How PiggyVest Made Saving a Habit for Me
By Eniola Afolabi
Today, I want to share my personal experience with PiggyVest, an app that has completely changed how I save money. If you’re like me, navigating the financial waters in Nigeria can be a challenge. With bills, unexpected expenses, and dreams that often feel just out of reach, saving money can seem impossible. But let me tell you, PiggyVest has made saving a habit for me, and it might just do the same for you.
The Struggle Before PiggyVest
Before I discovered PiggyVest, saving money felt like an uphill battle. I would set aside cash, but by the end of the month, I’d find myself dipping into those savings for things I hadn’t planned for. You know how it goes—friends calling for a night out, that new outfit you just had to have, or the sudden need to fix something in the house. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and I often found myself left with empty pockets and unfulfilled savings goals.
I remember sitting down one day and calculating how much I had spent on things I didn’t really need. It hit me hard. I was wasting money on small, impulsive buys instead of investing in my future. That’s when I started looking for solutions. I needed a way to save that felt less like a chore and more like a lifestyle.
Discovering PiggyVest
A friend of mine, Fatima, kept talking about PiggyVest. He was always raving about how it helped him save more efficiently. Skeptical yet curious, I decided to give it a shot. After all, what did I have to lose? I downloaded the app, signed up, and just like that, I was in. The interface was clean and easy to navigate—no complicated processes to worry about.
One thing that struck me immediately was the “Save for Later” feature. It allows you to set aside money and choose when you want to access it. I loved this concept! It felt like putting my savings in a secure place where I wouldn’t be tempted to touch it. I started small, vowing to save N1,000 each week. It didn’t sound like much, but I figured it was a good starting point.
Developing the Habit
In the beginning, it was tough. I had to fight the urge to spend that N1,000 elsewhere. But as weeks turned into months, I noticed a shift. Each time I transferred that money, it felt like a mini victory. I began to associate saving with positive feelings. The app even sends reminders to help you stay on track, which was super helpful for someone like me who easily gets distracted.
Setting specific goals became a crucial part of my journey. I created a target for my business fund, and every time I hit a milestone, I celebrated it, no matter how small. Watching that progress bar fill up was like watching my dreams inch closer to reality. It motivated me to keep pushing forward, and soon, saving became a habit rather than a chore.
The Supportive Community
PiggyVest isn’t just an app; it’s a community. The blog they run is filled with tips on budgeting, investing, and financial management. I found myself scrolling through those articles, learning about things I had never considered before. There’s something powerful about connecting with others who are on similar journeys. Some users shared their stories, and it felt good to know I wasn’t alone in this struggle.
One post that stuck with me talked about the importance of financial discipline. It resonated deeply. I realized that it wasn’t just about saving money; it was about changing my mindset. The more I engaged with the content, the more I understood how to manage my finances better. This knowledge empowered me and reinforced my commitment to saving.
Flexibility When It Counts
Another aspect of PiggyVest that made a difference for me 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 phone screen cracked, and I needed cash urgently. Being able to withdraw some savings without feeling guilty was a relief. It’s comforting to know that while you’re saving, you also have a safety net.
However, I must mention that the withdrawal process can take a bit longer than I expected. There were moments I needed cash quickly, and waiting a few days felt like torture. But, I learned to plan ahead, which taught me another valuable lesson about managing my finances.
The Long-Term Gains
As time went on, saving with PiggyVest became second nature. I found myself looking forward to those weekly transfers. The app helped me develop a mindset focused on long-term goals rather than short-term gratification. I even started budgeting for other expenses, which I never thought I would do. It was empowering to take control of my finances.
I’ve managed to save quite a bit over the past few years, and I’m closer than ever to starting my own business. PiggyVest has played a significant role in this transformation. The app is more than just a tool for saving; it has become a part of my financial journey, helping me build a solid foundation for my future.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, my experience with PiggyVest has been nothing short of transformative. It has helped me cultivate a habit of saving that I once thought was impossible. If you’re searching for a way to take charge of your finances and develop healthier saving habits, I can’t recommend PiggyVest enough. It’s not a magic solution, but it’s a powerful tool that can support you on your journey.
Remember, though, it’s all about your commitment. You have to be willing to make sacrifices and stay focused on your goals. Saving isn’t just about the money—it’s about building a future you can be proud of.
What’s your experience with saving? Have you tried PiggyVest or any other apps? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!