I want to share how my wife and I built our finances from scratch. Our journey wasn’t easy, but it was intentional. We started with limited resources, determined to change our narrative and build a future of financial independence.
Turning Poverty into Motivation
Being born into poverty is not a sentence; it’s a situation. I grew up in hardship, but I decided early on that my story would be different. Poverty inspired me to break free from illiteracy, mediocrity, and obscurity. Conquering financial difficulties, however, takes time and deliberate effort.
At 25, as a newly qualified medical doctor, my salary was ₦375.50. Even with the responsibilities of supporting a paralyzed father, caring for my mother, and planning for marriage, I knew I had to make saving a priority.
Extra Income and Delayed Gratification
Financial freedom requires multiple income streams. My wife and I looked for extra income during my youth service year. I offered manual consultations at pharmacies and hospitals while she supported me. Together, we embraced delayed gratification—living frugally and prioritizing savings over luxury.
We bought affordable food items like cow lungs and chicken necks instead of expensive cuts. As I often say, “What you eat in Genesis doesn’t show up in Revelation!” This mindset allowed us to focus on the future instead of short-term indulgence.
Aspirational Saving
Saving without a goal is ineffective. We always saved with objectives in mind:
- Transportation: We saved enough from youth service to buy a Peugeot 504.
- Hospital Equipment: Gradual savings helped me purchase tools for the hospital I wanted to establish.
- Business Ventures: We sold secondhand clothes to multiply our income and boost our savings.
Each sacrifice was tied to a bigger picture—financial independence.
Discipline and Vision
Discipline is the backbone of saving. I learned to say no to unnecessary expenses like fancy clothes and gadgets. Instead, I invested in assets that would benefit my family and career. My vision of financial freedom kept me focused.
Today, I don’t depend on anyone for rent or basic needs. The sacrifices of yesterday paid for the comfort of today.
Investing for Growth
Savings alone won’t build wealth. Over time, we diversified into short-, medium-, and long-term investments. Investing allowed our money to grow, creating opportunities to fund other ventures and maintain financial security.
Why Save?
- Freedom: Savings provide the confidence to pursue opportunities and live without pressure.
- Legacy: I saved for my children, ensuring they wouldn’t face the same struggles I did.
- Stability: A good financial base supports health, education, and overall well-being.
The Key to Financial Excellence
Building wealth is about paying today’s price for tomorrow’s rewards. Many of my peers squandered their earnings, but I chose to invest in my future. Now, I can speak boldly and live freely because I took control of my finances.
Remember, aspirational savings and investments shape your future. Sacrifice today to enjoy tomorrow.
Upcoming Conference
Join me on December 6th and 7th for an online conference titled Maximizing Your Life, Finances, and Ministry. Send a message to +234 80 21 21 92 62 to register.
Stay inspired,
Dr. Charles Apoki
