
This article contains:
- What is an emergency fund?
- Data showing the connection between Covid 19 and financial hardship.
- How an emergency fund could have helped during the Covid 19 pandemic
- Preparing for the next Covid 19
- How to open an emergency fund now
Why are we talking about this?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on individuals and families around the world, physically health-wise and also in terms of their financial health. This is no different for Nigerians. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit harder than anyone could have expected and millions have lost their jobs or experienced a reduction in income, leaving them struggling to make ends meet. But not everyone is facing the same struggles. Some Nigerians were prepared for the unexpected financial downturn, thanks to their emergency fund. This article explores how having an emergency fund during the pandemic could have meant the difference between life and death for most Nigerians and what you should learn from this.
What is an emergency fund?
An emergency fund is a sum of money set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies. It provides a safety net that can help you pay your bills and meet your financial obligations in case of job loss or income reduction.
For those with an emergency fund, the pandemic has been difficult, but manageable. Research shows that 40% of people who had emergency funds accessed them during the pandemic, 73% used more than half of their funds and 29% used up all they had in their emergency fund.
But for some without an emergency fund, the pandemic has been a nightmare. Some have had to borrow money or rely on family to cover their expenses, leaving them with high-interest debt that will be difficult, if not impossible, to pay off. They have also had to cut back on their spending, which has put a strain on their relationships and their quality of life.
If the pandemic affected you personally perhaps through a personal loss of job, income, or family; then you probably know what I am talking about already. But if it did not, here is some data to show the severity of the unexpected.
Some data…
According to data from the International Labor Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on employment in Africa. The data shows that the unemployment rate in Africa increased from 7.3% in 2019 to 8.0% in 2020, representing a 10% increase. This increase in unemployment has put many individuals and families at risk of financial hardship.
Bringing it home ??
The unemployment rate in Nigeria increased from 23.1% in 2019 to 27.1% in 2020, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. This represents an increase of nearly 17% and is the highest unemployment rate in the country since at least 2010.
It gets worse. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted young people in Nigeria, with the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15-24 reaching 39.4% in 2020. This is significantly higher than the overall unemployment rate and highlights the impact of the pandemic on the country’s youth.
The pandemic has also had a significant impact on informal workers in Nigeria, with the informal sector accounting for nearly 80% of employment in the country. Many informal workers, such as street vendors and small business owners, have lost their livelihoods due to the pandemic and have been unable to find new employment.

How an emergency fund could have helped during the Covid 19 pandemic
One of the best things you can do for yourself is open an emergency fund now. You can never tell when the unexpected will happen. It does not even have to be a pandemic. It could be a job loss, a robbery on the highway that results in the loss of your gadgets, or the death of a family member. No one prays for these things but life is full of surprises.
The world was surprised by the pandemic in 2020. Here is how an emergency fund could have helped then:
1. It could have provided a safety net in case you lost your job or experienced a reduction in income.
With an emergency fund, you would have had access to funds to cover your expenses and maintain your standard of living, even if you lost your income. The unemployment rate in Nigeria experienced an increase of nearly 17% – maybe this affected you. This shows the impact that the pandemic has had on employment in the country. Having a safety net would have helped you if you lost your job.
2. It could have provided peace of mind.
Knowing that you had money set aside for unexpected expenses could have reduced your stress and anxiety, and could have helped you to sleep better at night. It could have also provided a sense of security and could have helped you to feel more in control of your financial situation.
3. It could have helped you to avoid high-interest debt.
If you didn’t have an emergency fund and had to borrow money to cover your expenses, you could have ended up taking on high-interest debt. This could have been difficult to pay off and could have had a negative impact on your long-term financial health. An emergency fund would have provided a source of funds that you could have accessed without having to take on additional debt.
4. It could have helped you to reach your financial goals.
By setting aside money for unexpected expenses, you could have freed up more of your income to save for retirement, pay off debt, or invest in other financial opportunities. This could have helped you to achieve your long-term financial goals and improve your overall financial health.
Preparing for the next Covid 19
As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, emergencies can strike at any time, without warning. This is why it is important to be prepared for the next emergency by opening an emergency fund.
Having an emergency fund is not about being pessimistic or expecting the worst, as we have mentioned earlier. Rather, it is about being prepared for the unexpected and being able to manage any financial challenges that may arise. It is about being proactive and taking control of your financial situation, rather than reacting to events as they happen.
How to open an emergency fund now
Opening an emergency fund is a simple and straightforward process. Start by setting a goal for how much money you want to save in your emergency fund. Then, make a plan to save a certain amount of money each month until you reach your goal. Consider setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account to make the process easier.
Once you have reached your goal, continue to save on a regular basis to maintain your emergency fund. This will provide a buffer against any financial challenges that may arise in the future, and will help you to feel more secure and less vulnerable.
Fortunately, we have an automated process for all these on the Cowrywise app. You can open your emergency fund here.
Conclusion
Preparing for the next emergency by opening an emergency fund is an important step that you can take to protect your financial health. It is not about being pessimistic, but being proactive and prepared for the unexpected. By setting a goal, making a plan, and saving on a regular basis, you can stay ahead of life, maintain peace of mind and have financial security.
I can’t open my acct dat y av nt been saving..
It like I forgot d my password.
After Bible it’s the richest man in the Bible I love most. The wisdom is eternal.
You probably should request a password recovery mail.
A most inspiring, and enlightening, book on finances; on proper management of funds (saving and investment).
A highly recommended guide for anyone desirous of excess gold to jingle in their wallet.
Thanks!
I am glad that you loved it!
I love your words of encouragement on how we have saving.
