How I manage my finances as a Nigerian Gen Z is a daily reality check more than it is a cute lifestyle topic. The truth is, this economy is tough, and like many young people, I find myself constantly juggling between responsibilities, expectations, and the little income that comes in. There are days when it feels like survival is the only goal, and thriving is a distant dream. Still, I have had to face the fact that whether the money is small or not, learning how I manage my finances is the only way I can keep moving forward.
It hasn’t been smooth or easy. I struggle with the same things most people in my generation deal with—unpredictable expenses, the temptation of lifestyle spending, and the weight of inflation that makes yesterday’s prices look like a joke today. But in the middle of all this, I’ve been figuring out practical, sometimes unconventional ways to stretch every naira and avoid drowning in debt. Managing my finances is not about perfection for me; it’s about survival, discipline, and being brutally honest about my reality.
So, while I may not have it all figured out, I’ve found lessons and small hacks that help me get by. Sharing my journey is not to paint myself as an expert but to show how I manage my finances as a Nigerian Gen Z. It is still a work in progress—messy, real, and sometimes embarrassing. If anything, I hope it reflects that you’re not alone in this struggle and that even in chaos, there’s still a way to manage your finances with intention.
How I Manage My Finances As A Nigerian Gen Z
Managing money as a young Nigerian isn’t for the faint of heart. Every day feels like a new financial challenge, from rising food prices to job uncertainty and sometimes even the pressure of living up to expectations. For me, learning how I manage my finances as a Nigerian Gen Z has been about trial, error, discipline, and slowly unlearning bad habits that kept me broke. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.
Below are the things I’ve learnt to do differently, each shaping how I manage my finances today.
1. Saving While Still Having Enough to Survive
The first and most difficult step in how I manage my finances is saving. At first, I struggled with this because I thought saving meant depriving myself. But I learnt that saving is not about cutting off all enjoyment; it’s about balance—putting something aside while still ensuring I can survive day to day. Even if it’s just ₦500 or ₦1,000 after expenses, I treat it as a victory because those small amounts build up over time.
I no longer put myself under pressure to save huge chunks at once. Instead, I focus on consistency. Sometimes, I save through automatic deductions; other times, I use digital apps that lock funds so I won’t be tempted to spend them. This system keeps me disciplined because I know that if I can survive on what’s left after saving, then I’m already training myself to live within my means.
Over time, this has made me more confident about emergencies and unexpected bills. Saving is no longer a burden; it’s become the foundation of how I manage my finances as a Nigerian Gen Z, even in an economy that constantly tries to drain me.
2. Learning About Investment
After struggling with just keeping money in a savings account, I realised my money wasn’t growing. That’s when I started learning about investments, i.e. stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and even small cooperative societies. At first, it felt overwhelming because financial jargon can be intimidating. But the more I read and watched videos, the more I understood that investing is just another way to secure my future.
For me, investing is not about chasing quick riches; it’s about building something steady over time. I began with mutual funds because they are less risky and more beginner-friendly. Then, as my confidence grew, I started exploring stocks with caution, always remembering that knowledge comes before money. This shift has helped me to see that my financial journey doesn’t end with saving—it continues with making money work for me.
By taking the time to learn about investments, I’ve added another layer to how I manage my finances. Even as a Gen Z’er dealing with limited resources, investing shows me that it’s possible to grow wealth slowly but surely.
3. Tracking My Expenditure
One of my worst habits used to be spending money without knowing where it went. By the end of the week, I’d be shocked at how empty my account looked. To change this, I started tracking every expense, no matter how small. I write them down in a notebook or use expense-tracking apps to keep myself accountable.
Tracking my expenditure was a game-changer. It revealed patterns I didn’t notice before, like how much I spent on food deliveries or unnecessary transport. Seeing the numbers in black and white helped me face reality and adjust accordingly. Without this, I’d still be living in denial about why I was always broke.
