A Song We Didn’t Understand Then but Deeply Connect with Now…

If you grew up in Nigeria in the early 2000s, chances are you remember a certain song that played across TV screens, filling living rooms with its warm, hopeful melody. It was the Skye Bank “I wish” advertisement, a jingle so simple yet so profound that it lingered in the minds of children and adults alike—perhaps our first unconscious introduction to the concept of financial freedom in Nigeria.

“I wish I had someone who can help with my dreams,

I wish I had a friend helping me grow in every way, 

Saying ‘yes’ to my needs.

I wish that I knew what it feels like to be free…”

For children, it was just another catchy tune—one they incoherently hummed absentmindedly while playing or watching TV with family. The lyrics were easy to grasp, but the meaning? That was something beyond them. Parents, on the other hand, understood. They knew what it meant to wish for financial ease, to dream of a life where money wasn’t a constant source of worry. They listened, maybe sighed, and then went back to facing reality.

Fast forward to today, and those same children have grown. We—the ones who once hummed those lyrics without a care—are now adults navigating the very world our parents shielded us from. The song hits different now. 

The economy is tough, inflation is relentless, job security feels like a luxury, and adulthood is revealing itself as a series of bills, responsibilities, and endless financial decisions. Many of us now understand what our parents felt when they heard that song—the longing for stability, the desire for financial freedom.

But what does it really mean to be financially free? Is it about never worrying about money again? Is it about wealth, comfort, or simply being able to breathe without the weight of financial anxiety? More importantly, in today’s Nigeria—where the cost of living keeps rising and opportunities seem scarce—is financial freedom even possible?The answer is YES. But it requires a shift in mindset, a conscious effort to break free from survival mode, and a commitment to making smarter financial choices. This is not just another motivational talk—it’s a roadmap for those of us who crave something better.

The Reality of Financial Struggles in Today’s Nigeria

We don’t need statistics to tell us that times are hard. You feel it every time you go to the market and watch the price of basic food items skyrocket. You feel it when your salary remains the same, but transport fares double. You feel it when you scroll through job listings, realizing that opportunities are shrinking while competition grows.

Many young Nigerians today are juggling multiple hustles just to stay afloat. The dream of owning a home feels distant, and for some, even the idea of saving is laughable because, how do you save when your income barely covers your expenses? The financial stress is real, and it’s exhausting.But here’s the truth: Financial freedom is not about how much you earn. It’s about how well you manage what you have and how you make your money work for you.

How to Start Your Journey to Financial Freedom

Since we can’t change the economy overnight, the focus should be on what we can control. Here are some actionable steps to help you take charge of your financial future:

1. Start by Tracking Your Money

You can’t fix what you don’t understand. Start monitoring your income and expenses. Where is your money going? Are there unnecessary expenses you can cut back on? Even small changes—like reducing impulse spending—can make a big difference over time.

2. Build an Emergency Fund

Life is unpredictable. Whether it’s a sudden job loss, a medical emergency, or an unexpected bill, having an emergency fund can keep you from falling into debt. Start small—even ₦500 a day adds up over time.

3. Invest, No Matter How Small

Many people think investing is only for the rich—that’s not true. These investment options are specifically tailored for people seeking financial freedom in Nigeria’s unique economic environment. They include:

• Treasury bills and government bonds – These are government backed securities that offer fixed interest rates and are considered low-risk investments. Federal Government Bonds typically have maturities ranging from 5 to 20 years, while Treasury Bills have shorter terms (91-364 days). You can purchase these through licensed stockbrokers or banks. 

• Mutual funds– Mutual funds pool money from many investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities managed by professionals.

• Agricultural investments – Some platforms allow you to invest in farming and earn returns.

• Real estate investments – You can invest in real estate through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), property crowdfunding platforms, or by joining real estate investment groups if you can’t afford to buy property outright. These options allow you to earn rental income and benefit from property appreciation without the hassles of direct ownership.

• Stock market – The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) offers opportunities to invest in established companies across various sectors. You’ll need to open a brokerage account with a registered stockbroker (many now offer online platforms with minimal fees), fund your account, and then purchase shares.

To be successful in this venture, the key is consistency. Even small investments can compound into significant wealth.

And if you’re looking for a safe, high-return investment option, platforms like Bravewood offer a daily compounding interest model with returns of up to 21% per annum. It’s designed for individuals who want to build long-term wealth without taking unnecessary risks. 

With the right investment approach, financial freedom doesn’t become just a dream—it becomes reality.

4. Diversify Your Income

Relying on a single source of income is risky. If you have a 9-5 job, find ways to earn extra money. This could be through freelancing, starting a small business, or monetizing a skill. The goal is to create multiple income streams so that even if one dries up, you still have others to fall back on.

5. Learn and Adapt

Financial literacy is a game-changer when it comes to improving your finances. Read books, follow financial experts, and keep learning about money. The more you understand how money works, the better your financial decisions will be.

Final Thoughts: Saying “Yes” to Your Dreams

Back then, when we heard the jingle, we didn’t fully grasp its message. But now, as adults navigating life’s challenges, we understand. We all want someone to say “yes” to our dreams. But in reality, we must take charge of our own financial future.

Being financially free doesn’t mean being rich overnight. It means being in control of your money—having the ability to make choices without financial fear holding you back. It means expanding your world.

So, start today. Track your spending, save little by little, invest wisely, and create opportunities for yourself. Because financial freedom is not just a wish—it’s something you can build. And when you do, you’ll finally know what it feels like to be truly free.

Bravewood provides Nigerian professionals with low-risk, high-return investment products, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.