Whoa!,thanks ope..
Glad I could help. Don’t forget to share with friends.
I am inspired by this…
I have myself read the Richest man in Babylon twice. The book if understood would change the financial life of the reader forever if applied. Thanks for reminding me once more.
Thanks for this Ope
I love how one doesn’t only have to invest in cowryrise, it is also a platform to learn.
Thanks ope
Cowrywise is really helping us to be wise in spending and saving. Thanks for this piece…
Beautiful read and full of wisdom.
Thanks for sharing
Good evening ope, what are the investment plans for a student?
Our regular plans are great.
I made a transfer from my stash to my bank yet no credit
All am seing is pending
Please what is going on
Hi Prosper.
Kindly send an email to support@cowrywise.com to rectify this.
Really nice, thanks alot
Pls,how can I get the book?
Thanks so much
I love cowrywise I think is among the best thing that happened to me this Year 2019… thanks for this saving App
Thanks so much. Need to read this book. I downloaded the ebook but yet to read it. Will sure do. Thanks for this inspiration Ope.
Hi Ope, even though I have never met you, I just want to say thank you for all you do?. And thank you cowrywise? .
Interesting….. Thanks a lot Ope
Thanks a lot Ope…
I always feel special when i recieve a message from Ope
Is good I love it
Wonderful advice!
Thanks
Thanks for the advised Mr Ope
After reading everything I have decided to go back to my saving culture with Cowrey wise as the savings really heaped me during the luck down in 2018. I was able to save some money which really helped me when salary was not paid and as business shutdown. Thank you Ope, for this article ?
Ope has Don well dey should keep the good work
Thank you Ope. The simple tips came in handy.
I love this 7 nuggets so motivating. Before now I started reading the book but stopped half way but now I will start all over and complete it.
Thanks so much Ope.
Thank you so much for this Ope!
I started saving with Cowrywise late last year and much happy I did. Thanks, Ope for this piece, seen that book a lot but have less time to read it till the end, glad have someone give a summary ):
I just started saving with cowry wise in December and with this information and so eager to do more. Thank you Ope.
Hello Admin
I love this platform …I’m a Digital marketer expert which i work under a firm..I introduced this to them..The Director of my firm would like to have chat with your CEO before he recommend it for all members. How can i link you up? Many are asking of the risk..If i would be responsible for it …We are hundreds in this firm… It would be good if you can contact me directly sharing your whatsapp number via my email…Thanks
Hello Ayo, thanks for your patience. Please send an email to support@cowrywise.com.
Yes oo… I have read the novel “the richest man in Babylon” thanks for the 7 money Lessons….
This is really good. I feel very save using cowrywise.
That is great to know.
Why is it taking tikme for your customer representatives to reply.. i Have credited the providus account provided and still my balance in does not reflect in my Plan
Interesting I love this
i have had savings issue for a long time …..but ever since i joined cowry…everything changed
So glad to hear this.
Pls I could access my bvn hope no problem. Is say we couldn’t validate Ur bvn
I could nt access my bvn it tell me we couldn’t validate Ur bvn
Hi there. If this is still pending, you can settle all BVN issues through details in this link:
https://intercom.help/cowrywise/en/articles/3711418-got-concerns-about-your-bvn
What is the title of the book?
I have read the book and been applying it’s principles ever since. It’s one of the best I have read so far. Thanks for recommending it again.
Thanks, this just cured me of my obsession to buy a new golden shoe.
You’re welcome.
I’m glad you read it just in time.
Ope great Job! I hope to meet you someday. I am always intrigued by the quality of Content you share. Take 3 gbosa ??
Thank you! ???
Indeed, the ideal of investing in oneself should be daily routine is highly commendable. Thanks for the continuous awareness. Regards
Thanks for reading, Joye! ??
What is the interest rate in the simple investment plan?.
This is very good and lovely. I am glad it read it..
It will help me save and invest more.
I have a question which I don’t want to ask here.
Awesome! Glad it helped, Alex.
Please send a mail to support@cowrywise.com to ask or send us a DM on any of our social media handles.
Read this book sometime in the past, basic and true. Thanks Ope for the enlightening reminder.
??
Read this book 3times before and each time I open it its like something new is discovered.
Thanks Ope for all your updates.
??
This book is really nice, so helpful I love it
Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!
Ope, great job. Just started using cowrywise say, a month back. But, for this short time, your regular updates regarding investments have always reminded me of why I should step up my game on my savings habit. Thank you for all you do and still doing to help and support cawrywise clients or investors. We look forward to steady and regular updates on all that cowrywise do. Thumbs up to you all. Cheers!
What a nice write up.It’s really educating.
Thank you!
Yes my mentor, this is really an eye opener,..it makes me to rethink of my next move.. thank you
Security is important, and hence our proactive approach to security of savings through our Trust structure that allows all assets to be held by our trustees on behalf of savers.
Yeah it lovely. I will try to buckle down in my savings.
ksunday885@gmail.com
Please I need a loan for a business I’m totally down I real need a loan please help me out I promise to pay back in due data my mother is totally down all because of no money for her treatment
This book continues to create an awareness of principles for wealth creation . Thank you ope
Meanwhil i just love your web page its interactive and legible.
Wow , content writers here are really good , I love how OPE related the lessons of this book to what cowrywise does.
The Richest Man in Babylon is one of those books that has been on my “To Read” shelf for years?. The only reason I finally picked this up today was to catchup with my non-fiction reading goals. Turns out, this is actually a fantastic read! Nice piece Ope..
I’m new to cowrywise.. please I need more enlightenment so as to share with family and friends..
Thanks
Inspiring.