2026 taught me that “sapa” doesn’t send a warning text. January I was balling from December money, by February I was borrowing 2k for transport. That’s when I learned: budget before balling. Here’s what changed for me: I now use the “50-30-20 rule” but PH version. 50% of any money that enters goes to needs — food, transport, black tax. 30% goes to savings, and I changed it up: I save in dollars on Chip or in a domiciliary. Naira dey fall like rain. The last 20% is for soft life. If soft life money finish, I stay home. No “urgent 2k” calls. One story: In March I got 80k from a freelance gig. Before, I would have chilled with 30k and hoped the rest lasted. This time I moved 40k to needs, 24k to dollar savings, and 16k to enjoy. That 24k is now worth more because of exchange rate. The tip I’ll leave you: Don’t save what’s left after spending. Spend what’s left after saving. Even if it’s 1k weekly, it adds up. Another thing — track every naira. I use a simple notebook. When you see where your money goes, you spend smarter. No money is too small to budget. Start with whatever enters.
