By Suraju Ola
Living on minimum wage requires discipline and clear priorities. If you are earning the minimum wage, your focus should be on survival and growth — not on impressing others or keeping up with unrealistic standards set by social media.
Here’s a practical guide on how to live within your means, cut unnecessary expenses, and prepare yourself for a better financial future.
1. Rethink Your Spending Habits
If you can only afford a pint or a few cups of rice, buy exactly that. No rule requires you to purchase a whole bag simply because others are doing so online.
Similarly, avoid using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt for daily commutes unless necessary. Affordable public transportation — whether it’s keke, bus, or shared taxis — will save you money in the long run.
2. Live Where You Can Afford
One of the biggest financial mistakes is renting an apartment in a high-end neighbourhood you cannot afford. The rent will constantly drain your income and keep you stressed.
Instead, find housing that matches your budget. There are decent options for every income level. Your priority should be safety and affordability — not proximity to wealthy neighbours or trendy locations.
3. Choose Schools Within Your Budget
Education is essential, but you don’t need to enrol your children in schools with Olympic-sized pools and imported smartboards to secure their future.
Look for schools that provide strong foundational education without putting you into debt. What matters most is consistency, parental involvement, and quality teaching — not the cost of facilities.
4. Stop Chasing Prestige Purchases
Many people feel pressured to buy iPhones, designer clothes, and luxury gadgets they cannot afford. Financial intelligence is not about how much you earn, but how wisely you spend.
Avoid unnecessary subscriptions to multiple streaming platforms when free alternatives exist. Cook more at home instead of eating out daily. Say no to unnecessary loans that only put you deeper into debt.
5. Build Your Skills and Increase Your Earning Power
Minimum wage is designed for survival — not luxury. To achieve a better lifestyle, you must work on increasing your capacity for self-improvement.
Learn in-demand skills such as digital marketing, video editing, data analysis, content creation, product design, or project management. Start a small business on the side if possible — dropshipping, thrift sales, POS services, and food delivery are all viable options.
6. Network and Build Relationships
Spend less time gossiping online and more time connecting with people who can open doors for you. Building strong relationships and fostering mentorship opportunities can help you secure better jobs or partnerships that will enhance your income.
7. Manage Your Utilities and Daily Costs
Electricity is not free anywhere in the world. Learn to switch off lights and appliances when they are not in use. Reduce waste and track your consumption — small savings add up over time.
8. Be Patient and Focused
Not everyone will get rich overnight. The key is to live within your means today while working to expand your means tomorrow. Cut out expenses that drain your income, invest in your growth, and keep climbing until you no longer rely on minimum wage.
Final Thoughts
Living on minimum wage can be challenging, but it is possible to survive and even thrive if you manage your resources wisely. Stop putting yourself under unnecessary pressure to impress others. Instead, focus on building skills, reducing expenses, and gradually improving your financial situation.
The goal is not to remain comfortable at the bottom — it is to climb out of it.
