For Sanne Steemers, our President, Rest of Africa, AFEX, her inspiration for money decisions in 2022 came from the aftermath of COVID-19. The pandemic spurred her to embrace savings and take care of her financial health, all of which she shares in this episode of the AFEX Year-In-Money series.

What’s your top money lesson in 2022?

Over the years I have learned many things about money, however, the biggest is that both income and cost are much better when it is shared.

What did you spend money on this year that gave you joy?

I went on holiday this year. It was literally one of my best moments in 2022. I went to Senegal, and I had the best time in years. I enjoyed the good food and music; reminiscing about the experience makes me smile and I look forward to another one next year.

What’s the biggest money mistake you made this year?

I was raised in an accounting home, so the values of finance and money were imbibed in me at an early age. Hence, I hardly take any money risks that would lead to mistakes. Currently, nothing comes to mind as a big mistake.

What did you spend the most money on this year?

That would be the rent for my new apartment in Lagos. It was an investment, and it makes me very happy.

How did you up your money game this year?

I focused a lot on savings this year. 2020 taught me savings are a necessity. Watching the catastrophe that came with the Covid year, it’s only right that more focus is placed there and that’s what I am doing currently.

What are your most valuable skills?

I get paid to develop strategy and make sure it is brought to life. However, the most valuable in terms of joy, I'd say cooking and dancing. It brings me more joy than another thing money can afford.

What funny name do you call money?

To me it is normal, but it becomes funny when others try to pronounce it, the Dutch name guilder.