Mohammed used to count the days until payday. Like many young professionals in Riyadh, he earned well, dressed smartly, and dined out often. Yet, by the 20th of every month, his bank account was nearly empty. He wasn’t lazy. He wasn’t irresponsible. But he lacked something no job title could give him — financial literacy.
This is the story of how Mohammed turned his financial chaos into clarity and how you can too.
The Wake-Up Call
One Friday evening, as he sat with friends talking about investments, Mohammed realized he had no idea what a mutual fund was. Someone mentioned an emergency fund — he didn’t have one. That night, instead of watching Netflix, he searched “how to manage expenses.” That moment sparked a new journey.
Budgeting Isn’t Boring, It’s Freedom
Mohammed began tracking every riyal he spent. He used simple apps and spreadsheets, but more importantly, he started asking, “Do I need this?”
He followed the 50/30/20 rule:
- 50% Needs: Rent, groceries, transport
- 30% Wants: Outings, shopping, subscriptions
- 20% Savings: Emergency fund and investment
It wasn’t easy. Saying no to friends or skipping a concert felt hard, but he began to feel powerful. Budgeting wasn’t limiting — it was liberating.
The Mindset Shift: From Spending to Investing
The real shift came when he realized his money could grow. He read about stocks, mutual funds, and real estate in Saudi Arabia. He started a small — a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) of just SAR 300 per month.
Within a year, his emergency fund was equal to 4 months of expenses. He was sleeping better. He wasn’t scared of surprise car repairs or job shifts anymore.
Office Life vs. Financial Life
Managing money doesn’t end at home. Mohammed became more confident at work too. He negotiated a raise — and got it. He offered to lead a project because he no longer feared instability. His new financial confidence echoed in his career growth.
- Simple Habits That Changed Everything
- Reading one finance article every day
- Making a monthly budget and reviewing it weekly
- Using one day a month for “Money Review”
- Setting short-term goals like “Save SAR 10,000 in 6 months”
The Bigger Picture: Purpose Over Paycheck
As Mohammed’s financial base grew stronger, he found himself donating more, supporting causes he cared about, and mentoring others at work. He no longer lived for the next paycheck — he lived with purpose.
Mohammed’s story isn’t rare. It’s the story of thousands. You don’t need a finance degree or a big salary. You need clarity, commitment, and consistency.
Your money should work for you — not the other way around.
At The Riyadh Journal, we believe financial freedom starts with one informed step. Stay connected with us for weekly guides, stories, and practical tips that empower your wallet and your world.
Let’s walk this journey together.
