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There were moments in my life when having an emergency fund felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. I grew up in Uganda, where opportunities were scarce, money was tight, and survival came before savings. Did I know that I would achieve financial security and own real estate one day? If someone had told me this before, I would have laughed. But here’s the truth: if I could do it, starting from nothing, so can you. I know what it feels like to live paycheck to paycheck. To wonder if you’ll have enough for rent, or to feel that every bit of money is already spoken for before it even touches your hand. The idea of putting cash aside for “later” when you need it so badly for “now” feels impossible. But let me share a lesson that changed my life. Even small, consistent savings matter. It creates a safety net to give you freedom and peace. Why an Emergency Fund Matters Life doesn’t ask for permission before it throws a challenge at you. A sudden medical bill, job loss, a family crisis, these are storms that can wipe away progress if you don’t have a cushion. An emergency fund is that cushion. It’s not about luxury or extra cash lying around. It’s about security. When I first started building mine, it wasn’t glamorous. I wasn’t putting in big chunks of money. I was putting away coins, then small bills, then slightly larger amounts. But what mattered was the habit. That simple act of saving, told me I was serious about my future. Starting From Zero I’ve met people who tell me, “Herman, I can’t save. I barely make enough to cover my needs.” I understand that pain. I lived it. But let me challenge you: don’t wait until you have “extra money.” You won’t. Start with what you already have, no matter how little. When I began, I set aside what was equal to the cost of a cup of tea each day. It seemed insignificant, but over 30 days, it added up. Over 90 days, it grew. And the moment I faced a sudden expense, I didn’t have to borrow, beg, or panic. I had something to fall back on. It’s not the amount that changes your life, it’s the discipline. A Simple Plan to Build Your First Emergency Fund Here’s a plan that works whether you’re earning a lot or very little. Step 1: Define your first goal Don’t overwhelm yourself by aiming for six months of expenses right away. Start small. Aim for $300 or whatever equals one month of your most urgent bills. That goal feels reachable, and hitting it gives you momentum. Step 2: Pick your savings trigger. Choose something you spend on daily or weekly to cut back just a little. For me, it was small snacks and unnecessary trips. Every time I skipped that expense, I put the money straight into a jar or mobile wallet. Step 3: Commit to a time frame. Tell yourself: “For the next 60 days, I’m saving something every day.” Even if it’s a dollar, 100 shillings, or 50 rupees, save it. The power is in consistency. You’ll be amazed at how quickly those tiny amounts add up. Step 4: Protect it from yourself. This was the hardest part for me. The temptation to dip into the money for non-emergencies is strong. My trick? I stored mine in a separate account I didn’t touch, not even with a debit card. It was my “do not break unless necessary” fund. Step 5: Celebrate the small wins. The first time you see $50 in that fund, celebrate. When it hits $100, celebrate again. These milestones keep you motivated, and they prove you’re capable. Lessons from My Journey When I started investing in real estate, people thought I had a big monetary backup. The truth is, I began with almost nothing. What gave me the courage to take that first risk was knowing I had a safety net. My emergency fund gave me permission to take chances without fear of total collapse. You might not be looking to invest yet, but the principle is the same. An emergency fund gives you breathing room. It allows you to think clearly, plan ahead, and act with confidence. Without it, every decision is clouded by desperation. Even if you think you can’t, start anyway. Save today, save tomorrow, save again the day after. In 30 days, you’ll see progress. In 60 days, you’ll feel stronger. In a year, you’ll look back and thank yourself. Final Thoughts I also learned that resilience isn’t about how much you make, but how well you manage what you have. I’ve met people earning thousands who have no savings, and people earning very little who build wealth slowly but surely. The difference is in mindset and discipline.

