Nobody really prepares you for this phase, when you have to stretch every naira and still stay sane.

I’ve been there, and here are a few things that actually helped 👇

1. Control food spending first

   Food is where most money goes. If you don’t plan it, your money disappears fast.

   Simple trick: eat heavy meals once or twice a day instead of random spending.

2. Move less, plan more

   Transport can quietly drain you.

   If you can, batch your movements; do multiple things in one trip.

3. Know your “cheap spots”

   Every area has them: cheaper food vendors, markets, or services.

   Once you find them, stick to them.

4. Avoid “small small spending”

   ₦200 here, ₦500 there… that’s how money finishes.

   Track it for just 2 days, you’ll be shocked.

5. Don’t try to impress anybody

   This one is hard, but important.

   Survival season is not for packaging, it’s for stability.

6. Find at least one extra income stream

   Even if it’s small. Even if it’s not perfect.

   Something that brings in money consistently changes everything.

This phase is tough, but it teaches discipline you’ll use for life.

If you’re currently in this phase, what has been helping you manage?