Life is a rollercoaster. One moment, you’re riding high, and the next, you’re navigating through challenges that test your resilience. I’ve been there — struggling to make ends meet, celebrating small wins, and learning hard lessons along the way. Through it all, I’ve come to understand that money isn’t just about earning and spending; it’s about strategy, patience, and growth. Today, I want to share some truths about money that have helped me triumph over life’s uncertainties. These insights aren’t just theoretical; they’re born from experience, trial, and error.

1. When You’re Not Earning Much, Focus on Upgrading Your Skills

Let’s face it: when you’re barely making enough to cover your expenses, saving feels like an impossible task. I’ve been in that position, where every shilling counted, and the idea of setting money aside seemed laughable. But here’s the truth: when you’re not earning much, your primary focus shouldn’t be on saving — it should be on upgrading your skills and increasing your income.

Saving a small portion of a meager income won’t change your life, but investing in yourself will.

Take courses, learn new skills, and network with people who can open doors for you. I spent years working low-paying jobs before I realized that the key to financial freedom wasn’t in cutting back on every little expense but in becoming more valuable in the marketplace. When you earn more, saving and investing become natural next steps.

2. When You Start Earning More, Save and Invest Aggressively

Once you’ve upgraded your skills and started earning more, it’s time to shift your focus. This is where discipline comes into play. It’s tempting to upgrade your lifestyle immediately but resist the urge. Instead, save and invest aggressively.

I remember the first time I got a significant pay raise.

I was tempted to buy a new car and move to a fancier apartment, but I chose to prioritize my financial future.

I started by building an emergency fund, then moved on to investing in Money Market Funds (MMFs), SACCO deposits, and bonds. These options provided a balance of security and growth, allowing my money to work for me while I continued to focus on my career.

The key here is consistency. Even if you start small, the power of compound interest will work in your favor over time. The sooner you start, the more you’ll benefit.

3. When You Feel Secure, Invest in Physical Commodities

As your savings and investments grow, you’ll reach a point where you feel relatively secure. This is the time to start thinking about long-term investments, particularly in physical commodities. Real estate, for example, has been a game-changer for me.

While the returns may not be as high or as quick as other investments, the security and stability it offers are unmatched.

I bought my first piece of land when I was in my early 30s. It wasn’t easy — I had to sacrifice a lot to make the down payment — but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Over time, the value of the land appreciated, and I was able to use it as collateral for other investments. Physical commodities like real estate are tangible assets that provide a sense of security and peace of mind.

4. Take Calculated Risks in High-Return Investments

Once you’ve built a solid foundation, you can afford to take some calculated risks. This is where high-return investments come into play. Businesses dealing in perishable goods, for example, can be highly profitable if managed well.

I’ll admit, this step requires courage.

I’ve had my share of failures — businesses that didn’t take off, investments that didn’t yield the expected returns. But I’ve also had successes that more than made up for the losses. The key is to do your research, understand the risks, and only invest what you can afford to lose.

5. Manage, Diversify, and Expand

Finally, as your investments grow, your role shifts from earning to managing. This is where the real work begins. You need to keep a close eye on your investments, make adjustments as needed, and look for opportunities to diversify and expand.

Diversification has been crucial for me. I’ve learned not to put all my eggs in one basket. By spreading my investments across different sectors — real estate, bonds, businesses, and more — I’ve been able to mitigate risks and ensure steady growth.

Expansion is the natural next step. As you gain experience and confidence, you’ll identify new opportunities to grow your wealth. Whether it’s starting a new business, acquiring more property, or exploring international markets, the possibilities are endless.

Final take…

Money isn’t just a tool for buying things; it’s a tool for creating opportunities, securing your future, and achieving your dreams. But it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

I’ve had my share of ups and downs, but I’ve come out stronger and wiser. My journey has taught me that financial success isn’t about luck — it’s about making smart choices, taking calculated risks, and staying disciplined.

If you’re just starting out, don’t be discouraged. Focus on upgrading your skills, increasing your income, and building a solid foundation. As you grow, save and invest aggressively, and don’t be afraid to take risks when the time is right. And always remember to manage, diversify, and expand.

The road to financial freedom isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you.

This blog post is a reflection of my journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I hope it inspires you to take control of your financial future and make the most of every opportunity. Remember, it’s not about how much you earn — it’s about how much you grow.