Perhaps one of the most overlooked privileges is not wealth itself, but having enough margin in your life to respond to reality. Over the last few years, we have become fluent in the language of privilege, speaking easily about financial privilege, pretty privilege, racial privilege, passport privilege, educational privilege and social privilege, and in doing so we have become increasingly aware that people do not all start from the same place and that some doors open more easily for some than for others. Yet there is one form of privilege that seems to receive far less attention, and that is the privilege of being able to do something with the information you have, not simply knowing, but acting, because the truth is that information alone changes very little. We like to imagine that if people only knew better, they would do better, and entire industries are built around this assumption, from self-help books and documentaries to podcasts, awareness campaigns, public health initiative...
Financial discipline often means making tough choices—choosing public transport over car ownership, skipping luxuries to build a savings cushion, or postponing vacations to secure a home. The journey can feel isolating, frustrating, and sometimes even discouraging, especially when peers seem to be enjoying a more carefree life. In these moments, having a personal mantra—a simple, powerful phrase—can help center your mindset, reinforce your ‘why,’ and keep you focused on the bigger picture. Here are some mantras to guide you through different aspects of financial sacrifice and goal-setting. 1. For Choosing Public Transport Over a Car “Every sacrifice has a purpose. Every saved shilling builds my future. My journey may be crowded, but my destination is clear.” When matatu chaos makes you question your decision, this mantra reminds you of the bigger picture. Every shilling saved on fuel, insurance, and maintenance moves you closer to financial security. Your journey may be tough, but the ...