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Last weekend, I convened the second edition of the 'how to invest' workshop.
This edition of the workshop was a more comprehensive version of the investment club seminar I held in June.
Highlights of this edition included the panel of experts from companies such as; Stanbic Asset Management ltd, First bank plc, Nicole & Giovanni, who shared their personal growth and loss-making investment lessons.
and the Game of clubs (an investment game I built for the workshop)
It was quite insightful and a lot of fun as well.
During my session, one of the attendees asked me a question that brought back a lot of nostalgia
She asked why I decided to learn how to make better investment decisions with my money and it brought back memories.
In 2011, I decided to enroll for an MBA.
I took out time to start the application process and I got selected to join the program.
I was so excited when I got admitted, but the excitement quickly waned out when it hit me,
how was I going to pay for the MBA?
You're probably thinking, who applies for an MBA program with no money, right? Lol
Well, honestly, I actually started the MBA application process on a whim, just to see if I would scale through the first stage.
When I got invited for the final stage; the interview, that's when I realized this was serious business
So, I had to admit it. I had horrible money habits that needed to stop. I vividly remember what I did with my first paycheck.
and I didn't invest a dime.
Nope, I spent it on new clothes, shoes and all what not. I was determined to dress the part on my new job which, to be honest, was important if I was to be taken seriously but erm....I think I kinda went overboard.
Eventually, I invested in some random stock in the stock market but that was only to assuage my spending guilt.
Now, all too often, I meet people who are at this point.
They do not take planning for eventual financial independence seriously...
Until they get to the point where they need to take a really important step; enroll on an MBA program, get married, start a family, buy a car, get a professional certification, pay school fees, pay rent, start a business.
and BAM! reality hits, 'Where did all my money go?.
Thankfully, I got through my MBA program with no debt but I was determined not to keep my breezy money habits.
I started an investment club with my first income after my MBA program and together,
I and four friends have set aside a percentage of our income in a fund for three years.
So far, we have invested in three SMEs and it's been rewarding to see the impact we can make with our money
Now, I understand that it's not easy to find friends you can start an investment club with.
But don't let that hold you back
You can take baby steps with your personal funds and learn how to seize good opportunities . The 'how to invest' workshop isn't just focused on how you can save and spend less than you earn.
That's not all you do if you really want financial independence
Because, like I always say, you're actually losing money if all you do is leave cash in a savings account.
At the workshop, we focus on teaching you how to make smart investment decisions that work for you based on your stage of life and risk tolerance.
Let me add a disclaimer, I'm not an investment expert.
I'm a just simple person like you who decided not to outsource all my money decisions to the 'experts'
So, this week I have a gift for you.
It's a chance to sign up early for the next workshop in 2017.
click here to sign up now
Once you register, you'll get an update on the event.