I would like to start saving and investing in shares to become financially independent by age 30.
I am 24-years-old. I live in Kisumu with my parents and have a six-month-old baby. I have a job with a salary of Sh18,000. I don't pay transport money as our home is close to my workplace. Although my parents have been very supportive, I would like to start living on my own. I am looking at a house with rent of around Sh8,000. I would also like to start saving and investing in shares to become financially independent by age 30. So far, my salary has been going to baby stuff. I also give Sh5,000 appreciation token to my mum. I would also like to go back to school to get a degree as I currently hold a diploma. How do I achieve these goals?
Florah
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Right now, you’re trying to do a lot at once. Move out, raise your baby, go back to school, start investing. All of these are good goals, but squeezing them into Sh18,000 is what is making it feel heavy.
You’re actually in a good position, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Having supportive parents, especially with a young baby, is a big advantage. That’s not something to rush away from. It’s something to use wisely for a few years while you build yourself up.
Instead of focusing on moving out right now, shift your focus to two things: increasing your income and building a small financial base for you and your child.
At Sh18,000, there’s only so much you can stretch. No amount of budgeting will create space for rent, school, savings, and investing all at once.
Think of the next 2 to 5 years as your setup phase. The goal is to move from Sh18,000 to Sh30,000, then Sh50,000, and eventually Sh70,000 to Sh80,000. That usually doesn’t happen in one big jump. It comes from picking up a skill, then using that to move into a better-paying job, then doing it again.
So start simple and practical. Look at short courses that can actually change your earning power. Things like accounting packages such as QuickBooks or Sage, basic Excel skills, admin or office work, customer service, and even sales roles (and using AI in your workflow). Target short courses that will offer you valid certifications to boost up your resume. These are realistic steps that can move you from Sh18,000 to something higher within a year or two.
At the same time, just stay alert for opportunities. Even switching jobs for an extra Sh5,000 or Sh10,000 will make a real difference at this stage. But also be careful not to engage in an excessive game of musical chairs. Have reliability as part of your resume as well.
If you have a bit of extra energy, you can also try a small side income. It could be selling items within your network, helping someone with a service, or doing something small online. The goal isn’t to overwhelm yourself but to slowly increase what’s coming in.
The moment your salary comes in, set aside a fixed amount first, even if it’s just Sh1,500 or Sh2,000. Open a simple money market fund account, and just keep feeding it slowly. That money becomes your cushion and eventually your child’s education fund.
You can think of it in two parts in your head. One is your emergency money, just in case something comes up. The other is for your child’s future. You don’t need separate accounts yet, just that mindset helps you stay focused.
About investing in shares, you’re thinking in the right direction, but don’t pressure yourself yet. For now, focus on learning. Watch the market, understand how it works, and maybe invest very small amounts when you can. But your biggest investment right now is yourself. Building a skill that increases your salary will give you far better returns than rushing into stocks with very little capital.
And about your mum, that Sh5,000 you give her really speaks to your character. It shows appreciation for everything she’s doing for you and your child. And honestly, that support system is part of what’s making it possible for you to work and plan. It’s not just an expense, it’s part of your stability right now.
Now, on going back to school, this is one of the biggest moves you can make, but it has to fit your life. Look for part-time or evening programs, and pay semester by semester if possible. You don’t have to rush it. Even starting slowly is progress, as long as it’s leading somewhere that increases your earning potential. Also target scholarships and apply where you qualify.
If you think long-term, give yourself about 3 to 5 years. Focus on growing your income, gaining skills, and saving consistently, even in small amounts. By the time your child is ready for school, you’ll likely be earning more and have more breathing room. By then, you’ll also have more wiggle room to invest in higher-risk assets like shares.
And that’s when moving out starts to make sense. Not because you feel like you have to prove anything, but because you can actually afford it without struggling. You’re not behind. You’re in your building phase. Stay consistent with this, and you’ll be in a very different place by age 30, with more stability for both you and your child.
If you have any money problems, send us an email at [email protected] and leave your number for contact. Money questions will be answered on this column.
Gertrude Njeri is an accountant, personal finance and investment consultant. She works as the head of research and customer engagement at an investment company based in Nairobi.
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