| SLC-S29/W3—“Thinking and Ideas! | Seeing Problems Differently!”

Hello, great minds, I'm here again to share my thoughts in this contest titled "Seeing Problems Differently." Thank you @ninapenda for this privilege.

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Financial problems are a major issue in my community and country Nigeria, affecting individuals, families, and the economy as a whole. Many Nigerians struggle with financial instability, jumping from one job to the other, doing menial jobs, living a street life, or engaging in risky and harmful jobs just to make ends meet and dealing with inflation as well. The cost of living is high, and income opportunities are limited for many. This leads to stress, poor health, poverty, and limited access to basic needs like education and healthcare.

The few steps to solve this problem include;

• Teaching people about budgeting, saving, and investing can make a huge difference in the lives of many Nigerians because most of us are having financial strain because we don't know how to save and invest; we tend to waste our income on unnecessary things and pleasures instead of saving and investing for our lives and future. Many Nigerians don't have access to financial education, making it hard to make informed decisions, so in order to solve this issue, financial education has to be formulated in our society.

• Expanding banking and making banking available in the society, especially in rural areas, can help people save their income and access loans as well.

• Encouragement of entrepreneurship development skills and supporting small businesses and diverse income streams can boost income too. Many Nigerians are into informal businesses; empowering them and giving them resources and training can help them thrive and be financially stable.

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Why I think this problem still exists despite awareness is due to issues like corruption in the country, ignorance of knowledge and improvement of finances, and lack of education that keeps financial struggles going. Stinginess may as well cause this problem because if you don't give to others in need, no one will give or help you when you are in need as well. Some people often rely on informal systems that aren't always reliable. And sometimes some cultural beliefs and religions forbid talking about financial stability because they perceive that it is a form of weakness or a taboo to talk about it, therefore limiting awareness and solutions to financial problems.

In my opinion, the most misunderstood part of financial problems is that they aren't just about income; they're about habits and mindset towards income. Many think earning more solves everything, but it doesn't. What really matters more is how you manage what you have so that when you have an excess, you will know how to maintain your finances.

What I will do if I could change a mindset is that I will help people prioritize long-term financial planning over short-term fixes; I will make people understand that financial stability involves diligent, hard work and consistency. Not being lazy and depending on God for a breakthrough when you are not even ready to improve. Some people think that all investments are a scam, so I will help correct that mindset by educating them about investing wisely, not carelessly, because investment has transformed many lives and can transform their lives as well. I believe with this point of mine I have been able to say something impactful in this contest.

Thank you.

I invite @bossj23 @manuelhooks @okere-blessing to participate in this contest.