Now, this simple habit has become an essential part of how I manage my finances as a Nigerian Gen Z. It keeps me in control, forces me to prioritise, and ensures that every naira has a clear purpose.
4. No More Impulse Purchases
Impulse buying used to be my biggest downfall. I would see something online or at a shop and convince myself I needed it immediately. Later, I’d regret the purchase, especially when more important expenses came up. Learning to say “no” to impulse buying was a painful but necessary step in how I manage my finances.
Now, whenever I want to buy something, I give myself at least 48 hours to think about it. Most times, I realise I don’t really need it after all. This delay tactic has saved me from countless unnecessary purchases and taught me discipline. I’ve also learnt to separate wants from needs, something that took me a long time to master.
Eliminating impulse spending not only helps me save money but also makes me value the things I eventually choose to buy. It’s one of the most effective tools I use to manage my finances responsibly.
5. Cooking My Meals and Budgeting Cheat Days
Food was one of my biggest financial leaks. I used to buy takeout almost every day, convincing myself I was too tired to cook. But when I started tracking expenses, I realised food was eating up more than half of my budget. Now, cooking my meals at home has become a core part of how I manage my finances as a Nigerian Gen Z.
Meal prepping on weekends saves me a lot. It doesn’t mean I never eat out, but I now plan for it by budgeting cheat days. This way, I still enjoy my favourite meals without guilt because I know it won’t affect my survival budget. Balancing cooking with occasional indulgence keeps me disciplined without feeling like I’m punishing myself.
This shift has helped me save thousands of naira monthly. It’s a practical, sustainable habit that aligns with my financial goals and keeps me in control.
6. Budgeting and Avoiding Unnecessary Giveaways
Another mistake I used to make was giving out money I didn’t have. I often wanted to help friends and family, even when my own account was struggling. While generosity is good, I had to accept that helping others at my own expense was self-sabotage.
Now, I create a strict budget that includes only what I can afford to give. If it’s not in the budget, I simply say no. This way, I can support people without sinking myself deeper into financial stress. It took me a while to get comfortable with setting boundaries, but it was necessary.
This practice is central to how I manage my finances. Budgeting ensures that every area of my life is covered, and avoiding unnecessary giveaways protects me from being drained by obligations that don’t serve me.
7. Improving My Income Through Side Gigs
Finally, no matter how much I save or cut costs, the truth is that income matters. That’s why I focus on finding side gigs, freelance jobs, and even exploring passive income opportunities. For me, the hustle is part of how I manage my finances as a Nigerian Gen Z.
I’ve done everything from freelance writing to small online businesses, and I continue to look for new ways to grow my income. The extra money may not be massive, but it creates breathing space and reduces the pressure of relying on just one stream.
Improving my income is the long-term strategy. It’s not easy, and rejection is common, but it’s a reality for many of us. Still, this relentless search for opportunities ensures that my financial journey is not just about surviving but gradually moving towards thriving.
Learning how I manage my finances as a Nigerian Gen Z has been a journey of unlearning bad habits, setting boundaries, and building healthier money routines. From saving small amounts, tracking expenses, and avoiding impulse buys to cooking at home and seeking extra income, I’ve had to adapt to an economy that constantly tests my discipline. It hasn’t been easy, but every intentional step has shaped how I survive financially without losing myself in the process.
At its core, how I manage my finances is not about being perfect with money but about being consistent. I’ve learnt that discipline with finances doesn’t mean deprivation; it simply means creating a balance where my present needs are met while my future is being secured. Even in tough times, I’ve found that managing wisely gives me peace of mind and keeps me from unnecessary stress.
In the end, the way I manage my finances as a young Nigerian is proof that even small changes make a big difference. It’s about progress, not perfection. And if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that every decision with money today has the power to shape the kind of future I want tomorrow.
Until I come your way again, remember to subscribe to Doyin’s Honest Notes and enjoy a drop of honey for your day.