Saving is a Skill: Here’s How to Master It

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Saving is a Skill: Here’s How to Master It


Pocket Money Wisdom: A Beginner’s Guide to Financial Freedom – Part 5


Let’s be honest: many of us have tried to save before, but somehow the money doesn’t last. An emergency comes, a friend borrows and never pays back, or we dip into it ourselves because of “small pressure.”


The truth is, saving is not about how much you earn — it’s about the habit you build. You don’t wait until you’re rich to save; you save so that one day, you’ll become rich.

Why Most People Struggle with Saving

1. They save what’s left – which is usually nothing.


2. They don’t set clear goals – so the money has no direction.


3. They use the wrong tools – making it too easy to withdraw.


Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I was once the guy who saved GHS 100 in January and had zero by March.


The Golden Rule : Pay Yourself First 

This one principle changed my financial life.

Every time money enters your hand — salary, allowance, side hustle, even “chop money” — remove your savings FIRST before you spend a pesewa.


Think of saving like paying a bill. Just like ECG won’t wait for excuses before cutting your light, treat your savings like a non-negotiable payment.


Where to Save in Ghana

👉Susu box / jar – Best for beginners who want discipline.

👉Mobile money wallet (separate account) – Useful but watch momo charges.

👉Bank savings account – Safer, but avoid accounts with high withdrawal fees.

👉Fixed deposit / treasury bills – Locks your money so you won’t touch it.


Tip: If you know you’re tempted to withdraw, choose an option that makes it harder to “chop” your own savings.


👉Emergency Fund: Your Financial Shield

Life will test you. Phones will spoil, kids will get sick, jobs will delay salaries. Without an emergency fund, you’ll fall back on loans or begging.

Start small: aim for GHS 500–1,000 as your first emergency cushion. Add to it slowly until you have 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses.

This fund isn’t for buying new shoes or throwing a party — it’s your financial shield against life’s surprises.


How Much Should You Save?

Start with 10% of your income if you can.

If your income is unstable, save a fixed small amount (even GHS 5 daily adds up to GHS 150 monthly).

Increase your savings rate as your income grows.


🤔Remember: consistency beats amount. Saving GHS 50 monthly for a year is better than saving GHS 500 once and stopping.


Your Action Step

🥇Today, decide where your savings will go.

🥇Open a separate momo wallet.

🥇Buy a susu box.

🥇Or set up a bank savings account.

Then, the moment you receive money, move your savings FIRST.


A Human Truth

I used to feel embarrassed saving “small small” amounts, thinking it didn’t matter. But one day, my small emergency fund paid my hospital bill when I fell sick. That day, I realized: It’s not the amount that gives you freedom — it’s the discipline.


Final Thought

Saving is not punishment. It’s freedom. It’s saying “no” to future panic and “yes” to peace of mind. Whether you earn GHS 200 or GHS 2,000, start where you are.


💭Remember this: The best time to start saving was yesterday. The second-best time is today.


📢 Next in the series:

In Post 6 – How to Escape the Broke Circle, we’ll talk about why money always seems to vanish, how to break free from living paycheck-to-paycheck, and how to say “no” to the pressures that keep you broke.





Georgiho De Don 

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