Abiola Adediran 
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to understand why some women feel pressured to take shortcuts to financial success. The images we scroll past daily—luxury vacations, designer bags, and “soft life” slogans—can create an illusion that wealth is only a few favours or flings away. And for those raised in environments where survival was the priority, not legacy, the temptation to compromise values for quick financial gains can feel like the only viable route.
From relying on transactional relationships, to getting entangled in fraud, or taking shady business deals that erode character, we’re seeing a rise in shortcut-seeking behaviours among young women. Some may even view it as “smart hustle” or “leveraging what you have.” But in my experience, I have seen firsthand that wealth built on shortcuts comes with silent costs—and they always show up later.
Many of these choices are rooted in a scarcity mindset. A mindset that whispers: “There’s not enough, I have to grab what I can, even if it costs me my peace.” It’s often further reinforced by societal narratives that value women only for their beauty, not their brains or brilliance.
Some women grow up being told their best shot at financial security is to marry rich, not become rich. That her value is tied to who chooses her, not what she builds. When these internal scripts go unchallenged, it becomes easier to justify compromise.
But here’s the truth: anything gained by losing yourself is never truly wealth.
The first and often most invisible cost is what happens to your sense of identity. When a woman ties her financial future to deception, dependency, or moral compromise, she subconsciously teaches herself that she’s not enough. Over time, this chips away at confidence and self-trust. Even if the money comes, it rarely brings peace.
In the world of wealth—especially legacy wealth—trust is currency. When you compromise your values, your personal brand begins to erode. Investors won’t trust you. Business partners won’t recommend you. And worst of all, your story becomes one people whisper about, not celebrate.
Fast money often disappears just as fast. Unlike true wealth—which is structured, protected, and multiplied—shortcut money is typically unsustainable. There’s no structure, no accountability, and no legacy. And for those who turn to fraud or illegal activities, the consequences can be life-altering—destroying not just wealth but future opportunities.
Every choice we make either builds or breaks our legacy. One day, many of these women will become mothers, mentors, or matriarchs. What story will you tell the next generation? What foundation will they inherit—not just in assets, but in values?
As women, we don’t need shortcuts. We need strategy.
We need to teach our girls that wealth is not about access to someone else’s wallet—it’s about ownership. It’s about building a business, growing in a career, investing smartly, stewarding resources, and using your voice with wisdom and dignity.
There’s honour in starting small. There’s power in consistency. And there’s immense freedom in knowing that you didn’t have to trade your body, your integrity, or your future to build the life you dream of.
Real wealth is quiet. It’s not always flashy, but it’s deeply rooted. It gives you options, peace, and the ability to serve others from a place of overflow. If you’re a young woman reading this, know this: you are not too far gone to start again. You are not behind. And you don’t need to prove your worth by compromising it.
Let’s build wealth we’re proud of. The kind we can pass down—not with shame, but with joy.
Because legacy isn’t just what you leave behind—it’s how you live right now.
Abiola Adediran is a Family Business Advisor, corporate finance and business strategy expert with nearly 2 decades of work experience that cuts across investment banking, consulting, private equity, wealth and family office management. She is the Founder/Managing Consultant of Midridge International, a pan-African strategy consulting and financial advisory firm. She is also currently a Partner at Genea Family Office.