investments, so I know the importance of having capital to create opportunities. But I refuse to sacrifice my present happiness for an uncertain tomorrow. I go on vacations and buy expensive things for myself because life is too short to defer all gratification. At the same time, I'm strategic about long-term investments, knowing that most worthwhile opportunities require patience and time to mature. I recognise this approach works for me now because of my current life stage. As I grow older and take on more responsibilities maybe marriage, children, or other commitments I'll likely adjust my priorities accordingly.

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