By Funke Babs-Kufeji
Waiting for payday when you’re broke can be downright nerve-wracking—especially in a place like Nigeria, where the cost of living seems to rise faster than your bank balance. The fluctuating naira, unexpected expenses, and the general hustle of daily life can make the stretch between paycheques feel endless. But don’t worry—you can survive the gap with a little strategy and some creative thinking.
Here are eight smart ways to stay afloat until your next paycheque drops:
1. Budget Like a Boss
This is not the time for wishful thinking—your budget needs to be lean, mean, and strictly for essentials. Focus on needs (food, transport, rent, and utilities) and cut out wants (subscriptions, impulse buys, eating out). Be ruthless. Track every naira, adjust as necessary, and remind yourself: “This is temporary.”
2. Cook at Home—And Keep It Simple
Ordering takeout or eating out? Big no. Instead, stick to affordable, home-cooked meals. Staples like rice, beans, pasta, noodles, and eggs can be stretched in multiple ways. Get creative—yesterday’s rice can become fried rice, and that leftover stew? Perfect for spaghetti. Waste nothing, stretch everything.
3. Ditch the Car—Use Public Transport or Carpool
Fuel prices alone can drain your wallet before you even make it to work. If you usually drive, consider switching to buses, trains, or even walking where possible. Carpooling is another solid option—splitting transport costs with others can significantly reduce your daily expenses.
4. Sell What You Don’t Need
Got clothes you haven’t worn in years? An old phone gathering dust? A gadget you never use? Declutter your space and turn those unused items into cash. Platforms like Jiji, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp make selling second-hand items super easy. You’d be surprised how much money you can make from things you don’t even miss.
5. Monetise Your Skills
You don’t need a full-blown side hustle—just a skill you can cash in on. Can you write, design, tutor, bake, or do hair? Offer your services in your community or on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Even small jobs like babysitting, running errands, or helping someone with admin work can bring in some much-needed funds.
6. Cancel Subscriptions & Cut Down on Data
Netflix, Spotify, gym memberships—hit pause on anything non-essential. You can always resubscribe once your finances are stable. Also, minimise mobile data costs by using Wi-Fi whenever possible and turning off background data usage on your phone.
7. Find Free or Low-Cost Entertainment
You don’t have to spend money to have fun. Go for walks, visit parks, listen to free podcasts, watch YouTube, or dive into free online courses. Socialising doesn’t have to mean expensive hangouts—host a game night, binge old movies, or have deep convos with friends.
8. Ask for Help—If You Absolutely Need To
This should be your last resort, but if things get really tight, don’t be afraid to reach out. A small loan from a friend or family member, a barter exchange (offering a service in return), or even assistance from a community group or church can be a lifesaver. There’s no shame in seeking help when necessary—just have a plan to pay it forward when you’re back on your feet.
