Habit is something we do again and again without even thinking much about it. Sometimes, it’s good and sometimes it’s bad. But whether we like it or not, our habits shape us. I used to hear people say, “Build good habits, they will change your life,” but I didn’t believe it much. Now I do because the simple habit of saving money truly changed my life for the better.
Growing up, I was taught how to save money but it is not something I'm used to. In my family, money was something you spent once it came into your hands. My parents worked hard, but there was always something urgent to spend money on for example food, transport, school fees, church, unexpected visitors the list never ended. So, the idea of keeping money aside for the future was strange to me because I always save to buy biscuits and sweets at the end of the month.
When I started earning small money, I behaved the same way. Once I received my salary or any money at all, my mind would begin to calculate what to buy. A new dress? A new shoe? Maybe some pizza or small chops to spoil me? I spent easily and didn’t think of tomorrow. Many times, before the middle of the month, I was broke and had to manage until the next salary came.
But everything changed during my NYSC year. I remember sitting in the corper’s lodge one afternoon when my friend started talking about Cowrywise. He said he had been using the app to save money monthly and that his money was safe there. I was surprised because I thought only banks were safe for savings. He laughed and explained how Cowrywise works, how you can lock your money for months and not touch it until the time you set. He showed me his account balance on the app, and I was shocked. He had saved a good amount without feeling stressed.
That day, I decided to try. I downloaded Cowrywise and set a monthly target. The first month was hard. When I saw my salary I felt like spending it on myself, I even thought of buying a new bag but I remembered my friend’s words and forced myself to save first before spending. That was the beginning of this good habit.
Apart from Cowrywise, I also started keeping money in a small savings box in my wardrobe. I told myself that this money was not to be touched, no matter what. It wasn’t easy at first. Sometimes I was tempted to break the box when I was broke, but I held myself. I kept reminding myself of the joy I would feel when I finally opened the box at the end of the year.
Cowrywise helped me to stay disciplined. The app allowed me to lock my money so I couldn’t withdraw it even if I wanted to. Every month, the app reminded me of my savings target, and I always made sure to save before I spent. It felt good to see my savings grow month by month. It made me more careful with my spending. I began to ask myself “Do I need this new dress? Can I cook at home instead of buying food outside?” These little decisions helped me save even more.
One day, this habit saved me from shame. My phone suddenly stopped working. The screen went blank and refused to come on again. Normally, I would have panicked. I would have thought of borrowing money or begging someone to help me. But this time, I smiled. I quietly opened my Cowrywise app, withdrew some money, and bought a new phone without stress. No begging, no borrowing. I felt so proud of myself that day. I realized that saving is not just for the future it can save you in the present too.
At the end of every year, I check my Cowrywise account and my savings box at home. I count how much I have gathered. Sometimes, the amount surprises me. I wonder how I was able to keep such money aside without touching it. But I know it was discipline, the discipline that Cowrywise and this habit taught me.
Saving money has become part of me, whether the money is small or big, I save something. I no longer depend on just my bank account because I know how easy it is to withdraw money from there without thinking. Cowrywise helps me stay focused. My friend who introduced me to the app during NYSC gave me a gift I can never forget, the habit of saving. This habit changed my life. It gave me peace, confidence, and control over my money. And I am grateful I started.
This is my response to this week's episode of #hiveghana community prompt week 106.
