Money Chronicles: I Started Using Cowrywise the day the App Launched.

Money Chronicles showcases the honest money experiences of everyday people who use Cowrywise. Today, we speak with Olabinjo Adeniran, a growth marketing consultant and co-founder of Future Africa who started using Cowrywise the very day we launched. Olabinjo saw the news in the press, downloaded the app and that was the start. Now, he talks to us about how his finances have changed since then. Dive in below to read our chat! ⬇️

Hi Olabinjo ?

Hiya. Let’s go!

Great! First, thank you for speaking with us. What’s your name and what do you do?

My name is Olabinjo Adeniran. I’m a growth marketing consultant for African startups and co-founder of Future Africa – a fast-growing venture capital firm that invests in early-stage African startups.

Oh great! You are like the tech bro of tech bros??

I was a tech bro before being a tech bro was cool.

Oh really…tell us about it.

So I got into computers very early in my life –  5/6  years old. I’ve always been interested in technology, the internet, and such. I started working for startups in  2012. My career started with a strong background in software engineering and pivoted into marketing. I studied information technology at the university while learning marketing for startups to have a good grasp of engineering and product.

Wow…that is an interesting story. And how has this career journey been in one word?

Interesting!

Cool cool! Let’s talk about your money journey. How has it been for you?

Money is so fascinating. There’s not a lot of it and at the same time, there’s a lot of it globally.

Hmmm…that is a ‘fascinating’ paradox

Because of some of my work and experience, I’ve had to catch myself whenever I think about the scarcity of money. Money is far more abundant than most people know or can grasp. Money is so abundant but can be insufficient at the same time!

That is true. ?? Let’s talk about your tweet. This was the tweet that got my attention. Where did this come from? ?

So in 2020, I had some difficulty sleeping and tried sleeping teas for the first time. Previously, I wasn’t a fan of teas at all – was more of a coffee guy. I found that I liked teas and started buying different tea bags and tea flavours. When I posted this tweet, I had drank cups of different teas that day and remembered that my dad LOVES tea and could drink up to five cups on any day. He also has his own selection of teas – brands, flavours, countries and sources. Turns out I’m a tea guy just like my dad – he actually has no idea.

Wow. This is eye-opening. Funny how this happens with money, how we unconsciously pick up some behaviours we find our parents doing after we swore never to. Strange.

Yeah. I’m very different from my parents in this aspect but I see some similarities. I don’t live my life as if money is going to finish. I also would rather pick peace than money in certain situations. I think I also learnt contentment from them – while I have high earning ambitions, I’m not greedy, and I’m not looking for the next hot thing or the next big thing to bring wild insane returns.

Quite insightful! Let’s talk about Cowrywise. When did you start using the app? ?

The day Cowrywise launched. I don’t remember the date TBH. But I read about it in the press and signed up for the app.

Oh really! The very day! ? What was your very first reaction? Did you have any objections?

I remember showing it to all my colleagues because it was so beautiful. Absolutely loved it. But then, you couldn’t break your plans. That was tough to swallow.

How about now? Still tough?

Not anymore. I’ve figured things out and there are more flexible plans.

Great. Our locked plans are to allow users save towards a goal and to also ensure discipline.  Since you are an early adopter, it is only appropriate to ask: What has changed since you started using Cowrywise?

So when I started my adult money journey I was reading two things. Smart Money Woman and every single thing on Cowrywise blog. Cowrywise’s content and product have given me a very robust opinion on money.

This is good.

We understand that financial knowledge is essential in helping Nigerians make better money decisions. This is why we create enough resources (including videos on our YouTube) to educate people on money.

You guys are doing a good job. ?

Thank you. ?

Have you ever tried to talk anyone into using Cowrywise? How did it go?

My sister. My friends as well. Went well TBH.

Oh good good. Generally, what do you think is the major reason why most Nigerians do not save and invest?

Sapa. Number one reason is they don’t have enough to save. Number two is there’s not enough education on what an investment is, what assets exist, and how they work. That’s why a lot of people fall for scams.

True. Ignorance is part of the reasons Ponzi schemes and other scams thrive.

What advice would you give to someone stalling from opening a Cowrywise account?

Cowrywise is trustworthy, safe and reliable.

What is your best/most used Cowrywise feature and why?

Eurobonds o. The Eurobonds on the investment because Naira is <<<<<<<<

Quite understandable.  What is your least used Cowrywise feature and why?

Right now it’s the Naira savings plans. I don’t use them as much anymore because the interests are low.

Back to you. What’s that one thing (or things if they’re more than one) that you never mind spending on and why?

Sustenance – food and rent. Those are the most important things. Also holidays and resting. Rest is sweet. Problem no dey finish. ?

Make you try dey enjoy. ?? Wrapping up now…have you had any issues using the Cowrywise app?

I think that Cowrywise is one of the most robust platforms I’ve ever used. I’ve only had a delayed payout once in the last few years.

And hope that delay was sorted out?

Yeah, it was.

Tell us your top money lesson since you became an adult

Money is amazing at the same time it’s a source of worry for so many people – even when they earn enough. It’s important to not tie your self-worth to money – it’s like air – nobody’s self-worth is tied to air. Money comes, money goes, and there’ll always be opportunity to make it.

Pro tip: there will always be opportunity to make money. ?? How do you destress after a tough week?

I destress every day. I don’t wait for Friday but typically it’s movies, a TV show, or maybe a book. Turning off work devices.

Lastly, where do you see yourself with Cowrywise savings and investments in the coming years? ?

I’m hoping Cowrywise adds more features beyond savings and investments. I’ll love to use it more as an all-round personal finance app.

Thank you! Duly noted. Final question:  what’s your dream vacation spot? ?

 I’m craving the UK these days. Colonialism is very strong with that.

Soft life. We wish you lovely days in the UK.

 By God’s grace. ????

Thank you for speaking to us, Olabinjo. This was an exciting and enlightening chat really! ?

You’re welcome.

How about you? Tell us in the comments what you’ve achieved since you started using Cowrywise. ?

Olabinjo started using Cowrywise the very day we launched. Since then, his finances have grown and he has a solid grip on his personal finance. We are now five years in the game of helping Nigerians like Olabinjo build wealth. If you are not using Cowrywise just yet, it’s time for you to join us. Sign up here and let’s get this!