Let’s be honest. Your 20s can teach you hard financial lessons.
If you’re not careful, ego and peer pressure will empty your wallet and leave you wondering where your salary went. I learned the hard way. Here’s what happened—and what you can avoid.
1. I Lived Like Zakayo, Earning Like Kasongo
When I received my first salary, I felt like a big shot.
I went to Java, bought new shoes, and ordered Uber rides daily. To me, that was “soft life.” But my salary was KES 26,000, and my lifestyle cost more than that. It didn’t add up.
At the time, I thought I was doing okay. However, I soon realized I was struggling by mid-month.
What I Learned: Looking wealthy and actually being wealthy are two very different things. One feeds your ego. The other builds your future.
2. I Saved Without a Real Plan
Everyone says saving is important. I agreed.
So, I saved some money here and there—just in case. However, “just in case” often turned into “just for fun.” Any new plan would wipe my savings out. I had no direction.
What I Learned: Saving without a clear goal is just delayed spending. Instead, save with a purpose—whether it’s an emergency fund, a course, or a trip.
3. I Feared Investing
The idea of investing felt complicated. Stocks? Treasury bills? Money Market Funds? I assumed they were only for people in suits who understood finance.
So, I waited. I researched endlessly but took no action. Sadly, I missed years of potential growth.
What I Learned: Investing isn’t just for “finance people.” The earlier you start, the better. You don’t have to be an expert to begin. Start small. Learn as you go.
If you’re curious, this article on starting your investment journey in Kenya might help.
4. I Lent Money Like a Loan App
Friends and family would ask for help, and I’d give without thinking twice. At some point, I became everyone’s mobile loan provider.
Unfortunately, most people never paid me back. Instead of gratitude, I got silence.
What I Learned: You can support others without putting your finances at risk. Help when you can, but know your limits. And only lend what you can afford to lose.
5. I Didn’t Ask for Financial Help
Money was a sensitive topic. I didn’t want to look clueless. So, I pretended I knew what I was doing—even when I was drowning in confusion.
That fake confidence cost me time and peace.
What I Learned: There’s no shame in asking for help. Whether you talk to a mentor, join a class, or read reliable blogs, what matters is that you learn. Financial literacy starts with humility.
If You’re in Your 20s, Here’s My Advice
Start learning about money before you hit a financial crisis.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.
Here are a few simple steps:
- Track where your money goes
- Save with specific goals in mind
- Read or watch content about investing
- Set boundaries when people ask for loans
- Admit when you don’t know something, and seek guidance
Being responsible with money may seem boring. But it gives you something that flashiness never will—freedom and peace.
Want to learn more? Check out the main blog for insights on finance, freelancing, and digital growth.
Written by: Hellen
Attendee – AI Productivity Classes, 2025