I often tell people that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business. It is about a way of thinking. If you want financial freedom, you have to train your mind to see opportunities where others see problems. This mindset carried me from very modest beginnings in Uganda to building wealth through real estate and other ventures. That journey is what inspired me to write From Modest Beginnings to Financial Freedom and other books by Herman Mukasa. My goal with every page is to help people live free financially, no matter their background. In this article, I want to share my own perspective on how to think like an entrepreneur and why it is the reason I never miss opportunities. With the right focus and habits, I truly believe anyone can develop this mindset.  Entrepreneurship is All About Perspective Growing up, I had every reason to believe that financial security was simply not in my card. With no resources, constant rejection, and a limiting environment, I was sure that my dream of building wealth would never see the light of day. Yet I discovered that perspective makes the difference. Where others saw closed doors, I started asking myself different questions. What if this rejection was actually a redirection? What if this struggle was teaching me something I could use later? This shift in perspective is the heart of thinking like an entrepreneur. In From Modest Beginnings to Financial Freedom, I talked about how I built a real estate portfolio from almost nothing. I didn’t have any money in my pocket, but what I did have was resourcefulness. I learned how to scout undervalued properties, negotiate with anyone and everyone, and stretch my last few dollars on especially hard days. Those habits came from seeing possibilities where others only saw limitations. Spotting Opportunities Others Miss I believe a true entrepreneur can train their eyes to see what most people overlook, but it’s not a skill you can learn overnight. I remember walking through neighborhoods for hours just to find a property that no one else noticed. Maybe the roof was broken or the walls needed paint. Most people saw a burden. I saw potential. This lesson applies beyond real estate. Opportunities exist in everyday life if you are willing to look closely. A small business that others dismiss, a problem in your community that no one is solving, or even your own skills that people are willing to pay for. Thinking like an entrepreneur means asking: what can I do with what I already have? One of the reasons I wrote books by Herman Mukasa was to show that you do not need to wait for the perfect conditions. You just need to act on the opportunities around you. Taking Careful Risks Another truth I learned early is that entrepreneurship is not about reckless gambling. It is about careful, calculated risks. When I bought my first ever property, I knew I was taking a big, fat chance. But the only thing I could do was believe in myself and the effort I’d been putting in. I had spent countless days studying the market, learning from people with experience, and planning exactly how I’ll manage my investment. Too many people wait for risk-free opportunities, but the reality is that no such thing exists. You simply can’t achieve financial freedom if you can’t accept the risk. What you can do is prepare for it wisely. Tell yourself: I will take the step, but I will take it with knowledge and strategy. Turning Struggles Into Strengths Growing up in Uganda shaped me in ways that I never thought would become an advantage later, but I was wrong. Facing rejection taught me resilience. Working with limited money taught me creativity. Bias and financial struggles taught me patience. Many people let struggles convince them that success is out of reach. I believe the opposite. Challenges prepare you to think smarter, to push harder, and to value every opportunity you receive. That is why the title of my book, “From Modest Beginnings to Financial Freedom” is so personal to me. My beginnings were indeed modest, but they were the soil where I subconsciously planted the seedling of my entrepreneurial mindset. Every setback simply watered that seedling until I started thinking like an investor. Entrepreneurial Habits That Help You Never Miss an Opportunity Let me share some habits that I practice daily which helped me develop an entrepreneurial mindset: Stay Curious Every Day  Ask questions constantly. Why does this business work? Why is that property so affordable? Curiosity keeps your mind open to opportunities and risks. Write Down Problems You Notice Every problem is a potential business idea. If you find yourself saying, “I wish someone would fix this,” think about how you could be that person for someone. You’re essentially creating a job for yourself. Build Networks and Listen More often than not, opportunities come through people and connection. That’s why it’s even an investment to surround yourself with goal-oriented, resourceful people. When you listen to their stories, you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn from their mistakes. Act on Small Ideas Do not wait for the million-dollar idea. Test small ones. I started with simple steps in real estate before building a portfolio. Small moves build confidence. Stay Resilient When Rejected Rejection is not failure. It is a filter. It pushes you toward the opportunities that are truly yours. Why This Mindset Matters When I look back on my journey, I realize the biggest opportunities were first my biggest problems. A property in bad shape. A market no one trusted. A financial system that seemed impossible to navigate. By thinking like an entrepreneur, I did not just survive those challenges. I turned them into stepping stones. That is why I believe anyone, no matter how small they start, can build wealth and stability. You just need to train your mind to see opportunities where no one else does, and most importantly, to act