It is no news to every person in Nigeria, how a 31-day January can end up looking like 100 or more days.
It is always very crazy for most young people, especially those that are just finding their foot in one industry or the other, to be able to sustain their lives on their salary.
Most people end up emptying their accounts before the middle of the month, while some have to even empty their savings accounts to sustain themselves for the remaining days of the month.
So, I’m here to help you figure out how to avoid being penniless this month. I have put together five different ways to spend less and survive this month, so you need to grab your pen and paper, your popcorn or whatever it is that you enjoy chewing and learn with me.
Method 1
Keep track of your expenses. This way, you will be able to track your spending. You will know whether it is the raving, the beach hangout, or that food you couldn’t stop ordering that has emptied your account.
This method doesn’t only help you during January but also every month. You can have a space in your journal where you list out your expenses and how much they absorb for the month.
Method 2
Try to avoid unnecessary spending this month. You know that your shoe rack already has more than 25 pairs of new shoes. That new pair won’t add anything to your self-esteem or your pride; it will only affect your budget for the month.
If you know it is difficult to not buy some new things for yourself, all you need to do is get a blindfold and wear it till the 31st of this month. Try it and you will see how it will work so well for you.
Method 3
Choose a reasonable accommodation. If you know that you earn less than ₦100,000 monthly, why are you in that ₦700,000 house? How will you be able to keep up with other expenses and even your savings if more than 50% of your salary has to go towards rent?
Why not get inquiries about other cheaper spaces? Must you stay on the island if you know you can’t even afford some places on the mainland?
Method 4
Cut back on food spending. I know this can be very hard, but guess who doesn’t have a choice but to cut costs on food?
Yes, you guessed right, you! If you have always had a soft spot for junk or fast food and you know they are the sole reason for your account draining so badly, then you already know what to do this month.
If you normally spend 20% of your monthly salary on junk, try cutting it down to 10%, or even 5% if possible. You have a long way to go this month, and spending on junks or fast food is not one way to have a penniless January.
Method 5
This last method might seem senseless to some people, but you will be surprised at how much this can help. Find one nearby church and just move there.
Those church people have plenty of money, so they will be able to feed you and house you.
All you have to do is find one very rich church that has been able to cash out and carry your luggage. That way, you only have to worry about getting toiletries for yourself, and who knows? They might want to always buy that for you too, as per Jesus’ bride.
The problem with these methods is that if they work for one person, they may not work for another. All you have to do is find that particular method that will not only help you spend less this month but also have a good saving plan. Have a very penniless January!
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