No single investment can guarantee security later in life. You get there by combining investments that each do a different job. Money market funds and Treasury bills are for short-term goals and the safer part of your money. With T-bills, pick a maturity that matches when you'll need the cash. FGN Savings Bonds give you regular income. They come in two-year and three-year options and pay interest every quarter. Equity funds or stock market ETFs are for long-term growth. They spread your money across many companies, but their value can fall a lot along the way. Money you need next year shouldn't sit where your retirement money sits. The right mix depends on your age, your responsibilities and how much risk you can take. Keep your emergency fund, invest every month, reinvest your returns and raise the amount as your income grows. And remember that earning interest isn't enough if inflation grows faster.

A realistic plan for someone earning ₦500,000 a month. Rent and bills ₦200,000
 Food and transport ₦120,000
 Enjoyment ₦30,000
 Emergency fund ₦75,000
 Invest ₦75,000 Your monthly spending is ₦350,000, so three months of cover is ₦1,050,000. At ₦75,000 a month, you'll have it in 14 months. After that, move the ₦75,000 into investments too. You'll be investing ₦150,000 a month, 30% of your income.