10 Proven Strategies to Make Your Salary Last

Making your salary last through the month can be a tough task, but with some clever planning and financial management, it’s achievable.

We are here to share 10 practical strategies to help you extend your salary, cover all your expenses, and avoid being burdened with debt.

Monitor Your Spending

The first step is to know exactly where your money is going each month. Use a budgeting app or an Excel spreadsheet to record all your expenses for a month or two. This will reveal spending habits you may not have been aware of, like daily suya or multiple online subscriptions. Understanding where every Naira goes allows you to make informed decisions about where to cut back.

Develop a Budget

Once you understand your current spending habits, create a detailed budget that aligns with your income. Be realistic about necessities like rent and loan repayments so you don’t set yourself up for failure. A feasible budget should also account for some wants, like eating out or hobbies. Ideally, aim to save 10-15% of your monthly net income. Even small savings accumulate over time.

Lower Fixed Costs

The greatest opportunity to save money every month lies in fixed costs like rent, insurance, internet/data plans, and loan repayments. Contact each provider and negotiate discounts, switch to cheaper alternatives, or do without if possible. For instance, paying annually instead of monthly can result in cheaper car insurance. Every Naira saved gives your salary more room to breathe.

Plan Meals and Cook in Bulk

One of the most controllable weekly costs is groceries and eating out. Planning meals for a week in advance allows you to buy only what you need and cook in bulk. Having homemade meals and leftovers ready to go discourages you from buying fast food on the go. Utilizing grocery loyalty programs, coupons, shopping sales, and buying generic brands are simple ways to spend less at the supermarket.

Entertain on a Budget

Weekend fun doesn’t have to ruin your careful budget. Instead of spending thousands at the club, invite friends over for potluck dinners and game nights. Stream movies instead of going to the cinema or check out free local events like outdoor concerts and festivals. You can still enjoy quality time with loved ones without breaking the bank.

Use Cash for Discretionary Spending

Adhering to a weekly cash allowance for things like clothes, gifts, and hobbies ensures you stay aware of this spending instead of mindlessly swiping a card. Once the money is gone, it has to wait until next week’s allowance. Automating savings and bill payments also helps limit what’s left in your bank account to spend on wants versus needs.

Dodge Fees and Interest Charges

Small fees from ATMs, late payments, overdrafts, and carrying credit card balances can quickly eat into your salary. Avoid fees by understanding account policies, making online payments on time, and setting text alerts if balances drop too low. Pay more than the minimum due on debts and use balance transfer or 0% APR cards strategically to avoid wasting money on interest charges.

Establish an Emergency Fund

Life throws unexpected crises and expenses at us all. Protect yourself by building a cash emergency fund equal to 3-6 months of your salary. Start small if necessary, like N1,000 per paycheck. Over time, watch it grow along with your peace of mind. Knowing this money is there to cover a job loss, medical crisis, or major car repair makes it easier to manage regular monthly bills without going into debt.

Negotiate a Pay Raise

Beyond reducing existing costs, look for ways to increase your actual salary. Prepare a case to show your boss why you deserve a pay raise based on performance, cost of living, or competitive rates compared to industry peers. Even a 1-3% increase makes a difference, along with asking about overtime, bonuses, or freelance work opportunities at your current employer.

Create Additional Income Streams

The more sources you have for earning money, the less pressure on your main salary and the more flexibility you gain over time. Explore part-time work, monetizing a hobby, renting out unused space, or investing with apps like Peer Lendly. Multiple income streams allow you to rely less on one main salary source. Saving and investing money made from side hustles can ultimately help grow your wealth too.

Implementing even a few of these salary-stretching strategies will be a game-changer. 

I know it takes some time and effort to establish new money habits, but you can do this! And your financial health is worth it. 

Stay positive and take it one step at a time.