Constant Asoebi Duties And Your Finances.

It is another weekend, a lot of events here and there. What is an event without colorful Asoebi? A flop!!!!

I believe everyone knows what Aso ebi is, just in case you don't, it a uniform dress traditionally worn in Nigeria and some West African cultures as an indicator of solidarity and cooperation during ceremonies and festive periods. My very first Aso ebi was at my Aunt Chinelo's wedding in 1999, that beautiful kaftan. The Aso ebi rave is on a whole new level now,with all the social media platforms celebrating it, nobody wants to be caught slacking. I used to think it was just for the women and young girls, the men are almost taking over, Hey Agbada gang.

This article is not an evil plan by EPs (enemies of progress) or  villagers to take away the shine at your wedding or any event you have coming up, so please don't bite. It is actually to discuss the financial implications of constantly being part of an Aso ebi.

Apart from the normal annoying questions of always being part of someone's asoebi as a single girl "Adanna, when will we come for yours" etc, The financial aspect is something to be talked about. The economy is bad. LOL. If you sit down to calculate the amount of money you have spent as an Asoebi, I'm sure it would have built a house to a point or even completed a duplex for some people. Instead we have used it to pile clothes we might end up never wearing again. Who wants to wear something at least ten other women or men have when its not 'akwa' Christian mother or father.

Aso ebi is an essential part of an event, just like jollof rice I know, but nobody's wedding or any other event will be cancelled if you are not a part of it. So why kill yourself? Why jeopardize your future and happiness? No matter how you look at it, Asoebi is not an investment. The money you spend buying the materials, sewing it, hair and makeup for the ladies and whatever the guys do, cost of transportation to and fro and sometimes accommodation etc could actually be more than your salary. This is for just one person's event, now multiply by the number of friends you have and see how much you are spending. If you are asked to invest that amount of money in something profitable, you start making excuses.

I'm not saying anyone should quit going out to support their friends, If a close friend of mine is doing anything,  I'll be there as long as I have the money and its within my budget. If it is something I cannot afford, I'll tell the person I can't afford it or stylishly let the person know I won't be available. A true friend will understand. Those people who won't are the ones who give the lamest excuse when its your turn (my brother-in-laws wife's sister's dog caught fire and fell inside the fish pond and the fishes caught fire too, so we are going to pour pepper and onions on them to turn them to barbecue so it doesn't go to waste. I hope you understand). LoL what an excuse.

Anything you have to do to secure financial freedom, by all means do it. Even it means cutting down the amount of 'friends' you have. If you are trying to build a business, let go of some frivolities and build your brand. Don't let anybody guilt you into any Asoebi, if you don't have the money, please don't borrow. Stick to your hustle, when you are made they will beg you to be  part of your squad. If you are looking for low risk investments, consider treasury bills or better still invest in improving yourself. Take courses, attend seminars or pay to learn a skill. Its more profitable than dancing around in uniforms.

P.S: Family and true friends excluded. Everyone knows who they can walk on coal for. I know my people, I know you do too.

XOXO
Aso Ebi Girl,
Adanna.

Securing Your Financial Future

In recent times, the economy has been on a downward spiral, the price of everything in the market has either doubled or tripled, job cuts everywhere etc. I even saw a tweet that the light at the end of the tunnel has gone off. The fact is that times are hard and the future is gloomy.

I'm not here to deliver bad news, I'm here to work with you to remedy this situation by thinking out of the box or like there is no box to secure our future. This is not the time to wait on anyone to give you a job, people are losing theirs every other day. The lucky ones who have can't depend on just their job. The possibility of losing that job tomorrow is high. Somebody say God forbid, lol. It is true, sorry to burst your bubble. Also your salary may not cover the high cost of living today, rice is like 17k a bag now, don't get me started on tomatoes and petrol.

I used to think once I was done with school, companies will lay at my feet begging me to be on their board of directors, paying me in millions (it will still happen). When I finished my NYSC, I joined Frank Donga and millions of Nigerian graduates in looking for a job. lol. Fortunately or unfortunately for me, I got one with 'onion' salary, it made me cry. With an Abuja rent hanging over my head, I just knew i had to find a way to generate more money. I had to discover my talent in yogurt production, joined Total life changes and fastrack, thank God i can afford to buy tomatoes now. Lol. Please excuse my jokes.

As an unemployed person, work on discovering your talent. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, you must not be the new Jay Z or Chimamanda . There is this lady making it big from packaging Pap a.k.a Akamu or ogi.  This is the time to hone your skills, acquire new ones and launch yourself. Take advantage of available resources. You cannot continue sitting around waiting for someone to help you. The internet has made it easy for one to get discovered. People have gone from obscurity to brand ambassadors through the same internet you use everyday. It is your call.

Dear employed person, there is nothing wrong in having a side hustle, multiple streams of income is the way forward now. there is uncertainty in the land and you should always be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. Invest wisely, so you do not have to live paycheck to paycheck. God forbid something happens to your job, you will have something to lean on. Consider starting up a business or joining an mlm business. Never compete with your boss.

Self-employed person, you have done well for yourself. But You have to find other sources of income. An average Millionaire has about 7 streams of income. Until you have a structure that generates money for you on autopilot, you are not wealthy. Avoid cashing out early as a new business owner, continue to reinvest and in a few years you will thank yourself.

No matter where you fall into, the message is the same. You have to look for means of making money. Not one, many! You cannot and should not put all your eggs in one basket. It doesn't matter where you are, just do something each day that will propel you to where you want to be.

P.S: it has to be something legal and sustainable also be patient with yourself.

For more information on securing your financial future through mlm, send an email to onyinyeelechi@gmail.com

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