Achieving a comfortable lifestyle often involves developing multiple streams of income, a strategy becoming increasingly popular among young adults. Recent research by Sage indicates that 32% of individuals aged 24–44 have a second job, with 28% of those aged 45–54 also pursuing additional work. Among 16–34-year-olds, a significant 68% report having multiple income streams or side hustles alongside their main employment.
Financial influencer Jenny Okpechi, known as @savvymoneygirl, exemplifies this trend. She has successfully built a multiple six-figure investment portfolio and advocates for young people to start investing early.
Building a Six-Figure Portfolio
Jenny Okpechi’s journey to financial success did not happen overnight. Raised in a traditional African household where financial matters were often male-dominated, she witnessed cultural barriers that limited women’s financial empowerment. Determined to change her narrative, she began investing at a young age, starting small and remaining consistent.
“I started very young – at 16 – by getting very intentional with my money,” Okpechi shared. Her early investments included treasury bills with an annual return of 20%. Despite cultural norms, she learned to manage finances and run a business, acquiring knowledge that transformed her life.
Her approach involved meticulous budgeting, living within her means, and regularly saving. Over time, she transitioned from savings to investing in treasury bills, commercial papers, corporate bonds, and stocks.
Okpechi emphasizes that many young people delay investing because they believe they need substantial income. However, she began investing as a student with minimal funds, exploring additional income sources like paid surveys and online tutoring.
Income Streams and Investments
Currently, Okpechi maintains eight income streams. Her full-time role as a Scrum Master and part-time healthcare assistant job form two primary sources. Digital products, such as eBooks and finance guides, create another stream, while sponsored content and brand collaborations add a fourth.
Her investments span real estate investment trusts (REITs), stocks, and index funds, at times earning five-figure dividends. Subscriptions to her investment community provide additional income. She also engages in affiliate marketing and content creation, while developing an AI-powered fintech app, Moneybestie, aimed at enhancing financial literacy for women and teenage girls.
“I pay myself first and invest consistently. I only invest in what I know and understand, keeping it simple,” she explained.
Advice for Young Investors
For young people looking to build their portfolios, Okpechi advises starting small but smart. Tracking spending and maintaining a budget are essential. Living below one’s means and acquiring valuable skills are crucial steps.
She warns against lifestyle inflation and encourages avoiding bad debts. Investing consistently, even small amounts like £25 a month, can leverage compound interest for faster growth.
Okpechi suggests resources such as Nasdaq, Seeking Alpha, and Dividend.com for novice investors. Books like The Richest Man in Babylon, The Intelligent Investor, and Rich Dad Poor Dad are also recommended.
Challenges Faced
Overcoming traditional African views on money posed a significant challenge for Okpechi. Many cultures prioritize passing wealth to male heirs, often overlooking daughters’ financial independence.
Dealing with imposter syndrome in a male-dominated industry and managing burnout from multiple jobs were additional hurdles. Despite these challenges, Okpechi learned to forgive her financial mistakes and continue her journey.
“If I had to do it again, I’d talk more openly about money. It breaks the shame and helps others grow too,” she said.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/05/31/how-a-financial-influencer-built-a-multiple-six-figure-portfolio?utm_source=yahoo&utm_campaign=feeds_business_articles_2024&utm_medium=referral. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.