Guard Your Money with Wisdom

Dear Fellow Zimbabwean,

There is a saying that misfortune loves a shining mark. It means that the moment you start earning and saving money, you become a target—for temptation, pressure, and deception. Many have learned this lesson the hard way.

Money is not just a blessing; it is a test. If you cannot protect the little you have, you will never be trusted with more. That is why every wise person must first learn the discipline of guarding their money before chasing the dream of multiplying it.

It is better to lose an opportunity than to lose your savings.

The First Rule: Protect Before You Grow

Before you invest, before you lend, before you partner with anyone, remember this one principle: the first duty of money is protection.

Do not rush to invest before you learn how to keep what you already have.

In Zimbabwe, many people have fallen for schemes that promised the world but delivered heartbreak. They wanted to grow their money fast, but instead, they buried it in someone else’s dream.

Your savings are the result of your sweat, your sacrifice, your skipped luxuries. You must guard them with firmness and patience.

It is not wisdom to chase high returns while risking the very capital you worked hard to build.

Beware of Temptations Disguised as Opportunities

Every time you have money, you will be surrounded by “opportunities.” A friend will come with a “sure deal.” A relative will tell you, “You are missing out!” Someone will swear that they are doubling their money in just a few months.

But remember— the faster the promise, the greater the danger.

We live in a time where everyone wants quick wealth. Yet real wealth is slow, steady, and deliberate. Never invest in anything you do not fully understand.

If someone cannot explain clearly where your money will go and how profit will be made, then you are not investing—you are gambling.

The Microfinance Lesson

Do you remember some years ago when Zimbabwe was flooded with “microfinance” companies promising “15% monthly returns—guaranteed”?

They claimed your money was safe. They claimed to be investing in “financial markets”, “mining” and “forex trading.” They even had smart offices and smiling staff who looked credible.

At first, it worked. People were depositing thousands. Every month, they received their 15%, sometimes even more. It seemed real. Some even used the returns to buy cars. Others convinced friends and relatives to join.

But then came the collapse. The offices closed. The directors vanished. And what was left? Tears, anger, and empty bank accounts.

Those institutions were never legitimate businesses. They were pyramid schemes—borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. The early investors were paid with the money of those who joined later. And when new deposits stopped coming in, the entire system crumbled overnight.

People lost life savings, pension money, and even borrowed funds, thinking they had found a path to easy riches.

The lesson is simple: when someone promises you guaranteed high returns, run away with your money.

The Danger of “Guaranteed” Profits

There is no such thing as a “risk-free investment.” Not in forex. Not in crypto. Not in any financial market.

Those who promise guaranteed 15% monthly returns are not investors—they are magicians selling illusions. The reality is that genuine markets fluctuate daily. Even professional traders lose money.

So when someone says, “We are experts in forex” or “We trade binary options with guaranteed profit,” understand this: they are not traders—they are con artists.

True business and investment require patience, research, and effort.

You cannot sit at home doing nothing and expect to be paid for simply existing.

Ndo kuripwa kugara ka uku(being paid for doing nothing)—and that is not how wealth is built.

Ask the Right Questions

Before you put your money into any business or investment, ask yourself:

* Is my capital safe?
* Can I withdraw it when I need to?
* Do I understand how this business makes money?
* Is the company regulated?
* Who are the people behind it—and what is their track record?
* What happens if the investment fails?

If you cannot answer these questions confidently, then it is not the right investment for you.

Do Not Lend Without Caution

Many people lose money not through investments, but through lending.

A friend borrows saying, “I just need a short loan, I’ll pay next month.” But next month never comes.

Before lending anyone money, evaluate their ability and reputation for repayment. If you have doubts about both, then what you are giving is not a loan—it is a donation.

Do not lend your school fees money, your rent money, or your emergency fund. If the borrower cannot provide security or a repayment plan, protect yourself by saying NO.

Seek Advice Before You Invest

Before venturing into any business, consult those who have already succeeded in it. Talk to people who have walked the path and survived. Read, research, and understand what you are entering into.

Never join a business simply because others are joining. Many people rush into “hot trends” without understanding them—until they get burnt.

It is better to delay an investment than to bury your money in ignorance.

The Secret to True Growth

There is nothing wrong with wanting to grow your money. But it must be done wisely. Start small. Learn from experience. Build slowly.

Real wealth does not come from gambling. It comes from understanding.

Guard your money. Protect your capital. And when you finally invest, do so with knowledge and faith, not desperation and greed.

You do not need every opportunity that knocks—some doors lead to traps.

Be patient. Build foundations first, and let time multiply what wisdom has preserved.

With respect for your financial journey,

ZimLedger Admin