Making Savings Work For You

 

                                            

 

You have probably heard many well-meaning ‘financial advisors’ ranging from friends, parents, your spouse and even the occasional expert talking about savings.  There are as far as techniques calculated to mathematical precision on what percentage of your income should go to your savings, utilities and rent. A good example is the 50 -30- 20 budgeting plan, where 50 percent of your salary should cover rent, groceries and other expenses you will incur monthly and that ideally means the said rent shouldn’t be half your salary, 30 percent your day to day expenses like fare, occasional entertainment and miscellaneous like samosas from your favorite local. The twenty percent will be the amount you save.

This all sounds easy, all you need is to get your monthly income, budget it as such, save enough with a good Sacco that will give you a proper interest for your money and finally start your own business or make those one off purchases you have always wanted to. However, your expenses may be more than you can afford, or your income isn’t adequate enough to even cover monthly utilities, much less leave you with enough to save. In that case then, you need either an extra source of income or a better savings strategy. Whether you are a new employee, young business owner or trying to save for retirement or business, these tips will help you make more informed choices, save and invest wisely and secure your financial well-being.

1.      Pay as you earn.

This does not mean paying taxes to the government but rather paying yourself first through your savings. As soon as that cheque hits your account, chances are you have been waiting for it for the last 2 weeks of the month and all you want to do is pay off debts or make purchases and so on. However, while all these are important things to take care of, doing so will likely leave you with little or nothing to put away in your savings account.

Channeling your salary through a savings Sacco is ideal as the amount will be automatically deducted from your salary leaving you to budget your utilities from what is left over. In the long term, you money will earn interest and you can in fact borrow a loan to avoid waiting too long for your savings to add up to the needed amount.

2.       Account for your spending

The best way to do this is to create a budget that lets you track all your expenses within a period of time; a week or month, even yearly if you have attained that much expertise in book keeping. This will help you see how much is being put to both necessary and extra spending and consequently help you decide what items can be cancelled off your list to help you spend less and save more.

It is prudent to consider that while you may cut off spending in certain areas, failing to save that money will see you use it for other things which then undervalue the entire point of cutting back on said unnecessary expenses.

 

3.      Separate emergency savings from long term savings.

Emergency funds will cover unforeseen events like losing a beloved one, accidents, loss of a job and even an unexpected kid.  Failing to have an emergency account will cause you to dip into your saved money that was purposed for something else. A good rule of thumb is to save enough to cover at least 4 months’ worth of unplanned events. This then means having an emergency fund set aside before getting into savings for investments or retirement.

4.      Find other means to earn money

Apart from the amount you regularly earn from your job, if you find yourself consistently straining to get by or save, it might be time to consider that you are probably living beyond your means or get a second source of income.

You can leverage skills you have and make a living out of it, take temporary tasks or start a side hustle. Basically, get creative with your money and in good time you will have enough to invest with.

Saving with Imarisha

There is now a continuous shift in how we view finances and why financial literacy is more important than ever. Imarisha Sacco aims to partner with you in your financial endeavors. There is a range of products you can patronize that will help you save and borrow with the Sacco.

·        Savings Account

This is a FOSA product where a member can;

1.      Save and make deposits or withdrawals at any time.

2.      Channel other payments as from farm proceeds that will allow them to qualify for loans and advances.

3.      Use the account to channel their salaries and stay eligible for Salary advances, Inua Loan and Daraja Loan.

To open such an account, all you need is you National Identity Card and a passport size photo which will be taken for free on the day of opening your account.

·        Fixed deposit account

This account will let you make a deposit for a specific period of time to earn interest. This is the best option if you find yourself occasionally going to your savings and making withdrawals unnecessarily.

The minimum amount to be deposited is Ksh 20,000 for a minimum period of 1 month.

The interest you earn is negotiable and be based on certain criteria.

 

·        Parrot Account

Savings should not only be limited to your personal financial plans, your children will do well to cultivate financial discipline at a young age. You will as the guardian or parent, come in to help them in their savings journey or be their financial advisor as the account operations will be on you.

This account is open to children of 1-18 years and requires a minimum of Ksh 1000 opening balance. To further encourage saving, interests are earned on amounts worth over Ksh 5,000 and withdrawals can be made to a maximum of 3 times yearly.

·        FOSA senior citizen account.

It is never too early to plan for your retirement. The FSCA is meant to cushion a member against the period he or she has stopped earning. All you need is to have a pre-existing FOSA account, make a monthly minimum contribution of 500 which cannot be withdrawn until retirement. This amount will earn an attractive interest rate yearly.

·        Share Drive Account

The Share Drive Account lets a member build a deposit they cannot withdraw. This deposit will earn a predetermined interest rate of 20 percent.

In a period of 5 years, the deposit will be transferred to the member’s share capital. This is the best way to invest passively and let time give back to the amount you have invested.

When all is said and done, it is important to find a savings style that works for you so as to ensure you do not backtrack in your financial journey.

Happy Saving!

