Before investing in a company, beginners should not look only at how popular the company is or how much money they could make. Financial records help you understand the company’s financial health—whether it is making money, managing its debts, and growing sustainably. You can start with these threeRead more
Before investing in a company, beginners should not look only at how popular the company is or how much money they could make. Financial records help you understand the company’s financial health—whether it is making money, managing its debts, and growing sustainably. You can start with these three areas:
1. Check the company’s revenue and profit: Look at how much money the company makes and how much remains after expenses. Check whether revenue and profit have been growing or declining over several years.
2. Check its debts and cash flow: Find out how much the company owes and whether it generates enough cash to pay its bills and operate its business. A company can report profit but still have poor cash flow.
3. Compare its financial position over time: Review its assets, liabilities, equity, and key ratios such as profit margin and debt-to-equity ratio. Comparing several years gives you a clearer picture than looking at one year alone.
Before choosing a “best” balanced fund, remember that balanced funds combine equities and fixed-income investments, so their returns can be higher than money-market funds over the long term, but they also carry more volatility. 3 balanced funds worth researching in Nigeria 1. Stanbic IBTC Balanced FRead more
Before choosing a “best” balanced fund, remember that balanced funds combine equities and fixed-income investments, so their returns can be higher than money-market funds over the long term, but they also carry more volatility.
3 balanced funds worth researching in Nigeria
1. Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund — A well-established option to research if you want a combination of equities and fixed-income assets. Compare its long-term performance and fees rather than looking only at the current return.
2. ARM Discovery Balanced Fund — Another established fund manager worth comparing, particularly if you want diversified exposure rather than investing directly in individual shares. ARM Capital Partners is listed by the SEC as an active fund/portfolio manager.
3. United Capital Balanced Fund — Worth putting on your comparison list because of its diversified balanced-fund approach. Before investing, check its latest factsheet for asset allocation, 3–5 year performance, fees and risk.
What to know first: Don’t ask only “Which fund gives the highest return?” Ask “What is the fund investing in, what has it returned over 5 years, what are the fees, and how much can I tolerate losing when the market falls?” Also verify the fund manager’s current SEC registration before investing.
*Past performance does not guarantee future returns.*
1. Yes, they can. Over a five-year period, some mutual funds—especially equity or balanced funds—can outperform money market funds because they have exposure to assets with higher long-term growth potential. 2. But higher potential return means higher risk. Money market funds generally focus on shorRead more
1. Yes, they can. Over a five-year period, some mutual funds—especially equity or balanced funds—can outperform money market funds because they have exposure to assets with higher long-term growth potential.
2. But higher potential return means higher risk. Money market funds generally focus on short-term fixed-income instruments and aim for stability, while equity-based mutual funds can experience significant price fluctuations and even losses during some periods.
3. For five years, compare performance—not promises. Look at the fund’s 5-year annualised return, fees, consistency, risk level and investment strategy. If your priority is capital preservation, money market may suit you better; if you can tolerate volatility for potentially higher growth, a well-managed equity or balanced fund may be worth considering.
Treasury Bills are short-term government investments. Instead of leaving your money in a normal savings account, you lend it to the government for a specific period and earn a return. In Nigeria, Treasury Bills generally have maturities of up to 364 days. 3 Simple Reasons 1. Your Money Can Earn MoreRead more
Treasury Bills are short-term government investments. Instead of leaving your money in a normal savings account, you lend it to the government for a specific period and earn a return. In Nigeria, Treasury Bills generally have maturities of up to 364 days.
3 Simple Reasons
1. Your Money Can Earn More
A normal savings account may pay relatively low interest, while Treasury Bills can offer a more competitive return depending on the prevailing market rate.
2. They Are Government-Backed
Treasury Bills are obligations of the Federal Government, making them a relatively low-risk investment compared with many private investments.
3. They Give Your Money a Purpose
Instead of keeping excess money idle in your account, you can put it into a Treasury Bill for a specific period and receive the proceeds at maturity. You can then reinvest the money again.
Simple way to think about it:
Savings account = money kept available.
You don't necessarily have to choose only one. The better approach is to build financial protection while developing the habit of investing. An emergency fund protects you when unexpected expenses come, while investing helps build long-term wealth. 3 Simple Points 1. Build Your Emergency Fund FirstRead more
You don’t necessarily have to choose only one. The better approach is to build financial protection while developing the habit of investing. An emergency fund protects you when unexpected expenses come, while investing helps build long-term wealth.
