Over a decade ago (plus a few more years), I began my career as a financial analyst. In my mind, that was it. I’d made it. This was the first real step toward financial independence, or so I thought. But just over a year in, the 2007–2008 credit crunch hit, and like millions of others, I had a wake-up call. It slowly dawned on me that I wasn’t nearly as financially independent as I believed.
That was the moment I decided to get serious about my money. Money means different things to different people. For some, it symbolises freedom or opportunity. For others, it brings stress or even fear. And in today’s world, where the rising cost of living eats away at your savings, job security feels shaky, and emergencies seem to knock when you least expect them, it’s no surprise that money often equals anxiety for most.
Personally, I want to live in a time where money doesn’t automatically trigger worry. That’s the vision financial literacy gives us. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about control. It puts you in charge of your money and equips you with tried-and-tested tools to manage what you earn, spend, save and invest more intentionally.
When you’re financially informed, your income stops being a treadmill and starts becoming a tool. It can support you in retirement, carry you through a job loss, or help you weather life’s unpredictable moments without spiralling into panic. There’s a popular rule of thumb when it comes to emergency planning: aim to save three to six months’ worth of expenses. So, I decided to stick with that rule and take a more practical route by using InvestNiaja's Emergency Savings plan, which involves setting aside at least three months' worth of my income. Why? Our income is what fuels our lifestyle, our responsibilities, and our sense of stability.
This kind of cushion isn’t just good advice, it’s a lifeline. Think back to the 2020 global slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many people, income vanished almost overnight. Those with an emergency fund could breathe a little easier. Those without it felt the full weight of uncertainty.
When I first got serious about personal finance, I admit, I was anxious. But that anxiety wasn’t about spreadsheets or bank balances. It was about something deeper: understanding my risk appetite, or how much uncertainty I could personally handle in pursuit of my financial goals. (Hold that thought, we unpacked risk appetite in this article).
At the heart of my fear was a heavy but honest question: Why save for tomorrow when tomorrow isn’t promised?
giphy
It’s a question many people silently ask themselves, and with good reason. Life is unpredictable. Bills don’t wait. Emergencies come without warning. And sometimes, the future feels too far away to plan for. But here’s what I’ve learned: even if tomorrow isn’t promised, we still owe it to ourselves and to the people who depend on us to prepare for it. Planning isn’t about fear. It’s about freedom. Saving and investing aren’t just about the distant future. They’re also about creating freedom today.
So, here’s my advice: Start now. Start small.
That’s exactly what I did, and it made all the difference.
I got honest with myself about where my money was going every month. Then I began using the 50:30:20 budgeting rule. In short, I committed to saving at least 20% of my salary each month.
Next, I wanted my money to grow, not just sit in a savings account earning minimal interest. That’s when I discovered a world of better-yielding options: Mutual funds, Treasury bills, Stocks, ETFs, bonds, and even alternative investments like real estate and infrastructure.
I began my journey with Chapel Hill Denham mutual funds on InvestNaija, and over time, I was able to build a diverse investment portfolio. That’s exactly why tools like InvestNaija are so helpful; they’re a friendly way to make money decisions easier and less daunting. Here’s how it helped me jumpstart my financial freedom journey, and how it could help you too:
giphy
✅ Start Small, Stay Consistent
I didn’t need to have millions to start. With as little as ₦5,000, I was able to invest in the Chapel Hill Denham Money Market Fund, a low-risk investment option that offers better returns than a regular bank savings account, but with flexibility and ease of access.
✅ Save with a Purpose
One of my biggest challenges was staying consistent. That’s where SaveIN helped. It allowed me to set up automatic savings plans for specific goals like: emergency funds, rent, or even future travel. No more thinking “I’ll save next month.” The app does it for you.
✅ Invest with a Plan
Once I got more comfortable, I started using PlanIN a feature that lets you map out longer-term goals like buying a house or vehicle. It gave me a clearer sense of progress, which kept me motivated. Every time I checked my portfolio performance, I saw how my money was quietly growing.
✅ Learn Along the Way
And anytime I felt unsure, I turned to LearnIN, a library of simple articles, courses, videos, and podcasts that broke down financial topics in plain language. I wasn’t just investing; I was learning how money works, at my own pace.
What started as anxiety turned into clarity. I didn’t have to choose between enjoying life today and preparing for tomorrow; I could do both, one small step at a time.
So, if you’ve been asking yourself why you should save or invest, here’s your answer:
Because financial freedom isn’t about how much you make, it’s about how consistently you grow what you have.
At InvestNaija, we want to take you on a journey to financial independence, one we’ve personally travelled. We’ll share everything we’ve learned along the way. But most importantly, we’ll speak in plain, relatable terms. No jargon. Just real talk about money.
If we can do it, you can, too. Get INvolved. Are you IN?
Want to know how stocks are performing today? Curious about which sectors are booming? InvestNaija breaks it down with our Daily Market Watch delivered straight to your inbox. It’s stock market news, simplified. Think, useful info to help you stay ahead.
Simply sign up for our weekly newsletter
Reach out to us on all our social media platforms and let’s share your story with the world! 🌍 OR fill out this quick form: click here. #INVESTinSTORIES | Because everyone has a money story, so what’s yours?
Ready to start your journey? Download the InvestNaija app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. With tools like LearnIN, SaveIN, and InvestIN, you’ll have everything you need to invest confidently and wisely.
