Saving Smarter with PiggyVest: My Personal Journey
By Chiamaka Ezeani
Hello there! Let’s have a chat about my experience with PiggyVest, a savings app that’s been making waves in Nigeria. If you’ve ever felt the struggle of trying to save money while juggling daily expenses, you might relate to my story.
I first stumbled upon PiggyVest back in 2020. At that time, I was in a tight spot financially, juggling bills, and trying to save up for a small business idea I had. You know how it is. You have dreams, but the money just seems to vanish! I heard my friend, Tolu, raving about PiggyVest, saying it helped him save better than he ever thought possible. Intrigued, I thought, “Why not give it a try?”
Setting Up My Account
Creating an account was surprisingly easy. I just downloaded the app, signed up, and boom! I was in. The interface is straightforward—nothing too flashy, which I appreciated. I hate when apps try too hard to impress. I linked my bank account and was ready to start saving. The first thing that caught my eye was the “Save for Later” option. You could save money and choose when to access it. That’s smart, right?
The Thrill of Saving
I started small, saving just a little bit each week. I set a target for my business, and every time I hit a milestone, it felt like a mini celebration. You know that feeling when you achieve something small? It’s sweet! I’d transfer my savings every Friday, treating it like a bill I had to pay. Trust me, it was a game changer. The app even sends you reminders, which helped me stay on track.
But let me be real with you. There were times I faced some challenges. Life happens, and sometimes you need to dip into your savings. PiggyVest allows that, but honestly, it can be a struggle. There’s this thrill in saving, and suddenly needing to pull out money feels like a betrayal. I had to remind myself it’s not about perfection but progress.
Features That Worked for Me
One feature I absolutely loved was the “Goals” section. You can set specific savings goals—like for that new phone or a vacation. I set a goal for my business, and seeing the progress bar fill up was motivating. Every Naira saved felt like I was getting closer to my dreams.
Then there’s the “Flex” savings option. You can save and still have access to your money when needed. Perfect for those unexpected expenses. I used that option when my phone screen cracked out of nowhere. It’s a lifesaver, honestly.
Learning Curve
But let’s not pretend it was all sunshine and roses. There was a learning curve. I had to adjust my spending habits. There were days I felt tempted to spend instead of save. I remember one weekend, my friends wanted to hit up a popular spot in Lagos, and I had to decline because I needed to stick to my budget. It stung a bit, but in the long run, it was worth it. Those little sacrifices were tough but necessary.
I also had moments of doubt. Sometimes, I wondered if I was saving enough. The pressure to keep up with others can be intense. But here’s the thing: everyone’s journey is different. I had to remind myself that saving is personal. It’s not just about the amount; it’s about building a habit.
Community and Support
PiggyVest isn’t just about saving; it’s about community too. They have a blog and social media presence that offers tips and insights. I found myself scrolling through their posts, picking up tricks on budgeting and financial management. The discussions were relatable; other users shared their stories and struggles. It felt good to know I wasn’t alone in this journey.
The Withdrawal Process
Now, let’s talk about withdrawals. This part can be a bit tricky. While it’s easy to deposit funds, withdrawing takes a bit longer than I expected. You have to wait a few days to get your money back into your account. It’s not a dealbreaker, but in urgent situations, it can feel frustrating. I remember waiting impatiently after I hit a financial snag; I needed that cash quickly!
The Bottom Line
After a few years of using PiggyVest, I can genuinely say it has changed my approach to saving. I’ve managed to save more than I thought possible, and I’m on track to start my business soon. The app has its quirks, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for me. Saving smarter is a journey, and PiggyVest has been a valuable partner.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—my honest journey with PiggyVest. If you’re considering it, I highly recommend giving it a shot, but remember: it’s not a magic bullet. You’ll still have to put in the work and stay committed.
What do you think? Have you used PiggyVest or any other saving app? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!