🚨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...

BEST MOBILE BANKING APPS FOR SAVING AND BUDGETING (2025 EDITION)


Young woman budgeting her income using a mobile finance app on her smartphone.



INTRODUCTION:

Managing your money on the go has never been easier. With the rise of powerful mobile banking and budgeting apps, you no longer need spreadsheets or calculators to get your finances in order. Whether you're a student on a tight budget or a mom juggling bills and groceries, there’s an app to help you plan, save, and grow your money.

In this 2025 guide, we break down the 10 best mobile banking and budgeting apps, why they stand out, who they’re perfect for, and how to use them to your advantage.


1. M-Shwari (Kenya)

Why it’s great:

Integrated directly with M-Pesa, M-Shwari allows users to save and borrow money instantly.

Top Features:

Earn interest on savings

Instant micro-loans

No paperwork needed

Perfect for:

Students, side hustlers, and low-income earners who want to build a savings culture.

Example Use:

Mercy, a university student, saves KES 50 daily in her M-Shwari account. After three months, she had enough for her semester’s books—without borrowing a coin.

Learn more

Check mshwari 


Check also our guide on:https:10-simple-budgeting-hacks-every-student-should-know.

2. KCB M-Pesa

Why it’s great:

KCB’s mobile savings tool is easy to use and offers higher interest than many traditional accounts.

Top Features:

Savings + loans in one place

Competitive interest rates

Works within the M-Pesa app

Perfect for:

People who prefer simplicity and instant mobile access.

Example Use:

John, a boda boda rider, uses KCB M-Pesa to set aside KES 1,000 weekly for maintenance. He withdrew from it during a recent engine failure—no stress.

Explore KCB M-Pesa


Check also our guide on :10-simple-budgeting-hacks-every-student-should-know.


3. Equity Eazzy Save

Why it’s great:

This digital product from Equity Bank offers lock savings options and good returns.

Top Features:

Lock savings feature

No withdrawal before maturity

Available via USSD and app

Perfect for:

Anyone serious about disciplined saving.

Visit Equity Bank


4. Monefy

Why it’s great:

A simple app for tracking daily expenses and visualizing where your money goes.


Top Features:


Easy-to-read charts


Categorized spending


Works offline


Perfect for:

Beginner budgeters and visual learners.


Example Use:

Tasha realized she was spending KES 4,500/month on snacks—something Monefy revealed in pie chart form. She cut back and saved the rest.


Download Monefy


5. AndroMoney

Why it’s great:

A powerful tool that tracks multi-currency budgets and integrates with Excel.

Top Features:

Cloud backup

Expense breakdown

Budget monitoring

Perfect for:

Side hustlers and freelancers with irregular income.

Get AndroMoney

Check also our guide on:how-to-save-on-tight-budget


6. Safaricom Mali

Why it’s great:

It’s an investment product that lets you earn interest on idle M-Pesa funds.

Top Features:

Invest as little as KES 100


Returns of up to 10% p.a.


Available via *334#


Perfect for:

Young earners looking for low-risk passive income.

Check safaricom mali


7. NCBA Loop


Why it’s great:

A fully digital banking app offering savings, loans, and expense tracking.


Top Features:


Visual expense categorization


Goal-based savings


Instant loans

Check NCBA loop 

Perfect for:

Young professionals and digital nomads.


8. JumiaPay Save


Why it’s great:

Lets users earn interest while using Jumia for bills and shopping.


Top Features:


In-app saving


Cashback integration


Simple setup

Check jumiapay 

Perfect for:

Online shoppers who want their spending to work for them.


9. Cytonn Money Market Fund


Why it’s great:

An investment product with better-than-bank returns.


Top Features:


Interest compounded daily


Withdraw anytime


Easy mobile onboarding


Join Cytonn MMF


10. Sanlam Kenya MMF


Why it’s great:

Another top money market fund ideal for mid- to long-term emergency savings.


Top Features:


Stable returns


Transparent reporting


Safe and regulated


Explore Sanlam MMF


Check also our guide on:emergency-fund-101-why-you-need-it.


CONCLUSION:

LET YOUR PHONE DO THE HARD WORK

Budgeting and saving don’t have to be stressful. With the right mobile app, you can stay ahead of your bills, prepare for emergencies, and track every shilling. Try one or two apps, and stick with what works for you. Let 2025 be the

 year you take full control of your finances—right from your pocket.


CALL TO ACTION:


Which app are you using this year?

Comment below with your favorite or tag a friend who needs help saving smarter in 2025!


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