Imagine being so rich, that cities come to you for loans? That was Hetty Green, the richest woman in history. Born in 1834 in Massachusetts in a Quaker family, Green learnt about finance from reading financial news to her grandfather who had poor eyesight. She opened her first savings account at 8,years old where she deposited her weekly $1.5 allowance, the beginning of her frugal…
Read MoreThere are many reasons why the hyped Machakos County Development Plan by Dr Alfred Mutua could fail, and we all know them. We all know that the governor is good at PR, and the Machakos City plans are probably more hype than substance. I however believe that are certain things the Governor and his cabinet (which seems very able and active) are putting in place…
Read MoreNo matter what finance experts say about the demerits of home ownership, most of us want to own a home either as an investment or to give ourselves and our families a sense of security. When considering a mortgage, should you go for a fixed rate or a flexible rate mortgage? This post looks at the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Fixed rate mortgages …
Read MoreToday has been a rough day, even my attempts at writing have failed. I started three different posts, and they were just not working, so I thought to share something from a writer I greatly admire. Leo Babauta’s blog is one of my favourite blogs, and it actually inspired me to start this 30 day writing challenge in a bid to “sharpen my sword”, and…
Read MoreOver the weekend I asked why house sharing isn’t popular in Nairobi, and from the responses I got on the post both on the blog and on Twitter, it seems the barrier in Kenya (and Africa) is more cultural than rational. There’s the feeling that house sharing robs the home of the “sovereignty” . House sharing is also viewed as a stop-gap measure, and as…
Read MoreThis morning, I was sharing my PERSONAL personal finance philosophy and strategy with a friend (and vice versa), and that got me thinking about money personalities. Reading personal finance blogs, one would be tempted to think the advice should be applied similarly by everyone. It shouldn’t. The information is great, and the underlying PRINCIPLE is useful for everyone, but application should take into account our…
Read MoreWhen you get your first job and are setting out on your own, house sharing is the most obvious option because you have limited resources to rent and fit out the house. Even for people who have worked longer, it still makes sense because with combined income, one can afford to live in a better address than they would afford on their own. House sharing…
Read MoreAs I write this post, there’s lovely jazz playing in the background. Not from a music player, I’m at the Michael Joseph Centre at the Safaricom House listening to The Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Well, I am blogging because today is Day 1 of my 30 day writing challenge, it’s just got to happen. I however almost didn’t come. This…
Read MoreThe following articles have stood out for me in the last couple of weeks and I thought to share. Enjoy, and share your reads in the comments section. Reply to All: This Wall Street Journal article discusses this and gives options that could save you, should you accidentally reply to all to a work email. I especially loved the graphic below. Have you found yourself in…
Read MorePress Release: Nairobi, Kenya-The Mvuli Suites was finally launched on the 2nd of October 2013. The hotel, the second in the new growing Mvuli Chain of Hotels, has 74 beautifully appointed studio apartments that are best described as hotel rooms with finishing kitchen facilities – all carefully designed with the business traveller and budget tourist in mind. Each room is self contained with a kitchenette…
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