Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has opened up about his past financial struggles, revealing that he once lived a fake life and borrowed money to impress others.

Speaking on the MENtality podcast, the actor reflected on the pressures of maintaining a lavish lifestyle and the lessons he learned along the way.

Egbuson admitted that he used to spend lavishly on fashion and luxury items, including a collection of about 150 perfumes. However, he later realised that the money could have been better invested in purchasing land.

He noted that while there will always be newer watches and cars, the real question is whether one is making such purchases for personal happiness or due to peer pressure.

The actor also shared that he has experienced both good and bad days, but his energy has remained the same because he found a way to be happy with whatever he has. He encouraged others to avoid living a lie, stressing that true happiness matters more than the constant pressure of acquiring luxury items and flaunting them online.

He said:
“I used to borrow money to maintain my lifestyle.”
“There will always be a newer watch, a newer car. 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.”

“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?”

“There are times when I have been broke, but my energy is always the same because I found a way to be happy with whatever I have. For people who are watching me, I always try to let them know that there will be bad and good days. And 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.”

“I used to be that guy who lived a fake life and borrowed to impress people. But not anymore.”