How I Took Control of My Finances with PiggyVest
By Funke Fashola
Hello! Today, I want to share my journey of financial empowerment and how PiggyVest played a crucial role in that process. If you’re living in Nigeria and have ever felt overwhelmed by bills, temptations to spend, or the constant struggle to save, I get it. I’ve been there too. But let me tell you, PiggyVest has helped me take control of my finances in ways I never expected.
The Financial Chaos
Before I discovered PiggyVest, my financial life was, to put it mildly, chaotic. I was working hard, earning a decent income, but by the end of each month, my bank account would look like it had been raided. You know that feeling when you check your balance and just shake your head in disbelief? I was living paycheck to paycheck, constantly worrying about how to pay the next bill.
I often found myself giving in to impulse buys—whether it was the latest fashion trend or a weekend getaway with friends. Sure, it felt good in the moment, but my savings were nonexistent. I always had excuses: “I’ll save next month,” or “I deserve to treat myself.” But deep down, I knew I was digging a financial hole for myself.
Discovering PiggyVest
One day, during a casual conversation with my friend Tolu, he mentioned PiggyVest. He spoke about how it helped him save for his dream car. I was intrigued but hesitant. Could an app really change my financial habits? After a bit of research, I decided to give it a go. Downloading the app was easy, and signing up took just a few minutes.
From the first moment I opened the app, I felt a sense of hope. The layout was clean and user-friendly, which was refreshing. I started exploring the features, and one stood out to me: the “Save for Later” option. This feature allows you to set aside money for a future date. I loved the idea of putting money away and not being able to touch it until I reached my goal. It felt like a safe haven for my savings.
Forming New Habits
I started small, committing to save N1,000 every week. At first, it felt like a stretch. I had to adjust my spending habits, saying no to those tempting outings with friends and resisting the urge to buy things I didn’t need. But as the weeks rolled on, I noticed something magical happening. Each time I transferred that N1,000, I felt a rush of satisfaction.
PiggyVest sends you notifications to remind you to save, and those little nudges became my motivation. I looked forward to the reminders, treating them like friendly nudges from a supportive buddy. Slowly but surely, saving became a habit, not just another chore on my to-do list.
Setting Goals
One of the best features of PiggyVest is the “Goals” section. You can set specific savings targets, whether it’s for a vacation, a new gadget, or even an emergency fund. I set a goal for my business, and every time I reached a milestone, I felt like I was one step closer to making my dreams a reality. Watching that progress bar fill up gave me a sense of accomplishment I had never experienced before.
I remember the day I hit my first major goal. I had saved enough to buy new equipment for my side hustle, and it felt incredible. I realized that saving wasn’t just about denying myself immediate pleasures; it was about investing in my future. I was finally taking control of my finances, and it felt empowering.
Community and Support
PiggyVest is more than just an app; it’s a community. Their blog is filled with practical tips on budgeting, managing expenses, and making smart financial choices. I found myself diving into those articles, learning about things I had never thought about before. The knowledge I gained helped me develop a better understanding of my finances.
One of the articles that struck me discussed the importance of budgeting. It hit home for me. I realized I had been treating my finances like a free-for-all. I needed to create a budget, track my spending, and hold myself accountable. That was a game changer. I started to sit down every month to review my expenses and adjust my budget accordingly. It wasn’t always easy, but it was necessary.
Flexibility When Needed
Another aspect of PiggyVest that I appreciated was the “Flex” savings option. This feature allows you to save money while still having access to it when necessary. There were times I faced unexpected expenses, like when my car broke down. Being able to withdraw from my savings without feeling guilty was a relief. It taught me that it’s okay to have a safety net while working towards my goals.
However, I did encounter some challenges along the way. The withdrawal process can take a bit longer than expected, which was frustrating at times. There were moments I needed cash quickly, and waiting for a few days felt like an eternity. But through that experience, I learned to plan ahead and be more strategic with my finances.
The Long-Term Impact
As months passed, I became more disciplined. I developed a routine of checking my savings and adjusting my goals as needed. My mindset shifted from spending to saving, and it felt liberating. I no longer saw saving as a burden; I embraced it as a lifestyle.
Today, I can proudly say I have built a substantial emergency fund and saved for my business. I’ve also started experimenting with investing, which I never thought I would do. PiggyVest opened my eyes to new possibilities and empowered me to take charge of my financial future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my experience with PiggyVest has been transformative. It has helped me take control of my finances and develop healthy saving habits. If you’re looking for a way to improve your financial situation, I highly recommend giving PiggyVest a try. It may not be a magic solution, but it’s a powerful tool that can guide you in the right direction.
Remember, it’s about your commitment to change. You have to be willing to make sacrifices and stay focused on your goals. Taking control of your finances is a journey, and every step counts.
What’s your experience with saving and managing your finances? Have you tried PiggyVest or any other financial apps? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!