There is something really beautiful about a bold financial decision that changes the course of one’s life. This kind of financial decision is not about small, everyday expenses but about the deliberate, heart-racing choices that demand audacity. They are the kind of money moves that cement a person as a main character.
In this article, five Nigerian women share the money moves that made them feel like the main character.
1. “Every Time I Think of the Fact That I Own Land, I Get So Excited” — Asake*, 30
While I have made many money moves since I became serious about my life and career, my biggest was the day I finalised the purchase of my land. Right from the day I went to my aunt’s home-warming and saw how content she was to have finally built her house, I started manifesting to be a homeowner like her.
Since I’m the type to immediately start working toward what I want, I knew I had to take my high-paying corporate job seriously so I could get a raise. When I did, I made sure to save the majority of my salary until I finally reached my savings goal to purchase. I signed my land ownership documents last year, and although getting a land really drained me financially, even though I had saved for it, I am pleased with myself. Every time I think of the fact that I own land, I get so excited, and I just get this urge to scream about it to the rest of the world.
Before the year ends, I will have gotten halfway through building my dream house, and I have my fingers crossed for that.
2. “It Took the Bumps and Lagos Roads With Grace” — Mary*, 45
I got my first car when I turned 35. Before, I’d been quite content with letting my friends and my husband drive me around because I felt that, since I didn’t know how to drive, what was the point of getting a car? But one day, one of my closest friends pulled me to the driver’s seat and asked me to drive a short distance. I almost caused quite a few accidents that day, and while that might have discouraged someone else from driving again, I just saw it as a challenge and decided to buy a Toyota Sienna so I could learn to drive. It was my first big money move.
Although I have changed cars since then, and they are way more expensive than my Sienna, I still think of it as my proudest money move. It helped me grow as a driver, and it took all the bumps and Lagos roads with grace, and that’s why I’ll forever think of it.
3. “I’ve Always Known That the UAE Would Be the First Country I Visit” — Ololade*, 28
My most significant money move was booking a solo trip to Dubai sometime around last year. I’ve always been curious about Dubai, and I’ve always known that the UAE would be the first country I would visit. Thus, it was a no-brainer that when I got my first big-girl check, I booked my trip to Dubai, and I did not regret any of the moments I spent there. I really loved exploring the city, going to places I’d only seen on TV and the internet. It was an extremely fulfilling trip, and meeting strangers and having conversations with them was a wonderful experience.
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4. “It Cost Me the Kind of Money That I Can’t Even Mention in Public” — Chioma*, 50
About a month ago, I finalised the purchase of my first house. It’s this stunning duplex I’ve had my eye on for a long time. When January 1st rolled around, I decided to gift it to myself on my birthday in February, and that’s precisely what I did. I’ve made hundreds of big money moves in my life, but the house definitely takes the cake because it cost me the kind of money that I can’t even mention in public. The money was definitely a lot, but whenever I step into the house, I always feel this sense of calm, so I don’t regret buying the home in any way, and I really love the fact that I don’t have to pay rent anymore.
5. “I Have Been at My Most Productive With My iPad” — Amina*, 24
I’d always wanted an iPad. I work in fashion, and realised it was a tool that would greatly aid my career and side projects, so I knew I would get one way or another. For a very long time, I just kept saving whatever I could, and before I knew it, I had enough money to get it. While the money was quite a lot, I do not regret getting it in any way. I was right when I said getting it would aid my career because I have been at my most productive with my iPad.
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