🚨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 SAVE FOR A BIG GOAL (VACATION, LAPTOP, EMERGENCY FUND)

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Young adult writing a savings plan at a desk with a jar labeled “Travel Fund” and calendar in background

👋 INTRO: BIG DREAMS NEED SMALL STEPS

Whether you want to backpack across the coast, upgrade your tech, or finally build that emergency fund—you’re not alone. But turning a dream into a real, funded goal takes more than wishing.

In your 20s, it’s easy to feel like saving for big goals is only for people with big incomes. That’s not true. You don’t need to be rich—you just need a plan, commitment, and some creativity.

Let’s walk you through 10 actionable steps to save for any big goal—without feeling overwhelmed or deprived.


💡 10 POWERFUL STEPS TO SAVE FOR A BIG GOAL (WITH EXAMPLES)

1. GET CLEAR ON THE “WHAT” AND “WHY”

Before saving anything, get brutally clear:

What exactly are you saving for?

Why does it matter to you?

📌 Example:

"I want to save KSh 60,000 for a solo vacation to Diani by December. It’s my reward for completing my degree."

✔️ Write down the goal + emotional reason behind it. It keeps you motivated.


2. SET A SMART TARGET

Use the SMART goal framework:

Specific (e.g., “Save KSh 60,000”)

Measurable (track how much you’ve saved)

Achievable (based on income)

Relevant (it matters to you)

Time-bound (e.g., “by December”)

📌 Example:

Laptop goal → KSh 45,000 in 6 months → Save KSh 7,500/month


3. OPEN A SEPARATE SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Avoid mixing savings with your main spending account.

Use accounts like:

M-Shwari Lock Savings

KCB Goal Account

Stima Sacco savings

Chamas with purpose

 ✅Automate deposits or use lock functions to reduce temptation.


4. USE THE “REVERSE ENGINEERING” METHOD

Break down your total goal into small, weekly or monthly chunks.

📌 Example:

Emergency fund goal = KSh 30,000 in 10 months

→ Save KSh 3,000/month

→ KSh 750/week

This makes the goal feel possible—not scary.


5. REDIRECT WASTED SPENDING

Start noticing where your money leaks.

📌 Example:

Daily Java coffee = KSh 300/day → KSh 9,000/month

Weekend impulse shopping = KSh 5,000/month

✔️ Swap out and save instead.

Put that KSh 9,000 toward your laptop savings.


6. DO A TEMPORARY “SPENDING DETOX”

Try a 30-day no-spend challenge (except essentials).

📌 Example:

No eating out

No new clothes

No delivery apps

✔️ Save the “unspent” money in your goal account. It adds up fast.

Learn more Also on:52-week savings challenge 


7. TURN HOBBIES INTO EXTRA CASH

Even a small side hustle can speed up savings.

📌 Examples:

Sell baked goods or thrifted fashion

Do weekend tutoring or graphic design gigs

Offer CV writing or photography services

✔️ Dedicate all extra income from side hustles to your savings goal.


8. TRACK PROGRESS VISUALLY

Seeing your savings grow keeps your brain excited.

📌 Example:

Use a printable progress tracker

Use apps like Monefy, Money Manager, or Google Sheets

✔️ Celebrate small milestones (e.g., every 25% saved).


9. TELL A TRUSTED FRIEND (ACCOUNTABILITY)

Accountability works. Tell someone about your goal who’ll support—not shame—you.

📌 Example:

"I’m saving for a vacation. Let’s do budget brunches instead of going out every weekend."

✔️ Having someone remind you of your “why” helps when temptation strikes.


10. REVIEW & ADJUST MONTHLY

Things happen. You might earn more, or face setbacks. Review your savings plan monthly and make adjustments.

📌 Example:

Bonus this month? Add extra to your goal.

Emergency came up? Reduce temporarily but restart soon.

✔️ Flexibility prevents discouragement. Keep the goal alive.


📌 REALISTIC GOAL SAVINGS TIMELINES 

Laptop Savings Example:

Let’s say you want to buy a KSh 45,000 laptop in 6 months. That means you need to save KSh 7,500 each month. You can reach this target comfortably by combining reduced spending with a small side hustle.

Emergency Fund Example:

For an emergency fund of KSh 30,000 within 10 months, aim for KSh 3,000 per month. If that feels tight, consider saving KSh 100 daily (which adds up to KSh 3,000 a month). Even if you miss a few days, you’ll still build a solid cushion.

Vacation Savings Example:

Suppose you plan to go on a vacation that costs KSh 60,000 in a year. Divide it into 12 monthly goals of KSh 5,000. You could further break that down to about KSh 1,250 a week. Use weekend gigs or reduce your entertainment budget to make it work.



🎯 FINAL TAKEAWAY: YOU DON’T NEED MORE MONEY, JUST MORE STRATEGY

Saving for something big doesn’t require a high-paying job—it requires:

Clarity

Consistency

Creative discipline

Start small. Start now. The future-you will thank you.

🔗 RELATED POSTS ON THIS BLOG YOU CAN ALSO CHECK ON:

How to Start Saving Money on a Tight Budget

Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s

Smart Side Hustles You Can Start Today






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