 

“We Shall Work With You To Increase Milk Production Through Affordable Credit” Imarisha Sacco Chairman, Mr. Mathew Ruto Assures Farmers

Imarisha Sacco Chairman Mr. Mathew Ruto

Imarisha Sacco chairman has assured farmers that the Sacco will work with them to increase milk production in their farms, as an initiative to turn around their livelihoods.

Speaking during an event dubbed “ Ongeza Lita Moja na Imarisha” at the Kabianga cooperative Society in Kabianga, Kericho county, the chairman called upon the members to take advantage of the available products through savings  since the Sacco  has enable them access credits.

“Agriculture is the backbone of the of the economy of this country. It is a top priority for us in Imarisha Sacco. The Sacco remains a highly reliable vehicle for organizing small scale traders and producers to access affordable credits” Said Mr. Ruto.

The event was attended by the cooperative society members where they were taken through several practices in dairy farming from successful farmers within the region

The chief guest Mr. Daniel Rop, Kericho County CECM for Agricultural, Livestock and Cooperative Management lauded the Sacco’s efforts in innovating products aimed at benefiting farmers. He further called on the cooperative farmers to utilize the products to enable them diversify their agricultural activities and create job opportunities.

Dairy Farming expert educating the members
on the best practices to increase production. 

“Farming activities should be diversified, and you can do that by getting the best products from Saccos such as Imarisha Sacco” Said Mr. Rop.

The Sacco seeks to continue innovating other products to benefit its members with major focus on farmers in bid to enhance food security. This is in line with President William Ruto’s main agenda.

Imarisha Sacco Seeks to Partner with Matatu Sacco Industry with an Aim of Allowing Members Own Matatus Through Asset Finance Product

Imarisha Sacco director Rodricks  Chepkwony hands over
car key to a beneficiary at  Keringet Branch

Imarisha Sacco is set to partner with matatu industry in a bid to enable their members own matatus through Asset finance loan product.

The initiative is meant to ease the process of acquiring matatus for all members who wish to join the transport industry.

According to Rodricks Chepkwony who is among the Sacco’s directors, they are already having talks with a number of matatu Saccos who wish to partner with them.

“We are looking to partner with matatu saccos within our region to boost business and enable members to own new vehicles. Through matatu Saccos, their cars can be managed well. We have clients who are joining us soon from Bomet travelers, 2NK Sacco among others,” he said.

Imarisha Sacco staff
pose for a photo in front of a vehicle financed by Imarisha Sacco

Mr Chepkwony went ahead to call on members to visit various Sacco branches to get advised and get more information about this loan product.

“Today we are handing over a car to one of our members. After a series of meetings with her, we made her dream come true by enabling her to own a matatu that she has since registered with Wareng Sacco,” he said. 

While receiving a Nissan bought to her by the Sacco at Keringet branch, the beneficiary Sarah Lelei, could not hide her joy and thanked the Sacco for making her dream of joining matatu transport industry come true.

“I thank the Sacco for purchasing this matatu Nissan for me. I only raised quarter of the total amount of the Nissan and they sorted out the rest. I have been a member and I urge those who are still looking for a financial partner that Imarisha is right here for you,” said Ms Lelei.

The Sacco offers Asset Finance loan to all eligible members. Its repayment period is 48 months and the applicant must raise at least 25 per cent of the total cost of the asset to qualify.

To qualify for this loan product, one must be a member of our Sacco. Join us today and get financed to acquire any asset you might need. Be it a personal car, boda boda, canter lorry, tractor among other assets we got you covered.

Members Enjoy Fruits of Imarisha Sacco Continuous Innovation of New Products

 

Joseph Koech(beneficiary) receives a canter lorry financed
 by Imarisha Sacco at Litein Branch.
To hand over is  Director Peter Nyigei

Imarisha Sacco society through Micro credit department has urged its members to take advantage of the available asset finance product.

Speaking during a canter lorry handover event at Litein branch, the Micro credit department manager, Kipkemoi Kelong, expressed the Sacco's commitment in empowering its members with assets such as tractor, canter lorries, pickups among others.

“We urge all our members to save up with an aim of benefiting from this loan product. This is a product that targets both the salaried and non-salaried members,” Mr Kelong said.

According to the manager, the eligibility of a beneficiary is based on a steady cash flow and remittances.

Imarisha Sacco  Director and staff pose for a photo with
 the Asset finance beneficiary 

While encouraging non-members to join the Sacco, Imarisha Sacco director Peter Nyigei disclosed that applicants only need to raise 25 per cent of the total cost of the asset required.

“Today we are handing over a canter lorry to a beneficiary who has been channeling his proceeds through us. The product is very affordable and its repayment period is 48months,” he said.

“We urge all interested members and non-members to join us, open an account and save with us to access this product and much more,” he added.

Joseph Koech the beneficiary from Simoti, in Konoin Subcounty, could not hide his joy after receiving the canter lorry which he says he intends to use in his business operations.

The retired chief disclosed that he has been saving with Imarisha for a very long time.

