7 Signs That You Are Financially Secure Without Realising It Yourself

Let’s be honest, adulting comes with its fair share of financial curveballs. From navigating side hustles to keeping up with bills and trying not to break into a sweat when your M-Pesa balance is down to single or double digits, it is easy to feel like you are constantly behind. But what if you’re actually more financially secure than you think?

That’s what Mercy, a freelance remote worker, discovered one afternoon when her landlord sent a surprise text. He had decided to increase the rent effective immediately.

Back in the day, this kind of message would have left her panicking, calling her friends for a soft loan, and spending the rest of the month playing financial catch-up. But this time, she didn’t even flinch; she took a deep breath, reviewed her budget, adjusted a few things, and paid the new rent amount without needing to borrow or delay.

Wealth isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it shows up in how calmly you handle life’s unexpected turns.

Mercy’s experience isn’t unique, it is just often unnoticed. Sometimes it slips in quietly, disguised as peace of mind. It’s in the habits you have built, the boundaries you’ve drawn, and the goals you’re working towards, even if it doesn’t feel like you’ve “made it” yet.

So if you’ve ever wondered whether you're actually doing okay with your money, here are a few telltale signs that you’re more financially secure than you give yourself credit for:

1. You Have an Emergency Fund

Many Kenyans, including employed individuals, routinely suffer financial constraints and find it difficult to set up an emergency fund, yet experts advise that an individual should set aside a financial emergency fund that can comfortably cover between 3 and 6 months of their living expenses.

A report by CIC indicated that in Quarter 2, 2020, only 20 percent of Kenyans surveyed, revealed that they had substantial amounts in emergency savings. This is against approximately 20 million people who are employed both in the formal and informal sectors.

This means that one unexpected expense can throw a financial plan for many Kenyans off balance. Therefore, setting aside a portion of your income every month, even if it’s modest, means you're thinking ahead and giving yourself a safety net.

2. You Are Financially Curious

You don’t need a finance degree to get ahead, just a curious mind. Financial curiosity is one of the most underrated money skills, but it’s also one of the most powerful. If you’ve ever asked, “How does compound interest really work?” or Googled “Is it better to save or invest?” you’re already taking charge of your financial journey.

According to the 2024 FinAccess Household Survey, 42.1% of Kenyan adults demonstrated financial literacy by correctly answering questions on inflation, interest rates, and investment diversification. That means more than half of the population still struggles to grasp these basic yet crucial concepts.

And it’s costly. A University of Nairobi study revealed that 49.3% of individuals were dipping into their savings just to repay debt, directly linking low financial literacy to poor saving and borrowing habits.

So, if you’re someone who reads up on budgeting, watches financial videos, or simply asks questions when you don’t understand something, you’re doing better than most. Curiosity isn’t just a personality trait here; it's a financial superpower. Because the more you learn, the better you earn, save, and grow.

3. You Set Clear Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

It’s easy to drift through life financially, reacting to emergencies and chasing instant gratification. But if you’ve ever saved for a car, a business idea, or your future retirement, you’re already ahead of the curve.

According to the 2024 FinAccess report, only 12.6% of Kenyans save for retirement, while 36% save just to meet daily needs. Having both short-term goals, like building an emergency fund, and long-term ones, like owning a home or investing, shows you're not just spending aimlessly. You’re planning with purpose. Every goal you set gives your money direction, and every milestone brings you closer to financial freedom.

4. You Live Within Your Means Effortlessly

You’re not swiping your card for every impulse buy, you’re not panicking at the end of the month, and you don’t rely on short-term loans to bail you out. That’s powerful.

A 2024 CBK Survey shows that only 18.3% of Kenyans are financially healthy, meaning they can comfortably cover daily expenses, handle an emergency, and still save. The average savings rate in Kenya is just 12% of income, and 60% of household budgets go straight into basic living costs.

So if you’re living comfortably without relying on debt or mobile loans, you’re doing better than most. You’ve mastered the art of contentment and financial discipline, and that’s worth celebrating.

5. You Have More Than One Source of Income

The cost of living in Kenya has made having a single income feel like bringing a spoon to a buffet. You’ll never fill your plate. Fortunately, you’re not relying on just one stream.

A 2024 TransUnion report revealed that 34% of Kenyan households experienced an income boost, largely driven by side hustles and entrepreneurial ventures. 

Whether it's a weekend gig, freelance project, online store, or part-time consultancy, having multiple income streams helps reduce financial risk while expanding opportunities.

In a country where the informal sector contributes over 35% to the GDP, you’re not just surviving. You’re thriving.

6. You Track Your Spending

Most people don’t realize how much damage those “just Ksh200” purchases can do. But you know exactly where your money goes.

With over 52% of Kenyans using mobile money daily, tracking expenses has never been easier. Studies show that tracking your spending has the strongest impact on improving saving habits, even more than budgeting.

If you’ve ever audited your M-Pesa messages, used an app to manage your cash, or paused before clicking “Buy” online, you’re practicing elite-level financial mindfulness. It’s not about being stingy. It’s about being intentional.

7. You Set Boundaries With Your Money

Many people think saying yes to every financial request is the right thing to do. But without limits, it’s a fast track to burnout. In Kenya, where supporting family and friends is deeply rooted in our culture, it’s easy to confuse love with obligation.

Many Kenyans are quick to contribute to friends’ wedding plans, send impromptu money to distant family members as well as struggle to say no to extravagant hangouts.

Setting boundaries is not selfish. It’s smart. If you’ve ever said, “Let me get back to you” instead of committing on the spot, or created a small monthly support budget to avoid touching your rent or emergency savings, you’re already practicing financial wisdom. Boundaries protect your future while still allowing you to support others sustainably.