3 Simple Points
1. Build Your Emergency Fund First
Start putting money aside for emergencies—unexpected medical bills, job loss, repairs, or urgent family needs. This helps prevent you from selling investments or borrowing money when something goes wrong.
2. You Can Still Start Investing Small
You don’t have to wait until your emergency fund is perfect. If you can afford it, invest a small amount regularly while building your emergency savings. Starting early gives your money more time to grow and compound.
3. Increase Both as Your Income Grows
As your income increases, increase your emergency savings until you have a comfortable safety cushion, then increase your investment contributions. The goal is to build protection and wealth at the same time.
Simple formula: Emergency Fund → Small Investments → Increase Contributions → Long-Term Wealth.
It happens. Sometimes the problem isn't the decision to borrow, but that the repayment plan was based on expected income instead of reliable income. Before taking a loan, make sure the repayment can survive even when things don't go according to plan. 3 Things You Can Do 1. Don't Borrow Based on HopRead more
It happens. Sometimes the problem isn’t the decision to borrow, but that the repayment plan was based on expected income instead of reliable income. Before taking a loan, make sure the repayment can survive even when things don’t go according to plan.
3 Things You Can Do
1. Don’t Borrow Based on Hope
Don’t say, “When this business works, I will repay.” First ask: “What exactly will repay this loan, and how reliable is that source?”
2. Create a Backup Repayment Plan
Have another source of repayment if your original plan fails. Know your monthly income, expenses, loan payment and interest before borrowing.
3. Borrow for a Purpose That Can Produce or Protect Value
If you don’t have much experience with loans, be careful about borrowing for consumption. If you borrow for business or an investment, understand how the money will generate enough cash flow to repay the debt.
Remember: A loan is not income. It is an obligation that must eventually be paid back.
As a beginner, don't start by looking for the investment that will make the most money. Start by choosing investments you understand, can afford, and can hold for your intended period. In Nigeria, the SEC recommends understanding your goals and risk level, diversifying, and investing consistently. 3Read more
As a beginner, don’t start by looking for the investment that will make the most money. Start by choosing investments you understand, can afford, and can hold for your intended period. In Nigeria, the SEC recommends understanding your goals and risk level, diversifying, and investing consistently.
3 Points
1. Start With Safer Investments
Consider options such as money market funds, Treasury bills, or government bonds. They can be useful for learning how investing works while focusing more on capital preservation and income.
2. Add Growth Investments Gradually
As you understand investing better, you can consider mutual funds or shares/equities for long-term growth. Stocks can offer greater growth potential, but their prices can also fall, so they are better approached with a long-term mindset.
3. Don’t Put All Your Money in One Place
Divide your money across suitable investments instead of depending on one company or one product. Diversification helps reduce the damage if one investment performs badly.
Beginner’s principle: Learn → Start Small → Invest Consistently → Diversify → Give It Time.
If you bought shares in 2008 and have not been receiving dividends, the dividends may still be unclaimed. You can check your name through the SEC’s unclaimed-dividend search system and then complete the required e-dividend process. 3 Simple Steps 1. Search for Your Name Go to the SEC Unclaimed DividRead more
If you bought shares in 2008 and have not been receiving dividends, the dividends may still be unclaimed. You can check your name through the SEC’s unclaimed-dividend search system and then complete the required e-dividend process.
3 Simple Steps
1. Search for Your Name
Go to the SEC Unclaimed Dividend Search Portal and search using your name. It can show the companies and registrars connected to your unclaimed dividends.
2. Contact the Registrar or Your Bank
Once you identify the registrar, obtain and complete the registrar’s e-dividend mandate form. You can submit it through your bank or directly to the registrar.
3. Get Your Past and Future Dividends Paid Directly
After your account is properly mandated, eligible unclaimed dividends can be paid into your bank account, and future dividends can also be paid electronically.
Important: Don’t assume that because the shares were bought in 2008, the money is automatically lost. The SEC has clarified that shareholders can continue to claim eligible unclaimed dividends, including amounts transferred to the relevant trust arrangements.
How can beginners assess a company’s financial records before investing?
Before investing in a company, beginners should not look only at how popular the company is or how much money they could make. Financial records help you understand the company’s financial health—whether it is making money, managing its debts, and growing sustainably. You can start with these threeRead more
Before investing in a company, beginners should not look only at how popular the company is or how much money they could make. Financial records help you understand the company’s financial health—whether it is making money, managing its debts, and growing sustainably. You can start with these three areas:
1. Check the company’s revenue and profit: Look at how much money the company makes and how much remains after expenses. Check whether revenue and profit have been growing or declining over several years.