“I have been saving with Imarisha Sacco ever since I became their member. Recently when I retired as a chief, I decided to look for an alternative source of income and Imarisha was there for me. I am happy today because I am taking home my canter lorry,” he said.

The Sacco has been in continuous innovation of new products such as asset finance which has been transforming the lives of its members

Farmers in Ndanai Become the Biggest Beneficiaries of Imarisha Sacco Asset Finance Loan Product

 

A farmer in Ndanai receives a tractor courtesy of Imarisha  Sacco under Asset finance . 

A farmer in Ndanai, Bomet county has a reason to smile after receiving a tractor from Imarisha Sacco Society courtesy of asset finance loan product.

While receiving the tractor the beneficiary, Victor Kiplangat, lauded the Sacco for its dedication to assist members from all walks of lives to achieve their financial and investment dreams.

“I am happy today that I have received this tractor that will enable me to carry out my agricultural activities. I will ensure that all proceeds accrued are deposited back to the Sacco to allow me to get another tractor within 2 years,

I sincerely give gratitude for opening doors to members who are non-teachers so that we too can benefit,” he said.

 

The event that happened at Imarisha Sacco Ndanai branch, saw the attendance of the Sacco directors and staff of Ndanai Branch.

Imarisha Sacco Director pose for a photo with the tractor beneficiary  at Ndanai Branch.

According to Andrew Mutai who is Ndanai branch director, the branch is the highest among all the branches having loaned out 12 tractors in total.

 

 “We are here today to hand over a tractor to one of our beneficiaries who has chosen us and has been financed by Sacco. This recent tractor handover brings the total number of tractors to 12. We look forward to getting more clients who can benefit from this life changing product,” said director Mutai.

 

Ndanai Branch Manager, Daniel Kirui, who echoed Mutai’s sentiments encouraged members to visit the branch and apply for this loan product which he insists is life changing.

A beneficiary in his tractor 

“We encourage our members to apply for this loan product. All you need is an active account with steady cash flow and the applicant must be able to raise 25% of the total cost of the asset,” Kirui disclosed.

“The repayment period of this product is 48 months. You can be financed with all the assets including pickups, farm equipment, personal cars among other assets,” he added.

 

Imarisha Sacco offers Asset finance across all their branches. Talk to us today.

 

Secrets to Financial Wellness and Wealth Creation

Secrets To Financial Wellness And Wealth Creation

Financial empowerment and wellness is what everyone desires to be on top of their finances and become financially stable to be able to meet and cater needs that are always ballooning.

A financial consultant training members during  a past education day forum

So beneficial is financial wellness that Imarisha Sacco has over time unveiled series of educational tours in its catchment areas through the month of March to May.

Below are some of the highlights of training sessions in the past foras.

Plant several  financial wealth trees that brings steady supply of income.

This way you will be able to get income from several sources and remain a float in terms of finances. You will also be prepared for unforeseen emergencies that can arise. The same also will be able to cater for your needs to avoid sinking into debts that could be disastrous to manage.

Budget your resources well to avoid debts.

A member registers for education  day forum

Managing debts can be a problem if you don’t budget your resources well. You will end up buying things you don’t need and leave out the things you need or are important.

Save and Invest for your future

The best way to earn money is through saving and investing. This is the only you will pay yourself and, meet your financial needs easily as you climb the ladder of financial independence. Remember a penny saved is a penny earned.

Manage your debts very well to avoid financial crisis.

Write down the debts and loans you have borrowed and prioritize when repaying them. Start by repaying those loans that have shorter repayment period so at to be on the save side and avoid being blacklisted from accessing more loans.

Take a loan after identifying a project you want to undertake.

Do not take a loan after repaying the previous or because your friend or relative has taken. This is way you will be able to be financially well.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN, SAVE AND INVEST IN SACCOS

The recent report by Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) indicates that women top Sacco membership compared to men and youth whose percentage was lower.

This is a wake up call to an ever ballooning number of youth who are left stranded after they complete their education.

Imarisha Sacco headquarter located in Kericho Town 

The earlier call to them to start businesses has been a challenge because they lack loyal financial friend to walk them through the journey of financial freedom. This is the right time to join Savings and credit societies (SACCOs) to transform and secure their future.

Imarisha Sacco Society Limited  has been in the fore front in innovating products and services that suit young entrepreneurs who want to invest and start businesses that will steer them to brighter future.  

A customer being served at Imarisha sacco branch 

The adoption of new technology makes Saccos competitive to save and invest because of ease and convenience in accessing affordable loan products, services and financial advice

Imarisha Sacco enable youth acquire capital to start and expand their business through business loans, and also acquire other properties that can make them conduct their businesses at ease. The Sacco offer low interest rates and one can join and access loans without necessarily having a pays lip.

This is chance for the youth to register and get access to these available be products tailored for them so that the can be able to achieve financial independence.

Send Us a Message; kerichohq@imarishasacco.co.ke. Give Us a Call +254 709578000