Before You Blow Your Salary This Weekend, Read This!

It’s Saturday. Another owambe is calling your name. The DJ is warming up, Segun Johnson-type hypemen are on standby, and your name is probably next on the mic. But before you step out looking like money, take a minute.

We’re in a new month. Salary just dropped (if you’re lucky), bills are knocking, and this economy isn’t joking with anyone. Don’t let one weekend of cruise turn into three weeks of panic and borrowed airtime. Financial stress is real, and it’s not your portion.

That’s why RNN has put together 10 practical, no-fluff tips to help you manage your money better and stay afloat. Whether you earn daily, weekly, or monthly, this guide is your survival kit.

1. Budget Like Your Life Depends on It—Because It Does

Let’s be honest, if you don’t tell your money where to go, it’ll disappear faster than data on a YouTube binge. Start with the basics: know how much you earn and where it goes. Use your notes app or even jot it down in a book—no need for fancy tools.

Break expenses into two: must-pay (rent, food, transport) and could-wait (Netflix, shawarma, impulse buys). If you’re not doing this, you’re winging life—and life will wing you back.

2. Save First, Spend Later

Forget that saying “I’ll save what’s left.” Usually, there’s nothing left. Flip the script. Once your money lands, move a portion into savings immediately—even if it’s small. N5k here, N2k there—it adds up.

You can use apps like PiggyVest or Cowrywise, or even open a separate savings account. The key is to remove temptation. If it’s not in your main account, you’re less likely to “accidentally” spend it.

3. Cut Out the Excess

Do you really need three different data plans, five streaming subscriptions, or to eat out every night? Be real with yourself. Nobody is saying don’t enjoy life—just be wise about it.

Cook more, shop smarter, avoid impulse shopping (especially online), and resist pressure from “soft life” posts on Instagram. Some of those people are broke with filters.

4. Make Extra Cash with What You Know

One income might not be enough in Nigeria. The good news? You probably have a skill someone is willing to pay for. Can you write? Teach? Bake? Edit videos? Clean? Babysit?

Look around, side hustles are everywhere. Sell thrift clothes, offer delivery, do voiceovers, run errands, be the “guy” or “babe” that people call when they need something done. If you have data and a phone, your hustle can go beyond your street.

5. Let Your Money Work for You

Once you’ve built a little savings cushion, don’t just let the money sit there. Consider low-risk investments. Treasury bills, cooperative societies, mutual funds, even fixed deposits.

But don’t rush. Research first. Speak to people who know the game. If something sounds too good to be true (like 50% ROI in one week), it probably is.

6. Build That Emergency Fund—Little by Little

Unexpected things happen. Your phone screen cracks, someone in the family needs help, prices suddenly double—you get the gist.

An emergency fund helps you stay calm when life throws curveballs. You don’t need to save everything at once. Just start. Even N500 every few days makes a difference.

7. Learn About Money—No One Will Teach You If You Don’t Try

Money management is not common sense. Most of us weren’t taught it at home or in school. Thankfully, there are free resources out there.

Follow financial pages on IG and Twitter. Read simple articles. Watch YouTube videos. Platforms like Money Africa, Reni the Resource, and FinTribe break things down in plain English. Learn now so you’re not confused later.

8. Avoid Bad Debt Like You Avoid Lagos Traffic

Borrowing money to solve problems is okay—if it’s planned and repayable. But borrowing for vibes and wants? Red flag.

If you’re already in debt, list it out, face it head-on, and pay it bit by bit. Start with the ones draining you with interest. Avoid loan apps that embarrass people or send rude messages to your contacts. Your peace of mind is priceless.

9. Use Community Power—Ajo Still Works

You don’t have to do it alone. Join a trusted ajo, esusu, or savings group. It’s not old school, it’s community finance, and it works.

Make sure you join only where you trust the people. It helps you save without touching the money and can even serve as soft capital when you need to start something.

10. Stay Grounded, Stay Disciplined

We know—it’s not always easy. But you’re not doing this for the gram or to prove a point. You’re doing it for your peace, your progress, and your future.

Celebrate small wins. The fact that you’re reading this and thinking about your money? That’s step one. Keep going.

On final note, owambe is sweet. But so is knowing your rent is sorted, your account isn’t red, and you’re not living from loan to loan.

You don’t need to suffer to be smart with money. Just plan, save, hustle wisely, and spend with sense. Share this with a friend—especially that one who always finishes their salary by the 5th day of the month.

Let’s all move from managing to thriving. Na who dey plan dey enjoy.