'USING AN IPHONE' AND 'BEING ABLE TO AFFORD AN IPHONE'- BY SAKEENAH' WRITES

"There's a big difference between USING AN IPHONE, and being able to AFFORD AN IPHONE, especially a BRAND NEW one."

A few days ago, I was having a conversation with a friend of mine who works in the finance industry, and our conversation got to a point where he said, "See eeehn, some people are two-faced, and when it comes to pretending to be who they are not, nobody can beat them. They are gurus at it."

After a few statements, he said, "I work in the finance industry, and even if I have not attained the level of financial stability I am seeking, I know what it's like to hold money, feel money, and spend money WITHOUT feeling like one part of your kidney or ribs was stolen."

"Sometimes when I see my Ogas spending money, I'm like, this is money, not those rubbish people hype just because they are using an iPhone."

He went further to say, "Anybody that CANNOT BUY a BRAND-NEW iPhone without feeling drained or financially exhausted IS NOTHING close to being financially buoyant or rich."

"Some people are just experts at buying secondhand iPhones JUST TO LOOK RICH, WHEREAS THEY ARE WORSE THAN BROKE, AND TRUST ME, THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ACT ARE CATASTROPHIC, ALMOST IRREVERSIBLE."

Beyond other things I grabbed, this statement made me ponder seriously about my financial situation, and I realized that as long as I cannot buy a brand-new iPhone without feeling financially or mentally drained, then I still have a lot to do when it comes to financial stability, and building a stable source of income.

Here are 9 lessons I learned from the conversation, and I believe you will learn from them too:

1. There's nothing great about buying what you can't afford just to look rich: 

There are many people who live their lives pretending to be something they are not just to fit into societal expectations. 

Because, the truth is, "Buying what you cannot afford only puts unnecessary pressure on your mental and psychological health, and in the end, it only hurts your financial well-being." True wealth is built slowly and sustainably. Stop trying to eat more than you can chew.

2. There's nothing shameful about admitting that you're not there yet financially: 

The journey to financial stability can take time, and there's no shame in acknowledging where you are. Admitting that you're not yet at the level of financial success you desire is the first step towards financial stability. 

No matter how tempting it is to LIE about your finances, please shake it off, and be honest about everything.

3. One of the biggest flexes is having a close friend in almost every field or industry: 

Having a wide range of people in your circle who are experts in different areas allows you to learn, grow, and gain valuable insights. 

It gives you access to knowledge and opportunities that people pay hugely for, or go through series of applications to benefit from. So, look at your circle, how many individuals from different fields do you have?

4. There's nothing sensible about pretending to have what you don’t: 

Pretending to have financial freedom when you don’t only leads to more stress and a false sense of accomplishment. It's better to be honest about your financial situation, even if it means you're not where you want to be yet. Authenticity is key to true success.

5. Money is meant to be spent wisely, not just shown off: 

True financial freedom comes from making smart choices with your money. It's not about buying flashy items, purchasing the latest clothes, shoes, or showing off every little income you earn, but about using your money to build assets, uplift lives, create stability, and provide for your future. Be wise. Be honest.

6. The cost of living beyond your means is far greater than the temporary pleasure of a luxury purchase: 

We sometimes get caught up in the instant gratification that comes with purchasing high-end items. 

But the long-term financial burden that comes from trying to live above your means can set you back for years. Sustainable wealth comes from consistency, discipline, and smart decision-making. Don't be tempted to buy everything you see. Be disciplined.

7. You don't need to impress anyone with your possessions: 

At the end of the day, possessions don’t define who you are or your worth. People who truly value you will see your character, integrity, and work ethic, not just the things you own. 

Being content with what you have and working toward what you can afford will always be more fulfilling than trying to keep up with others.

8. Building financial stability takes time, and that’s okay: We live in a society that wants everything fast, but building real financial stability takes time, patience, and consistent effort. 

The important thing is to stay committed to the process, make small but steady improvements, and stay focused on your long-term goals. It's hard, but the end result is mentally favourable.

9. Stop comparing your journey to others:

Everyone has their own financial timeline. Don’t let social media influencers or the "on-the-surface" success stories dictate your financial choices. 

Just because Odugwu is earning in dollars doesn't mean your dollars have to come immediately, and it doesn't mean he's happier with the dollars he's earning. What works for someone else may not be what you need at this stage of your life. Be patient. Be authentic.

If you found this helpful, kindly repost, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. 😌💙

© SAKEENAH' WRITES 

(The Queen of Value) 

- Nigeria

| The First Class Coach | Certified and Award-winning Content Writer | Personal Growth Strategist | Writing and Communications Coach | Muslimahs Empowerment Coach | Youth Development Advocate | Corporate Event Planner | Visionary Leader | My Goal: Helping YOUths become the best, authentic version of themselves | My Mission: Empowering YOUths for personal and professional excellence | I transform lives, and projects, and futures.