Whether you’re dodging moto taxis in Kimironko or running your beauty salon in Remera, money has this sneaky habit of disappearing faster than airtime during a gossip call. One minute it’s there, the next—puff—gone. But why?

Let’s rewind to January—you know, back when we were still full of hope, life plans, and printed vision boards from Instagram templates.

“This is my year to save, invest, and level up!” we said.

Well... Q2 just tapped us on the shoulder like, “Yoh, how’s that going?”

For me, it all started with an episode of The Boss Lady Africa. Just Ivy Africa was talking about self-sabotaging money habits. I had my earbuds in, minding my own business, until she said something that hit me harder than a “you up?” text from your broke ex.

That’s when it clicked: if any of my Pinterest-inspired financial goals were going to happen, I needed to do the real work and get honest about my money habits. So I did what any curious person would do—I started asking my friends awkward questions about their finances. And oh, did things get juicy!

One friend didn’t miss a beat:
“I don’t get paid enough to manage my money well.”
Ma’am. Sir. Beloved. The paycheck might be small, but the damage is mighty.

Another friend, a champion of budget-dodging, pivoted faster than a motard at a roadblock:
“Budget? Hmm... have you considered starting another side hustle?”
Nice deflection, Delphine.

But then came the brave one. The one who staged what I now call “The Budget Intervention” in a café:

“Let’s go through your budget,” they said.
I nearly dropped my phone.
Attacked? Yes.
Exposed? 100%.
Relieved? Weirdly, also yes.

For the first time, I wasn’t just hoping money would magically behave—I had a plan.
Did I follow it? Of course not. I’m a proud, card-carrying member of the “avoid it and it will go away” club.

But hey, awareness is the first step, right?

From village mindset to victory mindset

Here’s a spicy truth: Everyone wants to be in a village, but no one wants to be a villager.

We want support systems, accountability partners, and community—but are we showing up for that same community? Are we building what we’re desperate to belong to?

Same applies to money. Everyone wants to be “financially free,” but few of us are willing to do the slow, unsexy work of financial literacy. We dream of glow-ups without the grind. Of “rich auntie energy” without reading a single article about savings accounts.

Well, buckle up. Let’s diagnose your money personality, Rwandan-style.

The money personality quiz you didn’t know you needed

Impulse spender

Your brain: “This bag is so cute.”
Your wallet: “Ha! We have rent.”
That coffee from Rubia every morning? Those “just a small treat” days? They add up. Suddenly, you’re wondering why you’re skipping your cousin’s dowry ceremony—it’s because you spent that cash on a scented candle.

Bougie on a budget

You’re living champagne dreams on an Amstel budget. IG makes you think you deserve the lifestyle—fine dining, imported skincare, luxury loungewear—yet your account is screaming, “Mwafashije koko!”

Budget avoider

Budget? That thing you say you’ll start every Sunday but instead binge The Residence? Yeah. You’ve ghosted your budget harder than your sneaky ex.

Financially illiterate (But cute)

You think investing is for men in suits or people who earn more than 1M a month. Wrong.
If you’ve ever handled a household, run a small biz, or simply tried to make RWF 10,000 stretch for two weeks—you are already doing finance. Now imagine doing it smarter.

So now that we’ve dragged ourselves, let’s get to the fun part: the glow-up.

Make a budget

Think of budgeting as writing a love letter to your future self.

“Dear Me in December, I wanted you to have money for the holiday trip. So I skipped the 3-drink outing with friends this week.”

Start tracking everything. That airtime top-up? The RWF 1,000 you sent for a WhatsApp group contribution?

Write. It. Down.

Here’s a simple starter formula:

50% for needs

30% for wants

20% for savings or paying off debts

Can’t make it work? That’s your cue to earn more—or spend less. Probably both.

Set goals that don’t scare you

Start small. Save 100K and open that BK Capital Aguka Fund. Build a 50K emergency stash.
Baby steps are still steps—and they’re way better than standing still.

Invest in yourself

Not with more clothes. I mean learning.Take a free budgeting class. Listen to podcasts like Africa’s Pocket or Money Movers Society. Ask questions. ChatGPT things. Your dream lifestyle starts with your current habits.

Own your money

Money is a tool. Don’t let it use you. If you want financial freedom, you need to make money your employee—not your master. And no, the salary fairy isn’t coming unless you invite her by showing up, asking for more, learning more, and choosing better.

It won’t always be pretty. Some days you’ll feel like the next Dangote. Other days, you’ll be in your kitchen, eating rice and beans and wondering why you spent all your food money at a brunch in Kiyovu.

It’s okay.

Growth isn’t linear. It’s messy. It’s personal. Sometimes it involves saying no to night-outs and yes to financial peace. Sometimes it means talking to friends about money—even when it’s awkward.

But every single time you choose clarity over confusion, discipline over delay, and ownership over avoidance, you’re rewriting your money story.

So, what habit are you breaking this month?

Whether you’re dodging moto taxis in Kimironko or running your beauty salon in Remera, money has this sneaky habit of disappearing faster than airtime during a gossip call. One minute it’s there, the next—puff—gone. But why?

The writer is a senior copywriter based in Kigali.