🚨12 COMMON SCAMS THAT TARGET YOUNG PEOPLE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)

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🧠 INTRO: YOU’RE A TARGET, NOT A FOOL Young people are smart, tech-savvy—and unfortunately, prime targets for online scammers. From flashy job offers to fake scholarships and “easy money” investments, the digital world is filled with traps that look tempting, especially if you're hustling to earn. This post isn’t here to scare you. It’s here to equip you. We’ll break down the most common online scams that target students, jobseekers, and young professionals—and how to spot them before it’s too late. 🚫 12 COMMON SCAMS THAT TARGET YOUNG PEOPLE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM) 1. Fake Online Jobs Promising “Work From Home” Riches 👀 What It Looks Like: “Earn KSh 50,000/week working 2 hours a day from home!” These often appear in social media ads or shady Telegram groups. 📌 Real Example: Esther, a university student in Eldoret, paid KSh 1,000 for a “training manual” only to discover the company disappeared after that. ✔️ How to Avoid It: Legit jobs don’t ask for upfront payments. Cross-check...
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HOW MOMS CAN SAVE BIG ON MONTHLY EXPENSES WITHOUT CUTTING QUALITY

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Kenyan mom’s budgeting and money-saving tools including a meal planner, grocery list, budget app, and thrifted baby items on a table"

Introduction:


Let’s be real—being a mom is a full-time job, and managing money on top of that can feel overwhelming. Diapers, groceries, school fees, snacks (so many snacks!), bills—it all adds up fast. But what if you could save thousands of shillings every month without sacrificing your family’s comfort or lifestyle?


This guide is packed with real-life, practical tips that busy moms can start using today to cut costs without cutting quality.

Whether you’re buying in bulk, thrifting, or planning meals—these small changes stack up.

For a step-by-step saving plan, don’t miss

How to Start Saving Money on a Tight Budget


1. Embrace Meal Planning (Save Time, Waste, and Money)


Why it works:

Food is one of the biggest household expenses, but also one of the easiest to manage with a plan.


Example:

Christine, a mother of 3 in Nakuru, started planning her weekly meals every Sunday. She now saves over KES 3,000/month by avoiding impulse buys and food waste.


Steps:


Write a weekly meal plan (breakfast-lunch-dinner)


Shop with a list based on that plan


Use leftovers creatively (e.g., leftover rice becomes fried rice)



Free Tool:

Mealime or Tasty Meal Planner



2. Buy in Bulk (But Only the Right Items)


Why it works:

Bulk buying reduces cost per item—but only if you use it.


Best bulk buys:


Toiletries (toilet paper, toothpaste)


Grains (rice, beans, maize flour)


School snacks (packaged in portions)


Example:

Ann, a Nairobi mom, buys groceries from wholesale shops in Eastleigh. She saves 20–30% monthly compared to supermarket prices.


Pro Tip:

Avoid perishable bulk buys unless you have proper storage and a plan to use them fast.



3. Ditch Name Brands for Store Brands


Why it works:

Many store brands are made by the same manufacturers as name brands but are 30–50% cheaper.


Real-life tip:

Compare ingredients! You’ll be surprised how similar store-brand baby wipes or cereals are.


Example:

Sarah switched from a top diaper brand to a supermarket brand and saves KES 1,500/month—with no change in quality.



4. Use Cashback & Coupon Apps (Yes, They Work in Kenya)


Why it works:

You get discounts or money back for things you were already buying.


Tools to Try:


JumiaPay


Zedvance Cashback


PesaPap App



Example:

Monica used JumiaPay to buy diapers and baby formula. She got KES 300 in cashback and discount vouchers.



5. Cut Unused Subscriptions


Why it works:

Auto-renewing subscriptions silently drain your money.


What to check:


TV/streaming (Netflix, DStv, Showmax)


Data bundles on multiple SIMs


Kids’ learning apps that auto-renew



Pro Tip:

Use your phone’s calendar to track renewal dates and cancel what you don’t need.


6. Choose Pre-Owned Over New (For Clothes, Toys, Baby Gear)


Why it works:

Kids grow fast—buying new every time isn’t practical.


Best places to shop:


Facebook Marketplace


Instagram thrift pages (Search #ThriftMumKenya)


Local mitumba markets


Example:

Joan bought a gently used baby cot for KES 2,000 on Facebook Marketplace. A new one would’ve cost KES 10,000.



7. Tap Into Mom Groups for Deals & Support


Why it works:

Fellow moms know the best bargains and are happy to share.


Where to Join:


WhatsApp neighborhood moms’ groups


Facebook: Mums Village Kenya, Budget Mamas KE


Telegram: Smart Mums Deals


Want to boost your savings even faster? Check out

Smart Side Hustles You Can Start Today (Even as a Beginner)


Real Story:

Ruth learned about a back-to-school sale in a Telegram group and saved KES 2,500 on uniforms and supplies.


8. DIY What You Can (It's Easier Than You Think)


What to DIY:


Homemade cleaning supplies (vinegar, lemon, baking soda)


Birthday cakes (YouTube has great tutorials!)


Kids’ crafts and home repairs

YouTube (for DIY tutorials like soap-making or birthday cakes)

https://www.youtube.com


Example:

Maria makes her own liquid soap for KES 100/litre using a YouTube tutorial. She used to buy detergent for KES 300+.



9. Budget Like a Boss (Use Simple Tools)


Why it matters:

If you don’t track your spending, you won’t know what to fix.


Simple Tools:


Notebook or printed expense tracker


Google Sheets Monthly Budget Template


Budgeting apps like Monefy or AndroMoney


Also read:

10 Budgeting Hacks Every Student Should Know


10. Save on School Essentials the Smart Way


Why it works:

School fees, uniforms, books, and lunch prep can eat up a huge chunk of your budget—but you can trim those costs smartly.


Tips to try:


Buy uniforms in January or during sales—prices shoot up closer to opening day.


Source textbooks second-hand from other parents or school groups.


Prepare affordable packed lunches (e.g., githeri, boiled eggs, sweet potatoes) instead of giving cash daily.


Example:

Lucy, a mom in Eldoret, saved KES 5,000 by buying all school books from other parents and using Facebook groups to get updated book lists.


 Optional Resource:

Textbook Centre Sale & Offers



Conclusion: It’s Not About Sacrifice, It’s About Smart Choices


You don’t need to cut corners to save money—you just need to spend intentionally. Whether you’re buying in bulk, thrifting, meal prepping, or budgeting like a boss, each small change adds up.


Saving doesn’t have to feel hard or boring. Start with just one tip this week and build from there

. Your wallet (and your family) will thank you.


Want to take full control of your money? Start with:


ultimate-guide-to-personal-finance-in-your-20s.


Call to Action (CTA):


Which of these tips are you going to try this month?

Drop it in the comments or share this guide with another amazing mom who needs it!


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