Struggling to Make Your Salary Last Till Month-End?

With the current state of the economy, it's no surprise that many of us are finding it harder to make our salaries last until the end of the month. Prices keep rising, and despite earning a steady income, it often feels like there’s not enough to cover all our expenses. The phrase "living salary to salary" has become more relatable than ever.

As someone who has faced this challenge personally, I knew I had to find a solution before my financial situation go out of control. No matter how hard I worked, it always seemed like the money ran out before the month did, maybe because it actually did.

So, what was I doing wrong?

Where Does the Money Go?

For the longest time, I didn’t really know where my money was going. It felt like it disappears. One moment, I had my full salary; the next, I was down to 20 thousand Naira.

I mean, I had a vague idea of the big expenses—rent, utilities, transport—but the small, everyday expenses often went unnoticed. Getting suya from the street, or that extra data subscription... it all added up faster than I realized.

This lack of clarity made it hard to plan ahead or save for future goals. It was frustrating to see my income vanish without having much to show for it.

Taking Control of My Finances

The turning point came when I read some financial books, which inspired me to become intentional about managing my money. I started researching budgeting methods that were easy to follow. After a few trial and error attempts, I created a simple budgeting sheet tailored to my lifestyle. It wasn’t so fancy—just a clear, step-by-step plan for where each Naira would go.

Here’s what I did differently:

1. Listed All My Expenses: I wrote down every single thing I spent money on, from my fixed expenses like rent and electricity, to my flexible costs like food and transportation. This gave me a full picture of my financial habits.
2. Set Realistic Limits: I created spending limits for each category and made sure they reflected my actual income. This helped me avoid overestimating how much I could afford to spend on non-essential items.
3. Saved First, Not Last: I used to save whatever was left after spending, but often, there wasn’t much left at all. By budgeting, I flipped this mindset—allocating a portion of my salary to savings before I spent on other things.
4. Tracked Consistently: Keeping track of my spending regularly (daily or weekly) made it easier to stay on budget. If I noticed I was overspending in one area, I could adjust immediately before things got out of hand.

The Difference It Made

Within a few months of using my budgeting sheet, I noticed a significant difference. I wasn’t running out of money before the month ended. I was able to set aside more for savings and emergencies, and most importantly, I felt more in control of my finances.

No, budgeting didn't make me rich overnight. But it gave me the structure I needed to live within my means and reduce the financial stress that comes with constant uncertainty.

Could This Help You Too?

Definitely. That’s why I’m sharing the same budgeting sheet that worked for me. It’s a simple tool, but it can make a huge difference if you’re ready to plan ahead and take control of your spending.

Final Thoughts

Budgeting may not seem like the most exciting thing to do, but trust me, it’s a game changer. With a little discipline and a clear plan, you can stop the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and start feeling more confident about your financial future.

Remember, it’s not about how much you earn, but how well you manage what you have.

Resource: Free Budgeting sheet