What’s Really Stopping You from Owning an iPhone 17?
Too many things are really stopping me from buying an iPhone, or something that worth a huge amount as this gadget. Which i will be letting us know in this blog of mine without minising words.
But first, I want to ask you something—not in a judgmental way, but as someone who’s been there. What’s really stopping you from getting that iPhone 17?
We all see it: people posting the new iPhone, talking about features, showing off the brick of glory. It’s lusted after, admired, idolised. But when you look at your bank account, your monthly income, your other responsibilities—does it make sense? Or does it feel like chasing a dream you can’t yet afford?
I used to convince myself of all kinds of reasons:
“I’ll just take a loan; then I’ll repay after my next income.”
“Everyone will admire me; it’s worth the flex.”
“If I don’t get it now, I’ll never get the chance.”
But that voice in the back of my head whispered, “Are you sure you can afford it without hurting yourself?”
People Are Choosing Instead of Chasing
One insight I’ve had: sometimes we have the money, but we choose to spend it elsewhere. Maybe on land, business ideas, emergencies, or saving for the future.
I remember when I wanted a new gadget. I realized I already had enough, but I was more excited by the idea of owning it than the value it would bring. So I paused. I asked: Will this make me better off? Or will it make me stressed after paying?
Often, we chase the “latest model” because of hype, peer pressure, or feeling left behind. But owning it (or attempting to) shouldn’t make us slaves to debt.
When You Don’t Have the Money
And then there are times when the truth is clear: you just don’t have the money. That’s okay—not shameful. It’s reality.
But not having it doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams. It means being smart about how you get there. It means planning, saving, and making choices that build you up rather than break you down.
Every time I saved toward something I wanted, even slowly, I felt more in control. I didn’t feel desperate. I felt like I was building my future inch by inch.
Hype vs Reality
Let’s talk hype. The iPhone 17 is sleek, powerful, shiny. But does it do 17 things that your current phone can’t? Or will you mostly use it for calls, WhatsApp, Instagram, video, messages—the same things you already do?
Sometimes the upgrade is less about necessity and more about marketing. And that’s tricky because it makes us believe we “need” it when we don’t really.
Ask yourself: How many features will I actually use? How much better will my life be with it? If the answer is “a little” or “not much,” maybe it’s better to wait.
What Happens When You Force It
I’ve tried forcing buys before. I’d go into debt. I’d feel guilty. I’d skip meals or delay rent payments. It’s not worth it.
A friend bought a phone on credit. After paying it off with interest, he realized he paid more for the same phone than its original price—just because he rushed. Meanwhile, his routine expenses suffered.
That taught me: a shiny prize at a cost to your peace isn’t a prize. It’s a burden.
What You Can Do Instead (Ideas that Actually Work)
So here are things I suggest, things I’ve tried or seen:
Save in small steps
Don’t wait for one big sum. Save ₦500, ₦1,000 weekly. Over months, it adds up more than you think.Trade, barter, or get it second hand
Sometimes someone is selling almost-new devices cheaper. Or trade something you own. Be clever.Delay the gratification
If you feel the urge to buy now, wait one month. If you still feel it then, revisit it. Too often, the urge fades.Use money elsewhere purposefully
Business ideas, education, health—these often yield more return than gadgets. If you use money to build you, that growth lasts longer.Open a “dream fund” account
A separate place where you save just for that goal. So your everyday funds stay safe.Build extra income streams
Freelance, side hustles, selling something small. Then that phone won’t “break your budget”—it becomes earned.
Why This Matters More Than a Phone
Because what we do with our money shows whom we respect more: our present wants, or our future selves.
If you keep saying "yes" to things you can't afford, you train yourself to be a slave to impulses. But if you can say "no," save, plan, and move with intention—you're teaching yourself self-respect, greater freedom, and future strength.
When I finally got a phone I could afford without fear, I realized: the peace of mind, the pride in not sinking into debt, the satisfaction of having earned it—those felt more valuable than the phone itself.
Owning an iPhone 17—or anything expensive—is not bad. But let it be a choice, not a trap. Let it come when you’re ready, not because of pressure. Let your future self thank you instead of suffer for your decisions now.
Your moment will come. When it does, it’ll be yours—without regret.