✨ Introduction
😊✍️ I hope we're ready to learn!
Peer pressure is real—especially when it comes to money. Many of us fall into spending traps because we want to fit in, impress others, or avoid being judged. But financial freedom starts with making intentional choices.
Let’s explore four powerful ways to avoid peer pressure and make smart financial decisions.
💡 1. Know Your Financial Goals
“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll follow anyone.”
🎯 Define what you are saving or spending for — school, business, rent, travel, or family.
✅ Write it down or use a savings app to track your progress.
When you’re clear about your goals, it’s easier to say no to distractions.
🧠 Why Is This Important?
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Gives You Direction
Your goals guide your daily financial decisions. You’ll know why you’re saying no to some things and yes to others. -
Reduces Emotional Spending
When you know what matters most to you, it’s easier to walk away from impulse buys or peer pressure. -
Keeps You Motivated
Saving becomes exciting when you’re working toward something meaningful—like your first apartment, a degree, or launching your own project.
📝 How to Set Your Financial Goals
Step 1: Visualize Your Future
Ask yourself:
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What do I want to achieve in the next 6 months? 1 year? 5 years?
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What are my top 3 financial priorities?
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What kind of life do I want to live?
Step 2: Break Goals into Categories
| Type of Goal | Example |
|---|---|
| Short-Term (0–1 yr) | Buy a laptop, pay school fees |
| Medium-Term (1–3 yr) | Start a side business, relocate |
| Long-Term (3+ yrs) | Build a house, retire comfortably |
Step 3: Make Goals SMART
Make your goals:
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Specific: “Save ₵1,000 for school fees”
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Measurable: “₵200 per month”
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Achievable: Based on your real income
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Realistic: Don’t set goals that overwhelm you
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Time-bound: “By December 2025”
💬 Real-Life Example:
🎯 “I want to save ₵2,000 in 10 months to start a business.”
That’s ₵200 per month.
Now, when your friends want you to spend ₵100 on an unplanned trip, ask yourself:
“Is this more important than my goal?”
✅ My Story
That’s what I did to publish and print my book, Dating & Friendship.
I gave myself 100 days—from 1st November 2024 to 8th January 2025—to save money for its publication.
And when the 100 days ended, I had enough to print the book.
So that’s the first thing we must do: set a clear goal.
💡 2. Live Within Your Means
“You can’t build wealth trying to look rich.”
Don’t spend money you don’t have to impress people who don’t know your reality.
Avoid buying things just because your friends have them. Focus on needs, not wants.
💭 What Does It Mean?
Living within your means means:
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Spending only what you earn—not loans or credit.
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Avoiding peer pressure to “keep up.”
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Balancing your lifestyle with your real income.
🔥 Why Is This Important?
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Prevents Debt
Avoid mobile loans and credit cards that drain your income. -
Builds Financial Stability
You can handle emergencies better. -
Encourages Saving
If you spend everything—or more—you can’t save. -
Promotes Contentment
Appreciate what you have, instead of chasing materialism.
📊 How to Live Within Your Means
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Know Your Monthly Income
Include all sources: salary, side jobs, gifts, or small businesses. -
Track Your Expenses
List and monitor everything: rent, food, transportation, data.
I recommend using the Wallet App—I’ve used it since reading The Compound Effect, and it’s helped me plan better.
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Budget Before You Spend
Use the 50-30-20 rule (or adapt it):
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50% = Needs (food, rent)
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30% = Wants (entertainment, clothes)
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20% = Savings/Debt repayment
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(You can split your tithe from wants or savings)
💬 Real-Life Example:
If you earn ₵1,000 a month:
❌ Wrong mindset:
You spend ₵1,200 on shoes, parties, and eating out—now you're in debt.
✅ Right mindset:
You budget:
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₵500 for essentials
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₵200 for needs like data
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₵100 for savings
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₵100 for tithe
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₵100 for small enjoyment
You’re confident—not pressured.
“If your lifestyle is bigger than your income, your future will be smaller than your dreams.”
Living within your means is not about deprivation.
It’s about discipline and dignity.
💡 3. Learn to Say “No” Without Guilt
“No” is not selfish.
It’s wise, strong, and protective.
You don’t have to attend every event or contribute to every plan.
✅ Try These Phrases:
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“I wish I could, but I’m on a tight budget.”
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“That’s not in my plan right now.”
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“I’ve set a goal I’m working on, so I’m saving up.”
🔥 Why Is This Important?
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Peer pressure around money is real
People may say:
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“Let’s all contribute ₵100”
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“Everyone is going—you must come!”
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“Buy it too—we all are!”
It’s hard to say no. But giving in every time hurts your finances.
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You don’t owe everyone an explanation
Your goals are valid—even if private. -
Saying “no” today helps you say “yes” tomorrow
Every cedi saved now brings you closer to your dreams.
🧠 Mindset Shift
Saying “no”:
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Doesn’t make you stingy
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Doesn’t mean you don’t care
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Means you’re choosing wisdom over waste
Your future self will thank you.
💪 Practice Makes Progress
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Practice “no” phrases in front of a mirror or with a friend.
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Start small—say no to a snack or party.
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Celebrate each time you succeed.
💡 4. Surround Yourself With Like-Minded Friends
“Your circle should uplift, not drain you.”
Spend time with people who:
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Respect your financial values
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Don’t pressure you to overspend
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Celebrate your progress
✅ My Story
During my 100 Days of saving for my book, I had a doctor-friend who was doing the same.
Every week, he’d call:
“John?”
“Dr?”
“Have you saved today?”
“Yes please!”
That kept me on track.
He was a like-minded friend walking with me.
🔥 Why Is This Important?
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Friends influence your habits
If they save, you’re more likely to save.
If they spend recklessly, you might follow. -
You resist pressure better when you're not alone
It’s easier to say no when others are doing the same. -
You grow stronger in the right company
They normalize saving and budgeting.
🚨 Warning Signs: Friends to Be Careful Around
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Constantly tease or shame your budgeting
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Call you “cheap” for being wise
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Pressure you to borrow/spend to fit in
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Complain when you say “no”
“Some friendships are too expensive—emotionally and financially.”
💬 What to Do If Your Circle Isn’t Like-Minded
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Set Boundaries with Love
Reduce time and money spent on draining relationships. Use your budget tracker to identify where your money is going. -
Find or Build Your Tribe
Join groups like youth clubs, financial workshops, or The School of Friendship. -
Lead by Example
Your lifestyle can inspire others. Your story might be someone’s reason to start.
🙏 Final Words
Thank you so much for staying with me to the end.
I really appreciate your time.
“You’re not saying I can’t have it—you’re saying I’ll have it when I’m ready and can afford it.”
God bless you.
Let me know if you have any questions.
John Arthur,
Author and President,
The School of Friendship.