#Life101 Would you go for "The Next Best Thing"

p.s, i wrote this article a few years ago

You know how you wake up one morning and just KNOW what you want for lunch and so you spend the whole morning waiting for lunch break and thinking of that food and then it's  lunch break and u go to the restaurant excitedly, wait on the queue and once its your turn, u order excitedly, "two wraps of pounded yam,some egusi soup and catfish!" but then the waitress says, "sorry oga, we no get catfish o".

Kai!

If you could you would refuse to eat and wait till there was catfish or go somewhere else  but you have a report to submit so honestly, what can you do but settle for, the next best thing?

Is that how love goes for you?

When growing up, you have an idea of how you want your perfect partner to be; most of these ideas shaped by all those books we read and movies we saw. The reality however does not match. Maybe you meet the perfect person 'but'. But she is igbo and you are hausa. but he is short. but she is not as educated as you would like. but he has a girlfriend.

The 'buts' are endless.

So what do you do?

Society is pressurising you to get married or you will end up at 'Shiloh' (as they like to threaten). Your parents are no longer hinting. It is plain. They want grandchildren. You are a guest at every bridal shower, then baby showers and anniversaries.

At some point, you may think that hey, if you cannot be with the one you love, why not be with the Next Best Thing?

What do you think? Hold out for as long as it takes or go for the next best thing? Let me know what you think below. In the meantime, i wrote a little poem back in school.

"No such thing

as the next best thing

No such 'one'

as 'almost the one'

If i can't give my heart to you

I might as well keep my heart with me!"

#TipThursday: Practical Financial Tips for Young People by Omilola Oshikoya

My guest on #TipThursday was Omilola Oshikoya, Africa's premier wealth coach who has had over ten years experience speaking and teaching on financial intelligence.

She gave ten solid tips for young people when she came by Top of the Morning on Thursday September 10th and i took a lot of notes!

Omilola's tips

 1. Start now/start small.

Omilola suggests that young people and indeed, anyone, start NOW. She says a common misconception is, "Ill start when i make it" but most people don't realise that as your income grows, so will your expenses so the habits must be cultivated from the start.

2. Pay yourself first.

According to her, once you get paid, you should take some out for savings, and investments, but first, 'pay' yourself based on your budget and expenses.

3. Set Financial Goals.

Omilola suggests targets that are Specific, Measurable, Time-Bound, and Achievable.

4. Spend less than you earn.

5. Know the difference between good debt and bad debt.

6. Create an emergency fund.
An emergency fund should be six or eight months worth of your current salary.

7. Invest in yourself.

8. Pay now and play later.

9. Give.

10. Seek professional advice.