Smart saving.

 Sometimes we think making money only means hustling harder or adding new income streams. But over the years, I’ve learned that saving smartly can be just as powerful sometimes even more freeing than chasing after a side hustle. Let me share three small but life-changing examples.

Makeup Magic. A few years ago, I was tired of sitting in salons for hours, paying good money, and wasting even more time. I thought, why not learn this skill myself? I invested UGX 250,000 in a short class, and since then, I’ve never looked back. With a tiny makeup kit my go-to jewellery are gold and silver for that subtle elegance I can be ready in under 30 minutes. I look fabulous, save transport costs, and most importantly, I save time. And the more I practice, the better I get. That one decision has saved me countless shillings and hours.

Quality Over Quantity. Once upon a time, I was the queen of downtown shopping cheap shoes, quick buys, lots of repairs. But I realized something: buying cheap is expensive. That UGX 150,000 pair I bought from Bata lasted me two years. Compare that to spending UGX 50,000 three times a year on flimsy shoes that don’t last. Not to mention the time wasted moving through crowded markets, bending, peeking, bargaining, and still coming home with items that disappoint after two washes. Now, I choose fewer, better things. It’s calmer, more elegant, and way more cost-effective.

Solar Power to the Rescue. This one’s not personal, but it’s a smart example I’ve seen: investing in solar. Yes, the upfront cost is high, but the payoff is priceless. When electricity goes off, solar keeps the lights on, devices charged, and life moving. No panic, no standstill, no extra costs. It’s an investment that pays itself back in comfort, savings, and peace of mind.

What i am learning is that making money isn’t always about adding more hustle to your life. Sometimes, it’s about learning a skill or investing in quality that saves you money, time, and energy. Think of it this way: if you can save UGX 50,000 every two months by doing things smarter, that’s money in your pocket without the stress of running a side hustle that eats away at your time and resources.

At the end of the day, saving smart is also earning. And the real win in this case is more time, more freedom and more space to enjoy the beautiful things in life.