<p>I made my first million when I was 12 years old. Relax, it wasn't exactly 1 million naira; it was 3,000 naira. Looking back, it did feel like a million naira. Don't judge me, and please read till the end to get the real gist. You see, when I was 12, SEGA and PS 2 were in Vogue, and it just happened that my neighbour's kids had hem. I remember going to their houses to indulge in what appeared to be revolutionary and, in many regards, a status symbol. </p><p>I remember repeatedly telling my mom to buy us a game too, but she didn't. I'm not sure we ever asked our dad to buy it! Don't ask me why! We never got the game, but we learned a valuable lesson, and I believe you will too. At that time, my mom had a savings business where she kept money for people and took a percentage for helping them save. My mom is part of the OG's of this traditional Fintech industry. Piggyvest should pay for her master class! She told us that she would buy an 18- or 16-bit game, but it would be from the money that we would save. <br></p><p>She did the breakdown for us on how long it would take to reach our desired figure. I was sincerely hooked. I was saving from the pocket money my parents gave me daily for probably 3 months to arrive at my target. I believe it was 50 naira per day. I remember joining my classmates to trek home multiple times just to enable me to save more. Ladies and gentlemen, it gladens my heart to say that going with my mom to that game shop felt heavenly. I held that carton as though it were an egg, and I smiled deeply. I'm other words, Joy been wan kill me!</p><p>The funny thing is that even after purchasing the game, we still had to play it on schedule. This was because my parents didn't want us to get hooked and lag academically.</p><p>Savings may not make you wealthy, but it can help you build the character of wealthy people. The values that stem from being consistent cannot be overemphasized. Saving at a young age taught me consistency. It was hard, and there'll be days when it doesn't look or feel like it's worth it, but you do it anyway. Mastery of any craft is showing up no matter what. Beyond showing up, it's embracing resilience and fighting mediocrity. Saving will make you prioritize. The truth is that adulthood is simply a series of debit alerts. So, you will have to learn how to spend wisely. You must deprive yourself responsibly! I'm not saying you should stay hungry or refuse yourself the basics or things that are seemingly important. I'm just informing you that "SACRIFICES MUST BE MADE."</p><p>Like many things in life, appetite is learned. If your goals mean a lot to you, you have to pay the price. Today, there are many platforms, such as Piggyvest and Cowrywise, designed to help you save and invest your money. Even our traditional banks now have their own distinct apps for savings and investment. Nigerian artist Priest has a catchphrase in his song Osimen, which is "Only Jesus saves; as for me i be big spender!" It's a cool line, but abeg save ooo. It's a beautiful thing for one to build a savings culture. Look beyond the numbers and embody the values.</p><p>Thanks to my mom (Mammalistic) for teaching us to save at a young age. Yup, that's how I made my first million.</p><p>What are your thoughts on saving?</p><p>Tell us how you made your first million?</p>