🚨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 TO STOP LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK (PRACTICAL STEPS)

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Young African woman budgeting at home with receipts, phone app, and notebook to break paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

INTRODUCTION

Living paycheck to paycheck feels like you're trapped in a loop: you earn, you spend, you wait. One small emergency and you spiral into debt. But here's the truth: you can escape. Whether you're a student, freelancer, intern, or working professional, the steps in this guide are designed to help real people build real financial stability. You don't need a finance degree—just a plan.

WHY DO MOST PEOPLE LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK?

This lifestyle isn’t just about how much money you make. It’s about habits, financial education, and daily decisions.

Common Triggers:

Spending more than you earn

No emergency savings

High fixed expenses (e.g., rent, transport)

Unplanned or impulse spending

Paying off debt without a plan

> Real Example: Faith, a nurse in Eldoret earning KES 38,000 monthly, spent KES 5,000 on Uber rides and had no savings. She downloaded Monefy, tracked every expense, and started using matatus and walking more. Within 30 days, she saved KES 6,500.


PRACTICAL STEPS TO ESCAPE THE CYCLE

✅ 1. KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

Action: List all your income sources and every single expense.

How:

Use AndroMoney or Monefy

Or create a budget tracker in Google Sheets

Example: Jane earns KES 45,000. After tracking, she realized she spent KES 4,000 monthly on takeout and redirected half of it to savings.

✅ 2. CREATE A ZERO-BASED BUDGET

Goal: Assign every shilling a job so that income – expenses = 0.

Budget Sample (KES 40,000):

Rent: 10,000

Transport: 4,000

Food: 8,000

Savings: 5,000

Loan repayment: 3,000

Emergency: 2,000

Utilities & data: 3,000

Miscellaneous: 5,000

Tool: Use budget templates on Excel or apps like Wallet.

Start with easy, actionable habits like those in our 10 simple budgeting hacks every student should know to take control of your money quickly.


✅ 3. BUILD A STARTER EMERGENCY FUND

Why: To avoid borrowing every time an emergency hits.

Target: Start with KES 3,000 to KES 5,000. Eventually build up to 3 months of expenses.

Where to Save:

M-Shwari

NCBA Loop

Equity Eazzy Save

Caution: Do your research before Saving 


✅ 4. CUT NON-ESSENTIAL SPENDING

Action: Audit your lifestyle and identify "money leaks."

Tips:

Cancel unused subscriptions

Reduce eating out

Use public transport or carpool

Shop with a list

Realistic Cut: Dstv subscription cut = KES 2,500/month saved. Cook at home = save KES 3,000.

If you're wondering how to save with very little income, our detailed guide on how to start saving money on a tight budget breaks it down for you.


✅ 5. SAVE FIRST, NOT LAST

Habit: Automate your savings immediately after receiving income.

How:

Set an automatic transfer to savings

Use lock savings accounts like M-Shwari Lock Savings or Eazzy Save


Faith auto-saves KES 3,000 every payday before touching her money.

If you're a parent, this guide: How mom can save on monthly expenses is packed with smart tips to slash your bills.


✅ 6. FIND OR START A SIDE INCOME

Why: Cutting expenses is great, but growing income changes the game.

Ideas:

Start freelance gigs (writing, design)

Sell thrift items on Jiji or Instagram

Weekend tutoring or delivery services 


You don’t need to be an expert — check out these smart side hustles you can start today even if you're a complete beginner.


✅ 7. DEAL WITH DEBT STRATEGICALLY

Methods:

Snowball: Smallest to largest

Avalanche: Highest interest rate first

Tip: Always pay more than the minimum if you can.

 Sam paid off KES 15,000 in mobile loans in 5 months by using the avalanche method and a monthly debt tracker.


✅ 8. LIVE ON LAST MONTH’S INCOME


Goal: Use last month’s income to cover this month’s expenses.

Start Small: Save 10-15% of income monthly until you’re one month ahead.

If you earn KES 30,000, save KES 4,500/month. In 7 months, you’ll cover a full month’s living costs.


✅ 9. REVIEW WEEKLY, NOT MONTHLY

Why: Monthly reviews are too late. Weekly helps you adjust early.

Tip: Use Sunday evenings to check your tracker.

✅ 10. GET ACCOUNTABILITY

Why: Going solo makes giving up easier.

How:

Partner with a friend

Join savings WhatsApp groups or Telegram budgeting channels

Use apps with community features like YNAB


BEST PLACES TO KEEP YOUR SAVINGS

Type and Recommended Platform

Emergency fund: M-Shwari, Cytonn MMF, Sanlam MMF

Short-term goals: NCBA Loop, KCB M-Pesa

Long-term savings :SACCO, Fixed deposits, Equity Eazzy Save

Caution: Do your research before Saving 


COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

❌ Budgeting once a year instead of monthly/weekly

❌ Thinking budgeting is for the rich

❌ Not tracking minor expenses (e.g., airtime, snacks)

❌ Using savings for wants

❌ Relying on mobile loans every month

CONCLUSION

Living paycheck to paycheck is not a life sentence. It’s a wake-up call. With a clear budget, emergency savings, additional income, and accountability 

y, you can regain control. You deserve financial peace, not just survival. Start today—and in a few months, your story could inspire someone else.


Want a complete picture of how to master your money? Read The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Personal Finance in Your 20s for a full roadmap.

CALL TO ACTION

✨ What’s the first step you’ll take today to break free?

💬 Comment below or share this guide with a friend who needs this shift.




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