So, you’ve been “investing,” but somehow your bank account is still gasping for air by mid-month. Maybe you bought some shares, joined a Sacco, or even put money in a Money Market Fund — yet nothing seems to be working.
Here’s the hard truth: sometimes it’s not that you’re not investing… It’s that you’re investing wrong. And the worst part? You might not even realize it.
In this article, we’re going to break down 4 sneaky investment mistakes that could be draining your wallet instead of filling it — and, more importantly, exactly how to fix them.
1. Chasing quick money like it’s a sprint
We’ve all been tempted by that “hot” deal — the one your friend swears will double your cash in a month. Maybe it’s a new crypto coin, a too-good-to-be-true land deal, or a “secret” forex program.
Here’s the thing: fast money often runs away faster than it came. The people who actually win with investing are playing the marathon, not the sprint.
Fix it: Before investing, ask yourself, Would I still put my money here if I had to wait five years for returns? If the answer is no, it’s probably not worth it.
2. Putting all your eggs in one basket (and then dropping it)
Maybe you put all your money into one company’s shares. Or all into one piece of land. Or one friend’s business idea. If that one thing fails, your entire investment plan collapses.
Fix it: Spread your money around — this is called diversification. Have some in Saccos, some in a Money Market Fund, some in stocks, maybe even a small side hustle. If one fails, the others keep you afloat.
3. Investing without doing your homework
It’s shocking how many people put money into something they don’t understand just because “my cousin said it’s good.” That’s like getting married after one date — risky business.
Fix it: Research like your money depends on it — because it does. Google the company, check their track record, read reviews, analyse their financial statements, and talk to people who’ve invested before. If you can’t explain how the investment works in one sentence, you don’t understand it enough to put money in it.
4. Ignoring the silent thief: Inflation
You might feel proud saving in a normal bank account at 3% interest — until you realize inflation is eating away your money at 7–8% per year. That means your “safe” money is quietly losing value.
Fix it: Beat inflation by choosing investments that grow faster than prices rise — like Money Market Funds, Treasury Bills, or well-chosen stocks. Saving is good for short-term goals, but for long-term growth, you need to invest.
Money doesn’t grow just because you “put it somewhere.” It grows when you put it in the right place, at the right time, with the right plan.
The good news? Every mistake on this list is fixable — starting today. So, stop chasing quick wins, spread your risks, do your homework, and invest in ways that beat inflation.
Because the real flex isn’t making money fast… It’s keeping it and watching it grow year after year.
