Let’s act like you don’t care about red flags, warnings and appeals to look out for yourself and your money.

That’s probably not you but let’s assume it is.

This is what that version of you would do.

1. You’d believe a text message that isn’t from us.

Even though we’ve never sent you information about your account by text message, you’d follow the instructions in a random SMS and get into trouble.

The fact: For now, we send credit and debit alerts as push notifications and we send account statements by email.

2. You’d assume that we give loans by email, text message or through social media. …

Happy New Year, for the hundredth time.

(The greeting doesn’t get old till around March or when the last Christmas decorations have disappeared, whichever comes first.)

Like they always do at this time of the year, resolutions are trending. But maybe setting such goals is not your thing.

Don’t worry, we understand.

Resolutions are notoriously hard to keep anyway, so rather than try to nudge you toward making them, we’re suggesting something different: anti-resolutions.

As the name hints, anti-resolutions are the opposite of grand New Year goals.

Let’s break it down a bit further with an example.

First, think of all the things you did wrong with your money last year — like ignoring your budget, shopping on impulse (did you really need a new phone?) or living above your means (to impress people who don’t care). …

We’ll say this plainly, it’s the time of the year when scams go viral and people get swindled.

But that’s not going to be you because you’re careful and you pay attention.

We previously sent you some red flags and pointers to look out for, but criminals are clever and you must stay several steps ahead of them.

This is a reminder.

If anyone asks you for any or all of these details, they’re up to something:

1. Your Kuda login details.

That’s your password and your login PIN. These two, like everything else we’re about to mention here, are for you to know and for everyone else to be clueless about. …

This will only take a minute or two.

We’re making a couple of changes this weekend and like we always do, we’re giving you a heads-up.

What’s In A Username?

To help clarify our corporate identity in Nigeria, we’ve updated the usernames on our Twitter and Instagram accounts to Kuda MFB (short for Kuda Microfinance Bank).

Our handles remain @kudabank (and our personality has definitely not changed).

You can still tweet us whenever you like and we’ll reply you with answers or our favourite emoji (you know the one).

Stepping Up Services

In case you missed the app notifications we sent you, we’re upgrading parts of our banking infrastructure this Sunday, November 29, from 12:00 am (midnight) to 4:00 am. …

The rumour making the rounds is that you (and the rest of us) will now be charged for failed debit transactions.

Um, no. That’s not right.

Let’s break down the facts.

1. Yes, there is a charge.

But this charge is for failed direct debits, not all debit transactions.

You won’t be charged if a bill payment, airtime (or data) purchase, outward transfer, ATM withdrawal or card payment fails. 🚫

You get the picture.

2. A direct debit needs your permission.

For a direct debit to be made on your account, you have to give your bank a written and signed instruction to pay on your behalf at a specific time. …

In a year that has been particularly trying for most people including myself, I am humbled by the fact that Kuda has raised $10 million in seed round funding from some of the world’s most respected institutional investors led by Target Global, with participation from Entrée Capital and SBI Investments.

The Kuda journey began with what seemed like an impossible mission: To give all Africans on the planet access to the best banking services at prices they can comfortably afford.

With determination, a team of dedicated people and a lot of faith, we have taken several steps toward making that mission a reality, and this raise is intended to accelerate our progress. …

Did you have a good week?

Ours was busy (isn’t it always?) and we’re looking forward to the weekend as much as you are.

Speaking of the weekend, do you treat yours like a holiday?

There’s quite a lot of wisdom in taking regular breaks to make sure your body and mind get enough rest, and the weekend is the only time of the week when you don’t need any excuse to catch your breath.

So whether you choose to spend them alone or with loved ones, start making the most of your Saturdays and Sundays.

Don’t underrate how much two days of actual rest can do to improve your wellbeing. …

How are you doing?

These days, the tiredness is psychological, physical and very real.

We feel it too and we wanted to help in some way, so we started a mental health series called ‘Good For You’.

For as long as we can, we’ll share tips and reminders like this on Twitter and Instagram to help you stay on track with doing things that are good for you.

We’re not healthcare professionals and we’re not trying to replace them, so if you feel burdened or exhausted, speak to a licensed therapist or a doctor right away.

Please, stick around for a couple of important updates. …