Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has admitted that he once borrowed money to create the impression of a wealthy lifestyle, saying he placed appearances ahead of sound financial decisions before changing his attitude towards money and material possessions.
Speaking on a recent episode of the MENtality Podcast, Egbuson said he had taken out loans to pay for expensive clothes and other luxury items. He eventually came to understand that his desire to own such possessions was influenced largely by outside expectations rather than by lasting personal satisfaction.
“There will always be a newer watch, a newer car,” Timini said.
The actor said his approach to spending was also reflected in his former passion for collecting perfumes. At one point, he owned about 150 fragrances, but later considered how the money used to build the collection might have been put to more practical use.
“I used to be a perfume collector. I had about 150. But I realised that I could have invested the money I spent acquiring perfumes in purchasing land.”
Egbuson made clear that he was not criticising people who choose to spend money on expensive cars, watches or other luxury goods. Instead, he encouraged them to think carefully about the reasons behind those decisions and to distinguish personal enjoyment from pressure to match the lifestyles of others.
“I’m not trying to talk down on having a nice car or watch. But are you doing it for yourself or because of peer pressure? Are you genuinely happy with it? And without it, would you still be happy?” he asked.
Reflecting on his own financial experiences, the actor said his emotional state had not always been determined by how much money he had. He explained that there had been periods when he was struggling financially, but said he had learned to remain positive and find contentment in whatever circumstances he faced.
“There are times when I have been broken, but my energy is always the same because I found a way to be happy with whatever I have.”
Egbuson also spoke about the pressure to present an apparently perfect life, particularly through social media. He urged people not to allow difficult periods to define them, while warning that constantly pretending everything is going well can become emotionally damaging.
“There will be bad and good days. If you dwell on the bad days and you can’t find yourself, you can’t step out or create content, that means you are living a lie. And I wonder how long you can live that lie.”
The actor ended his reflection by acknowledging that he had once used borrowing and luxury purchases to impress other people. He said that mindset no longer shaped his decisions.
“I used to be that guy who lived a fake life and borrowed to impress people. But not anymore.”
