I saw a tweet recently where one lady said there’s a way someone earning less than 150k can actually live better than someone earning 400k.
People dragged her immediately. And to be fair, the reaction made sense. Anyone earning that kind of salary in today’s economy is already doing Olympic level budgeting just to survive the month.
But after reading the comments, I realized there's a tiny truth hiding inside that take because we always say, “If only my salary was a little higher, life would be easier.” Then the salary increases and somehow the money still disappears at the same speed.
So maybe, the issue isn’t only income. Sometimes it is habits and we should talk about it.
The Spend-First, Regret-Later Trap
Most of us enter a new month with the energy of someone who just won the lottery. Fresh salary alert equals new mood. Everything suddenly becomes possible…including that purchase on Temu. After all, there’s a 50 percent discount 😉.
By the 15th, the excitement has expired. Your bank app becomes something you avoid like a difficult conversation. You know the balance is not okay, so you just…dont look. And the cycle continues.
But come on, there is no point working if we do not get to enjoy our lives, right? So how should one really spend without becoming miserly?
Save Before Life Happens
You will save when all your needs are met? Or when your income increases?
My dia, by now you should already know that: Problem no dey finish.
If you wait to save what remains after spending, nothing will remain. Life will always present an emergency or temptation.
So please savings should come first in your budgeting and not last.
Even if it is 2k. Even if it feels small. Move something aside the moment salary lands. The amount does not matter as much as the habit.
Know What Drains Your Account
Everyone has spending triggers. Once you know your weak points, you can plan around them. If weekends scatter your budget, set a weekend limit, If food delivery apps tempt you, remove them, if you can’t scroll pass a cloth ads without buying, break your pho…just kidding 😂. Please filter your recommendations on IG.
Track Your Money, Even the Painful Parts
You will be shocked that all those urgent small small spending are not as innocent as they seem. It is the ten small 2k spends you barely notice. Transport here. Snacks there. It’s called urgent 2k for obvious reasons.
When you can see where your money is going, you get to decide if that's actually where you want it to go.
Stop Spending for an Imaginary Audience
It’s okay to look good. It’s great to look sorted. In fact, why are you even working if you're not going to take care of yourself and look peng 😎? But there’s a thin line between all these and trying to impress people by your spending. When your sense of worth is tied to people's impression of you, it starts to control how you spend.
Truth is, most people are busy with their own struggles and nobody is watching your lifestyle as closely as you think. Financial peace starts when you stop performing for people who are not paying your bills.
So Maybe the Salary Isn’t the Only Problem
Yes, things are expensive. Nobody is denying that. You may not be able to control your salary yet, but you definitely can control your habits. And that is where real financial freedom begins.
