Money Chronicles: How I Achieved My Personal Savings Goal

Money Chronicles showcase the honest money experiences of everyday people who use Cowrywise. We share a story on the 17th of every month. Today, we speak with Juwonlo who shares how she achieved her personal savings goal by joining a Savings Circle on Cowrywise. Want to find out how challenging yourself with a Savings Circle can help you hit your money goals too? Then read this fun interview.

Hi! Let’s get to meet you.? What’s your name and what do you do?

Hi hi. My name is ‘Juwonlo Oloyede. I work with an NGO as the Administrative Executive.

How did you find out about Cowrywise and how long have you been using the app?

I found out about Cowrywise through the Lady with Balls community (LWB). I’ve been using the App since 2019.

What was your savings culture like before Cowrywise? What changed after Cowrywise?

Omo! Before Cowrywise, I only saved when I had awoof money (if you know what I mean ?). The change happened when the LWB Money Gang was established and about 100 of us were in a savings circle. I got challenged by the energy from fellow savers in the circle and that was my breakthrough. ?

We spoke to you and your friends in this video about the success of your savings challenge. Why did you decide to join?

Ah! If you know LWB, then you would also know that any opportunity that comes from the community is premium. This was my major reason, really. Yeah, I wanted to be financially independent and stable but knowing that this opportunity was from the community I trusted meant more to me.

You mentioned in that video that the circle taught you that your goals are achievable. What would you tell someone who has set a savings goal but thinks it’s too far-fetched?

Without trying to sound like a motivational speaker, I’d say just start saving towards that goal. The fact that the goal is registered in your mind would be a major push to harness the possibilities of achieving it. For real, if that goal is valid, then it’s not far-fetched.

Did joining a savings challenge influence your ability to meet your savings goal? If yes, how?

Yes. Being in the same circle with people who had the same financial goal as I did really challenged me to save at every chance I got.

Any advice for someone who’s on the fence about joining a savings circle to meet their personal goals too?

If you’re desperately in need of a breakthrough in your finances and need to up your savings game, I’d highly recommend joining a savings challenge. It wouldn’t hurt to try and it can help you hit your personal savings goal faster.

What is your best Cowrywise feature?

Ahhhhh! You know this! “Juwonlo, you have been challenged!” This notification is ‘it’ for me. I love it! ?

When you join a Savings Circle, you get a notification if someone surpasses you by saving the most money for a period of time. If you’re the highest saver, others get the notification that they’ve been challenged. Get it? ?

Last year was tough for many people and some may have felt the need to spend all they had. How were you able to stick to keeping money aside during a pandemic?

I think the major reason for me was being in a circle jare because it provided me with the necessary ginger. When I saw other people saving during a pandemic, please who was I not to save na?

What’s your money weakness? That thing you don’t mind spending plentyyy of money on!

Hmmmm…. my food cravings ???. I think I have the weirdest cravings in the world. When it comes, I can lose focus. ?

You had just finished NYSC when you joined the LWB savings circle. So how was your NYSC year? ?

I was actually still serving oh. Service year was really good if you remove the camp period sha.

Any money lessons from the time you served the country? Please share any interesting money-related stories.

So, I was one of the fortunate ones who were serving when the NYSC alawee (monthly stipend) was increased and this meant I had the opportunity to up my “baby girl” game.? I began to spend more until the pandemic came and we had to do “panic buying” due to the imminent lockdown. This was a difficult period because the unforeseen came and I didn’t make good money decisions beforehand, which could have helped at the time I needed it the most.

Queue Emergency Funds!

What major money lesson should someone who’s just about to start NYSC learn?

Please save as much as you can. And have a goal you’re saving towards.

If you could join your first savings circle again, is there anything you’ll change about the process?

No. The process was flexible and considerate.

Are you someone’s ATM and is someone your ATM? ?

Haq! Yes and yes.

If there was unlimited funds, what will you do/be and why?

First, I’ll JP (if you know what I mean).? Are you still asking why? Lol. Next question please. Tenz.

How do you destress after a tough day?

I watch a movie till I sleep off.

You’re invited to speak to young ladies about building wealth and imbibing healthy money habits. What will the title of your speech be?

“Break the Money Myths.”

Why did you choose that title?

It was the first idea that came to mind. ?

Choose one. Bone-straight, a trip to Dubai or give you cash?

Give me my cash ohhhhhhhhhh.

Any suggestions for the Cowrywise team?

No suggestions. I’d just like to give you all a big shout out. You’re doing amazing.

Thanks Juwonlo. ??

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Awoof means free money.

Jare is a slang that does not exactly have a meaning but is used in informal or playful conversations.

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Are you struggling to achieve your personal savings goal? Then joining a Savings Circle on Cowrywise might just be what you need. Join now and let the awareness that others are saving with you challenge you to hit your goals.