It would be something to cherish, right? Something your ancestor passed down to you, a piece of history, but beyond that, it would be a masterclass in resilience, resourcefulness, and financial intelligence.
Today, most things run on automated systems and real-time payments, and we can say we have made a lot of progress, but that does not mean that we can discard the past; there are still many things to learn.
After all, generations before us faced wars, recessions, inflation, scarcity, and still found ways to build wealth, raise families, and even leave legacies behind.
So, let’s have a look at what your ancestors’ money moves might teach you, and why those “old-school” lessons are more relevant than ever.
Land or Livestock Was Their Investment
Before digital currencies and stock markets, our ancestors understood one thing clearly — wealth must be rooted in something tangible. For them, land or livestock wasn't just property; it was security, dignity, and a lasting inheritance.
Why did they value it so much? Because whether it was a piece of farmland or a herd of goats, it meant freedom. It meant having control over your future. It meant being able to feed your family, trade, or pass on something meaningful to the next generation.
In many homes, acquiring even a small piece of land or a few healthy animals was a major life goal. It wasn't about showing off. It was about building something that would outlive you, something solid.
Frugality was Survival
We often make jokes about seeing an ice-cream tub in the freezer in a Nigerian household, and you are sure that it does not contain ice cream, but soup, or a bowl of Danish cookies left on the table, but it contains threads and needles. We can poke fun at these things, but they tell us one thing: the people who came before us know how to be economical.
They could stretch a coin; leftover fabric became clothes, empty jars were reused, no such thing as wasting food.
They Built Wealth Together
You have most likely heard of ajo, a Yoruba name for a rotating savings club, maybe in another language; everyone puts their money together and collects a bulk amount in turns. Whether it is through family land purchases or pooling money to send one sibling to school, our ancestors leaned on one another financially; they knew they could not always do it alone and so devised means to do it together.
After all, two heads are better than one.
Paper Trails Meant Protection
If you had to check your grandfather's box, you can be sure to find a lot of ledgers and receipts; they kept everything. This was not because they were obsessive and attached to these things; it was that they understood the importance of documentation and clarity.
Adaptation is a Necessity
In the days of old, there were sudden wars, hyperinflation, and even currency switches, yet the people of that age survived them all. How? They knew when to pivot. They stayed flexible and could easily adapt to uncomfortable situations. They stayed resilient.
Your ancestors might not have the advancement that we boast of now, but they knew the importance of protecting what you earn and sticking with your investments. So, why not make their wisdom your foundation? Make the moves today that future generations will thank you for.
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