2. Check its debts and cash flow: Find out how much the company owes and whether it generates enough cash to pay its bills and operate its business. A company can report profit but still have poor cash flow.
3. Compare its financial position over time: Review its assets, liabilities, equity, and key ratios such as profit margin and debt-to-equity ratio. Comparing several years gives you a clearer picture than looking at one year alone.
Henry Paul Akinmade
See lessHow Can I Find My FGN Bond Investment on InvestNaija?
thank you
thank you
See lessWhat Is the Best Balanced Mutual Fund to Invest in Nigeria?
Before choosing a “best” balanced fund, remember that balanced funds combine equities and fixed-income investments, so their returns can be higher than money-market funds over the long term, but they also carry more volatility. 3 balanced funds worth researching in Nigeria 1. Stanbic IBTC Balanced FRead more
Before choosing a “best” balanced fund, remember that balanced funds combine equities and fixed-income investments, so their returns can be higher than money-market funds over the long term, but they also carry more volatility.
3 balanced funds worth researching in Nigeria
1. Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund — A well-established option to research if you want a combination of equities and fixed-income assets. Compare its long-term performance and fees rather than looking only at the current return.
2. ARM Discovery Balanced Fund — Another established fund manager worth comparing, particularly if you want diversified exposure rather than investing directly in individual shares. ARM Capital Partners is listed by the SEC as an active fund/portfolio manager.
3. United Capital Balanced Fund — Worth putting on your comparison list because of its diversified balanced-fund approach. Before investing, check its latest factsheet for asset allocation, 3–5 year performance, fees and risk.
What to know first: Don’t ask only “Which fund gives the highest return?” Ask “What is the fund investing in, what has it returned over 5 years, what are the fees, and how much can I tolerate losing when the market falls?” Also verify the fund manager’s current SEC registration before investing.
*Past performance does not guarantee future returns.*
HENRY PAUL AKINMADE
See lessCan Mutual Funds Beat Money Market Fund Returns Over Five Years in Nigeria?
1. Yes, they can. Over a five-year period, some mutual funds—especially equity or balanced funds—can outperform money market funds because they have exposure to assets with higher long-term growth potential. 2. But higher potential return means higher risk. Money market funds generally focus on shorRead more
1. Yes, they can. Over a five-year period, some mutual funds—especially equity or balanced funds—can outperform money market funds because they have exposure to assets with higher long-term growth potential.
2. But higher potential return means higher risk. Money market funds generally focus on short-term fixed-income instruments and aim for stability, while equity-based mutual funds can experience significant price fluctuations and even losses during some periods.
3. For five years, compare performance—not promises. Look at the fund’s 5-year annualised return, fees, consistency, risk level and investment strategy. If your priority is capital preservation, money market may suit you better; if you can tolerate volatility for potentially higher growth, a well-managed equity or balanced fund may be worth considering.
Henry Paul Akinmade
See lessDividends vs Capital Gains: How Do Investors Make Money?
by ROI
by ROI
See lessWhy Choose Treasury Bills Over a Savings Account?
Treasury Bills are short-term government investments. Instead of leaving your money in a normal savings account, you lend it to the government for a specific period and earn a return. In Nigeria, Treasury Bills generally have maturities of up to 364 days. 3 Simple Reasons 1. Your Money Can Earn MoreRead more
Treasury Bills are short-term government investments. Instead of leaving your money in a normal savings account, you lend it to the government for a specific period and earn a return. In Nigeria, Treasury Bills generally have maturities of up to 364 days.
3 Simple Reasons
1. Your Money Can Earn More
A normal savings account may pay relatively low interest, while Treasury Bills can offer a more competitive return depending on the prevailing market rate.
2. They Are Government-Backed
Treasury Bills are obligations of the Federal Government, making them a relatively low-risk investment compared with many private investments.
3. They Give Your Money a Purpose
Instead of keeping excess money idle in your account, you can put it into a Treasury Bill for a specific period and receive the proceeds at maturity. You can then reinvest the money again.
Simple way to think about it:
Savings account = money kept available.
Treasury Bill = money put to work for a period.
Henry Paul Akinmade
See lessBusiness Educator
Is It Better to Save an Emergency Fund Before Investing in Nigeria?
You don't necessarily have to choose only one. The better approach is to build financial protection while developing the habit of investing. An emergency fund protects you when unexpected expenses come, while investing helps build long-term wealth. 3 Simple Points 1. Build Your Emergency Fund FirstRead more
You don’t necessarily have to choose only one. The better approach is to build financial protection while developing the habit of investing. An emergency fund protects you when unexpected expenses come, while investing helps build long-term wealth.
