"This coming year, my biggest goal is to start a small business and open a shop in a new area that I’ve set my sights on moving to. I’ve been scouting the place for a while now, and one thing is clear: there isn’t a single shop within the neighborhood, which creates a good market opportunity. People would really benefit from a reliable place to buy their daily essentials nearby, and I know I can fill that need. Once I receive my third transfer payment, I plan to use a portion to complete paying for the plot I have in mind, ensuring I have a solid base to set up my shop. It’s exciting to envision it finally taking shape, knowing that my little store could become a go-to spot for the community. Farming has been my main source of income up to this point, mainly growing tomatoes and vegetables, which has been both rewarding and challenging. But with the unpredictable weather and rising costs, I know I need to diversify my income. Opening this shop will be my way of balancing the risks that come with farming and finding a steadier source of revenue." (Country: Kenya)

"I want to thank GiveDirectly for the financial support, it has truly helped me support my family without the financial strain I experienced before. I really do not want to return to the level of poverty I was in before GiveDirectly came to our rescue. That's why I want to invest in a business, so that when my transfer comes to an end, I can be financially stable and have a continuous income to support my family. I have started a grocery business and I want to expand it by adding more small fish for my customers who love them. In the coming year and beyond, I plan to invest part of my transfer into boosting this business to achieve good returns. I know that if it picks up well and I maintain my customers, I will be in a better position to meet my family's needs with greater ease." (Country: Kenya)

"We have experienced significant change in our community since GiveDirectly arrived in our village. Personally, I plan to invest a portion of my transfer into a profit-generating activity that will continue to provide benefits even after the transfers end. Therefore, I have decided to purchase goats and raise them as a future investment. As a parent of school-going children, I need to plan carefully. In addition to using the income from this investment to pay for school fees, it’s important to be prepared for any financial emergencies that may arise. Rather than relying on friends for help, I will have my own investment to depend on. I’m pleased to share that I have already bought eighteen goats, and I intend to acquire more until I have a substantial number. I believe that, over time, they will also reproduce and increase in number. Furthermore, I want to initiate a poultry project as well. Having both of these ventures will help support me during financially difficult times, as there is a ready market for both poultry and goats in our area. These are my plans for the coming year and beyond." (Country: Kenya)

"I plan to secure a plot on higher ground because where we currently live, we are frequently affected by floods, and our house often gets flooded. As a farmer, I want to continue my crop farming activities but also ensure my family's safety by relocating to a safer place. I intend to use the income from farming to buy this plot, and I am not too concerned about the size as long as it is sufficient to build a house. My priority is to provide a safe home for my family, which will give me peace of mind. Once I have the new plot, I will dedicate my current land solely to crop farming, and I plan to implement good agricultural practices to avoid future losses." (Country: Kenya)

"The plan I have now is to clear the remaining balance of $100 for the half a acre piece of land I recently secured. This land is on raised ground, which is much safer compared to where we currently live. I intend to move our house to this new plot to avoid future flooding incidents, especially after what happened to my grandmother. She is over 70 years old, and during the last floods, our house was submerged while she was inside. We had to rescue her and take her to a neighbor's place for safety. By relocating to higher ground, I can ensure my family, particularly my grandmother, will be protected from such dangers in the future." (Country: Kenya)

"Going forward, my plan for this year and the years to come is to invest in livestock keeping and crop growing. I intend to use the next transfers from GiveDirectly to buy more goats and to invest in farming. This will help ensure that there is a sustainable income in my household, providing financial stability for my family. The thought of having livestock and crops fills me with confidence, knowing that I will have something to rely on in times of emergency. I feel much better knowing that I can build a foundation for the future and take care of my family's needs, even when unexpected challenges arise." (Country: Kenya)

"My next goal for this year and beyond is to improve my quality of life. Right now, I only have one set of clothes, as the floods swept away everything I owned. I plan to buy more clothes so that I am properly dressed and also to purchase essential household items, like utensils, to make sure my home has the basics it needs. I am eagerly waiting for the final transfer from GiveDirectly, which will help me make this plan a reality. The thought of being able to fully recover from the shock of the floods fills me with happiness. It means not only restoring my life to what it was before but even taking a few steps forward to rebuild and create a better, more comfortable life." (Country: Kenya)

"My goal for the years ahead is to buy a cow and ensure my grandson’s school fees are fully paid. Currently, I don’t own a cow, and it’s very important to me because it would provide milk for our household and a source of income. In our culture, having cows is also a sign of respect and status, so owning one would mean a great deal to me personally. Alongside this, I am determined to support my grandson’s education by making sure his school fees are paid, ensuring he can continue learning without interruptions. With the final transfer from GiveDirectly, I believe I’ll be able to achieve these goals, and the thought fills me with gratitude as I envision a better future and improved living standards for us." (Country: Kenya)

"My goal for this year, and for the future, is to complete the construction of a new house for my family. I have already started purchasing building materials, and now I’m eagerly waiting for the final transfer from GiveDirectly to complete the project. This new house means more than just a place to live; it represents a future of comfort, safety, and stability. Once finished, we’ll have a home that provides protection, especially during the flood seasons, which have always been a threat to us in our current house. Knowing that soon we will be in a secure and spacious home fills me with hope and relief, and I look forward to the peace of mind it will bring my family." (Country: Kenya)

"My goal for the coming years is to focus on farming, especially once I receive my third transfer. Since I am getting older, charcoal burning has become too physically demanding for me. Farming feels more manageable, and with the help of my children, I believe I can make it successful. My children are now old enough to assist, so we will work together to make the most of the land. This plan gives me hope, as it will provide food and income for our family without the need for the hard labor of charcoal burning. I look forward to building a stable future for us through farming." (Country: Kenya)