Reflections from a Journey to Ghana
By Letra Davis, Founder, LeLe’s Consulting Solutions
Financial transitions and life abroad aren’t just about changing your location—they’re about transforming your life. Whether you’re navigating a personal transition like divorce or just starting a new chapter, finances are always a central theme. And trust me, what I learned working in a family law firm gave me the foundation I didn’t know I needed for living smart in Ghana.
A Peek into the Financial Drama
Back in Colorado Springs, I worked at a family law firm where Tuesdays were intense: team meetings, financial reviews, and client consultations—all revolving around money. I started as a receptionist through a temp agency at Richard and Catherine Lohman’s beautifully decorated office—an oasis of Italian decor and soothing colors.
What appeared tranquil on the surface masked the financial storms brewing inside. Those Tuesday mornings revealed the complex relationship between emotions and money. The firm’s leadership meetings often grew heated, with visible tension that taught me how deeply financial discussions can affect personal relationships.
Every client walking through those doors brought their own financial puzzles: who gets what, how much, and who’s paying for what (or who’s not paying at all). I witnessed firsthand how financial misalignment could devastate both businesses and marriages. This unexpected education in financial dynamics would later become invaluable when navigating my own international transition.
Start Your Journey with Conversations
If you’re considering relocating, one of the best things you can do is start talking—first with yourself, then with your family. Set up regular check-ins to assess your financial goals, expectations, and resources. These talks might get uncomfortable, but they can be transformational.
💡 You don’t need all the answers—just a willingness to explore them together.
Begin with simple but powerful questions:
- What are my non-negotiable financial needs versus wants?
- Who should be included in my financial planning circle?
- What financial safety nets do I need before making this move?
These discussions may challenge you, encourage self-reflection, and teach you to discuss finances with family members in ways you never have before. While potentially uncomfortable, these discussions lay the groundwork for financial transitions and life abroad, helping you thrive instead of merely survive.
Ghana: Beautiful, But Be Ready
Ghana is warm, welcoming, and full of possibility. But the financial reality of living here may surprise you. Much like the beautiful office décor that lured me into believing no one could possibly be angry in such a gorgeous place, Ghana’s picturesque landscapes and freedom from Western culture can sometimes blind you to the financial realities of living here.
It’s not just about converting your dollars into cedis; it’s about rethinking how you bank, spend, and transfer money. Living in Ghana, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time expatriate, requires more than just enthusiasm for the experience—it demands financial planning and awareness.
My first months here revealed banking practices vastly different from what I was accustomed to in the States. From branch visits being the norm rather than the exception to unique documentation requirements, the learning curve was steep but necessary.
Your Knowledge, Your Power
If you want to thrive, build your financial literacy. Take advantage of free classes and workshops—banks and community organizations offer many. This will help you understand your emotional connection to money, break old habits, and develop strategies to eliminate debt and grow your income—crucial skills for living abroad.
💬 The power of financial knowledge isn’t just about growing wealth—it’s about creating freedom.
Growing up, financial decisions seemed either black or white to me: you had money to pay a bill or you didn’t. There was no room for “moving money around.” But working at the law firm introduced me to the complexity of managing both personal and business finances—allocating funds, adjusting for liquidity, and handling various financial tools—knowledge that became fundamental when preparing for international living. It’s also important, I’ve realized, for people to intentionally reflect on their childhood memories of money and how their families navigated financial challenges. Those early impressions often shape our default approach to money more than we think.
The Hidden Costs of International Living
What many glossy expatriate blogs won’t tell you: international living comes with hidden financial complexities. From navigating currency fluctuations to understanding international banking regulations, the learning curve can be steep.
For example, did you know that seemingly small transaction fees can accumulate dramatically when you’re regularly moving money between countries? Or that certain U.S. banks are significantly more accommodating for international residents than others? These details might seem minor, but they can make or break your financial stability abroad.
Building Financial Resilience Abroad
The lessons I learned at the Lohman family law firm continue to serve me well as I manage my finances in Ghana. I witnessed financial stress that affected the firm’s leadership and their clients, and like many in the diaspora, I’ve seen the difficulties of navigating finances abroad. However, by investing time in developing strategies and making informed financial decisions, it’s possible to avoid typical hurdles and setbacks.
What I’ve discovered is that financial resilience isn’t just about having enough money—it’s about creating systems that can adapt to unexpected challenges. It’s about knowing when to use digital banking versus cash, understanding local financial customs, and building relationships that provide both insight and opportunities.
Moving Forward with Confidence
If there’s one thing I want you to take from my experience, it’s this: your financial journey abroad will be uniquely yours, filled with challenges and triumphs that no article can fully prepare you for. The key is approaching it with curiosity rather than fear, flexibility rather than rigid expectations, and community rather than isolation.
Ghana has profoundly transformed my relationship with money. From my experience, I’ve learned that managing financial transitions and life abroad requires both preparation and flexibility.
💡 The richest experiences often can’t be measured in cedis or dollars.
Want to dive deeper? My comprehensive guide “Navigating Finances and Life Transitions” offers detailed strategies for selecting the right banks, avoiding hidden fees, mastering mobile money systems, executing cost-effective international transfers, managing cards abroad, and building a long-term financial foundation specifically tailored for life in Ghana. You can download it through this link. Or better yet—join our Membership Circle to access the entire financial relocation series, plus bonus resources designed to help you succeed in your move to Ghana.
About the Author: Letra Davis is a seasoned entrepreneur, recording artist, musician, and certified Kolbe Consultant. She’s the founder and CEO of LeLe’s Consulting Solutions, helping individuals and teams leverage their strengths to improve productivity, work culture, and profitability. She also offers financial assessments that help people understand why they make certain financial decisions, and how they can use their natural talents to thrive while living abroad. Connect via email: info@lelesconsultingsolutions.com
Letra’s wisdom is hard-won, practical, and deeply relatable. If her story resonates, we invite you to explore further. The full article is just the beginning.
