UBA’s Asare Champions Financial Empowerment for Young Women at PowerWomen232 Event

At the PowerWomen232 10th Anniversary Power Fest, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, Juliana Asare, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of UBA Sierra Leone, delivered an inspiring and highly informative presentation. Her session, titled “Money Moves: Smart Financial Habits in Your 20s and 30s for a Lifetime of Success,” was one of the major highlights of the event, capturing the attention of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders who gathered to celebrate a decade of empowering Sierra Leonean women.

The focus of Asare’s presentation was clear: equip young professionals with the necessary tools, mindset, and strategies to build strong financial foundations early in life. With her extensive experience in banking and financial management, Asare spoke candidly about the power of financial literacy and how mastering key financial principles in one’s 20s and 30s can set the stage for long-term financial stability and success.

Asare kicked off her talk by emphasizing the importance of financial literacy—the ability to understand and effectively manage one’s personal finances. “Money doesn’t perish, but it requires knowledge to make, save, and grow it,” she explained, stressing that financial success is not just about earning money, but about making informed decisions regarding how that money is used, saved, and invested.

She pointed out that many young professionals enter the workforce without the financial knowledge necessary to secure their long-term goals. “Without a proper understanding of money, you can earn a substantial income but still struggle to save or build wealth,” she said. The foundation of financial security, she asserted, is rooted in financial discipline, planning, and a strong understanding of money management principles.

Key Financial Habits for Long-Term Success

To help attendees get started on the right path, Asare outlined several smart financial practices that can have a significant impact on one’s financial health:

1. Create and Stick to a Budget Asare stressed that budgeting is the first step towards financial success. She explained how a well-planned budget allows individuals to keep track of their income and expenses, ensuring that they live within their means and avoid overspending. “A budget is not a restriction; it’s a tool that empowers you to make your money work for you,” she said, adding that one of the best ways to build wealth is to ensure that spending aligns with personal goals.
2. Prioritize Needs Over Wants One of the key lessons Asare shared was the importance of differentiating between needs and wants. She explained that while it’s tempting to indulge in impulse purchases or lifestyle upgrades, true financial stability comes from prioritizing essential expenses and avoiding unnecessary splurges. “The goal is to allocate your resources toward things that truly matter, like saving for retirement, investing in your education, and building emergency funds,” she advised.
3. Develop Multiple Income Streams Asare highlighted the power of having multiple streams of income, noting that relying on a single paycheck can be risky, especially in uncertain economic times. Whether through side hustles, investments, or entrepreneurial ventures, creating additional income sources allows for greater financial security and accelerates wealth-building. She encouraged the audience to explore different ways to supplement their primary income, including freelancing, consulting, or starting small businesses.
4. Invest Early and Consistently One of the most critical aspects of building wealth, according to Asare, is investing. She explained how starting to invest early, even with small amounts, can make a big difference due to the power of compound interest. “The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow,” she said. Asare encouraged the audience to invest consistently and avoid waiting for the “perfect” moment to start investing. “It’s not about timing the market, but about time in the market,” she emphasized.

Recognizing the challenges young people face when trying to save and invest, Asare also highlighted several financial products offered by UBA Sierra Leone that are specifically designed for young professionals and students. Among them were the Kiddies and NexGen savings accounts, which provide an accessible and flexible way for young people to save money while also earning interest.

These products, she explained, are structured to encourage financial planning from an early age, offering benefits such as easy access to funds, attractive interest rates, and tailored savings goals. “Start early, take advantage of products that are designed for you, and begin building the future you want today,” Asare encouraged the attendees.

Throughout her presentation, Asare repeatedly stressed the importance of education in building financial success. “Educating yourself about money is the first step in mastering it,” she said. She advised young professionals to take advantage of online resources, books, and financial seminars to increase their understanding of money management. In addition, she encouraged them to seek guidance from financial experts who can provide personalized advice based on their specific goals and situations.

“Don’t be afraid to seek professional advice,” Asare urged. “The earlier you seek guidance, the better equipped you’ll be to make decisions that support your long-term financial health.”

Asare concluded her presentation with an empowering message: “Building good financial habits is not about short-term gain; it’s about setting yourself up for a lifetime of success.” She encouraged attendees to take charge of their finances by making smart money moves, starting early, and staying disciplined. “You don’t need to be rich to start building wealth; you just need to start,” she said.

Her words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom left the session with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of how to take control of their financial futures.

Conclusion: PowerWomen232 Inspires the Next Generation of Female Professionals

The PowerWomen232 10th Anniversary Power Fest served as an important platform for young women and professionals to gain valuable knowledge, network with industry leaders, and be inspired to take action in their personal and professional lives. Juliana Asare’s session, in particular, was a standout, providing practical and actionable advice that left attendees feeling empowered and motivated to improve their financial literacy and build the foundation for a successful future.

As the PowerWomen232 network continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of empowerment, inspiring women across Sierra Leone and beyond to excel in their careers and take charge of their financial futures.