3 Simple Points
1. Build Your Emergency Fund First
Start putting money aside for emergencies—unexpected medical bills, job loss, repairs, or urgent family needs. This helps prevent you from selling investments or borrowing money when something goes wrong.
2. You Can Still Start Investing Small
You don’t have to wait until your emergency fund is perfect. If you can afford it, invest a small amount regularly while building your emergency savings. Starting early gives your money more time to grow and compound.
3. Increase Both as Your Income Grows
As your income increases, increase your emergency savings until you have a comfortable safety cushion, then increase your investment contributions. The goal is to build protection and wealth at the same time.
Simple formula: Emergency Fund → Small Investments → Increase Contributions → Long-Term Wealth.
Henry Paul Akinmade
See lessBusiness Educator
Have you ever borrowed money with what you thought was a solid repayment plan, only for the plan to fail woefully?
It happens. Sometimes the problem isn't the decision to borrow, but that the repayment plan was based on expected income instead of reliable income. Before taking a loan, make sure the repayment can survive even when things don't go according to plan. 3 Things You Can Do 1. Don't Borrow Based on HopRead more
It happens. Sometimes the problem isn’t the decision to borrow, but that the repayment plan was based on expected income instead of reliable income. Before taking a loan, make sure the repayment can survive even when things don’t go according to plan.
3 Things You Can Do
1. Don’t Borrow Based on Hope
Don’t say, “When this business works, I will repay.” First ask: “What exactly will repay this loan, and how reliable is that source?”
2. Create a Backup Repayment Plan
Have another source of repayment if your original plan fails. Know your monthly income, expenses, loan payment and interest before borrowing.
3. Borrow for a Purpose That Can Produce or Protect Value
If you don’t have much experience with loans, be careful about borrowing for consumption. If you borrow for business or an investment, understand how the money will generate enough cash flow to repay the debt.
Remember: A loan is not income. It is an obligation that must eventually be paid back.
Henry Paul Akinmade
See lessBusiness Educator
What Are The Best Investment Plans For New Investor?
As a beginner, don't start by looking for the investment that will make the most money. Start by choosing investments you understand, can afford, and can hold for your intended period. In Nigeria, the SEC recommends understanding your goals and risk level, diversifying, and investing consistently. 3Read more
As a beginner, don’t start by looking for the investment that will make the most money. Start by choosing investments you understand, can afford, and can hold for your intended period. In Nigeria, the SEC recommends understanding your goals and risk level, diversifying, and investing consistently.
3 Points
1. Start With Safer Investments
Consider options such as money market funds, Treasury bills, or government bonds. They can be useful for learning how investing works while focusing more on capital preservation and income.
2. Add Growth Investments Gradually
As you understand investing better, you can consider mutual funds or shares/equities for long-term growth. Stocks can offer greater growth potential, but their prices can also fall, so they are better approached with a long-term mindset.
3. Don’t Put All Your Money in One Place
Divide your money across suitable investments instead of depending on one company or one product. Diversification helps reduce the damage if one investment performs badly.
Beginner’s principle: Learn → Start Small → Invest Consistently → Diversify → Give It Time.
Henry Paul Akinmade
See lessBusiness Educator
How Can I Check for Unpaid Dividends on My Nigerian Shares?
If you bought shares in 2008 and have not been receiving dividends, the dividends may still be unclaimed. You can check your name through the SEC’s unclaimed-dividend search system and then complete the required e-dividend process. 3 Simple Steps 1. Search for Your Name Go to the SEC Unclaimed DividRead more
If you bought shares in 2008 and have not been receiving dividends, the dividends may still be unclaimed. You can check your name through the SEC’s unclaimed-dividend search system and then complete the required e-dividend process.
3 Simple Steps
1. Search for Your Name
Go to the SEC Unclaimed Dividend Search Portal and search using your name. It can show the companies and registrars connected to your unclaimed dividends.
2. Contact the Registrar or Your Bank
Once you identify the registrar, obtain and complete the registrar’s e-dividend mandate form. You can submit it through your bank or directly to the registrar.
3. Get Your Past and Future Dividends Paid Directly
After your account is properly mandated, eligible unclaimed dividends can be paid into your bank account, and future dividends can also be paid electronically.
Important: Don’t assume that because the shares were bought in 2008, the money is automatically lost. The SEC has clarified that shareholders can continue to claim eligible unclaimed dividends, including amounts transferred to the relevant trust arrangements.
Henry Paul Akinmade
See lessBusiness Educator