If your money disappears days after you get paid, you’re not alone. But living from payday to payday is stressful – and avoidable. Here’s how to break the cycle:
- Pay yourself first. The moment you get paid, move a portion into savings. Even ₦2,000 set aside is a win. Treat savings like a fixed expense — it is non-negotiable.
- Create spending limits. Break your money into categories: rent, food, transport, airtime, fun. Stick to the limits — don’t spend from “next week’s money.”
- Buy in bulk, not daily. Buying food or essentials in small bits costs more. Weekly or monthly bulk shopping saves money and reduces impulse buys.
- Avoid salary advances unless it’s urgent. Taking early money now means having less next month. If used regularly, they lock you in a loop that’s hard to escape.
- Build a mini emergency fund. Even a small backup fund (₦10,000–₦20,000) helps avoid crisis borrowing and gives you breathing room.
- Delay gratification. Not every “want” is a “need.” Wait 24 hours before buying anything non-essential — most impulses fade.
👉 Escaping the payday-to-payday trap takes discipline, not luck. Start small, plan ahead, and give your future self some breathing space.