Building a secure future with SteadFin. Grace Kabasiita, Retired from USAID
I joined SteadFin in 2004 when it was still FSN Association. A fellow member enthusiastically shared the benefits of the SACCO, and I joined immediately. At the time, I had an existing loan with a bank that carried high interest rates. Recognizing SteadFin’s low-interest rates, I took my first loan to clear my costly bank loan. This brought immense relief, and from that moment on, I never had to rely on bank loans again. Thanks to SteadFin!
One of my proudest achievements is financing my children’s education. For 11 years, I had two university students every year alongside others in secondary school. At the start of every semester, I needed UGX 6 million for education expenses. As an FSN 7, saving that amount in just three months was nearly impossible.
Thankfully, SteadFin’s top-ups were a lifesaver, so every semester, I accessed a top-up loan, ensuring my children completed university without financial strain. SteadFin played a major role in making their education journey smooth.
My retirement plan involved acquiring land within Fort Portal Tourism City for a guest house. I started with one acre and, with each opportunity to expand, I turned to SteadFin for top-up loans.
Today, I own three acres in the city.
On this land, I have built my home, guest rooms, gardens for functions, and a plantation with bananas, gonja, sour sop (kitafeeri), and other crops. The SACCO’s support made this dream a reality, which I wouldn’t have achieved on my own.
SteadFin’s support has transformed my life, enabling me to pursue my aspirations. My various business ventures are self-sustaining, covering worker wages and keeping me financially stable. I continue to expand the guest house at a steady pace using proceeds from my businesses, without taking new loans.
My advice to Members;
- If you have a steady income to repay a loan, don’t hesitate to take it—just ensure it’s used for its intended purpose.
- Start planning for retirement early. Having a plan before retirement allows for better management, whereas starting after retirement can be stressful, especially if a business takes time to succeed.
Planning ahead prevents last-minute panic. Engage with SteadFin for professional advice—I did, and was encouraged to incorporate agricultural projects into my guest house business for quick income. This diversification has been invaluable, as it provides financial stability even when guest bookings are low. Traders consistently buy my motooke, gonja, and kitafeeri, ensuring a steady revenue stream.
Thanks to SteadFin for being a pillar in my financial journey!
