PiggyVest: The App That’s Changing How We Think About Money
By Mojisola Afolabi
If you’ve ever tried saving money in Nigeria, you know it’s not exactly a walk in the park. Between daily expenses, endless family obligations, and the occasional “emergency” that conveniently shows up at the end of the month, saving can feel like an impossible task. I’ve been there—telling myself I’d set something aside this month, only to find my bank account looking at me like, “Savings? What savings?”
That’s where PiggyVest comes in. When I first heard about it, I was skeptical. An app that helps you save and invest? It sounded too good to be true, especially in a world where financial scams aren’t exactly rare. But after using it for over a year, I can confidently say this: PiggyVest isn’t just an app—it’s a game-changer.
How It Works
Let’s start with the basics. PiggyVest is a Nigerian fintech platform that helps you save, invest, and grow your money. It’s designed to make saving easy and, dare I say it, enjoyable. The app offers several saving options, from the classic PiggyBank (where you can lock money away for a fixed period) to SafeLock (which basically forces you to save by making the funds inaccessible until a set date). There’s even a Target Savings feature, which allows you to save toward specific goals, like a vacation, rent, or that gadget you’ve been eyeing but can’t quite justify buying yet.
The first time I used PiggyVest, I was drawn to the simplicity of it. You link your bank account, set up a savings plan, and watch as the app does the heavy lifting. It even lets you automate your savings, so you don’t have to rely on willpower alone—a lifesaver for someone like me who has a talent for “accidentally” spending money meant for savings.
The Emotional Shift
Here’s the thing no one tells you about saving: it’s not just a financial decision; it’s an emotional one. Before PiggyVest, saving always felt like a chore. I’d put money in my regular bank account, and it would sit there, tempting me with its availability. All it took was one impulsive purchase—one “let me just treat myself” moment—and my savings would vanish faster than I’d like to admit.
With PiggyVest, something shifted. The act of locking my money away—physically separating it from my spending account—made saving feel intentional. It gave me a sense of control, like I was telling myself, “This money has a purpose, and you’re not going to touch it until that purpose is fulfilled.” There’s a strange satisfaction in watching your savings grow, even if it’s just a little at a time. It’s a reminder that financial stability isn’t about making huge, dramatic changes overnight. It’s about consistency.
The Returns: More Than Just Savings
Now, let’s talk about the part that really surprised me: the returns. PiggyVest doesn’t just hold your money; it helps it grow. Depending on the savings plan you choose, you can earn interest rates significantly higher than what most traditional banks offer. And if you’re feeling bold, the app also has an investment feature that lets you put your money into vetted opportunities, like agriculture, real estate, and fixed-income products.
I’ll admit, I was hesitant to try the investment feature at first. Investing feels like a big, scary word when you’ve grown up associating it with rich people in suits making decisions you don’t understand. But PiggyVest breaks it down in a way that feels approachable. The opportunities are clearly explained, the risks are outlined, and the minimum investment amounts are reasonable.
I started small, investing in an agriculture project. Watching that investment yield returns was like a lightbulb moment for me. It made me realize that wealth isn’t just about how much you earn—it’s about what you do with what you have.
The Good, The Great, and The Could-Be-Better
Of course, no app is perfect, and PiggyVest is no exception. Let’s get the obvious out of the way: the app is primarily designed for Nigerians, which means if you’re outside the country or earning in a different currency, it might not be as useful.
Then there’s the issue of liquidity. SafeLock, for example, is great for keeping you disciplined, but it can also be frustrating if an emergency arises and your funds are locked. It’s not a flaw per se—this is exactly how it’s supposed to work—but it’s something to keep in mind.
That said, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The app is user-friendly, secure, and transparent. You can track your savings in real-time, withdraw funds when needed (within the terms of your plan), and even get reminders to stick to your goals. And let’s not forget the little touches that make it stand out. PiggyVest sends you periodic emails congratulating you on your progress, which might sound like a gimmick, but trust me—it feels good to be acknowledged for sticking to your goals.
Why PiggyVest Matters
At its core, PiggyVest is more than just an app. It’s a challenge to the way we think about money in a country where financial literacy often takes a back seat. It’s teaching young Nigerians that saving isn’t just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wants to take control of their future.
For me, personally, PiggyVest has been a revelation. It’s helped me build an emergency fund, invest in my future, and, most importantly, develop a healthier relationship with money. It’s not about how much you have; it’s about what you do with it.
So, would I recommend PiggyVest? Absolutely. Whether you’re saving for a specific goal, looking to grow your money, or just trying to build better financial habits, it’s a tool that delivers on its promises.
But more than that, it’s a reminder that financial security isn’t out of reach. It’s not about big leaps; it’s about small, consistent steps that add up over time. And PiggyVest makes those steps a little easier—and a lot more rewarding.
If you’ve ever struggled with saving or investing, give it a try. You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. I know I did.