Background
I’ve heard it so many times.
“I’ll start saving when I start earning more.”
“I can’t save now. My income is too small.”
“I’m just trying to survive each month. Saving isn’t realistic.”
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for feeling the pressure.
But here’s the truth, friend:
Saving is not something you do after you start earning more.
It’s a discipline you build before the breakthrough comes.
You don’t need a huge income to develop wise financial habits. You need a decision, a system, and a mindset shift.
Let me show you how to save more, even if you’re currently earning just a little. These principles will help you build financial peace, avoid unnecessary pressure, and prepare for the opportunities that are coming.
1. Shift Your Mindset from “I Can’t” to “I Will”
Many people think saving is only for the rich or well-paid.
But saving isn’t about the amount. It’s about the habit.
It’s not easy, especially when every naira counts. But it’s possible.
Think of it like this:
If you can save ₦500 from ₦10,000, you’ll be able to save ₦50,000 when you start earning ₦1 million.
If you can’t, you’ll always find a reason why “this month is tight.”
Scripture:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10
Make up your mind today: I will save something, no matter how small.
2. Track Where Your Money Goes
You can’t save what you can’t see.
If you’re not tracking your spending, you’re likely losing money without knowing it.
Those ₦500 here and ₦1,000 there add up fast.
Start by:
- Writing down every naira you spend for one week
- Categorising it (food, transport, airtime, impulse buys, etc)
- Looking for patterns and leaks
You might be shocked by how much is going to small, avoidable expenses.
Once you become aware, you can adjust.
Tool tip: Use a simple notebook, Excel sheet, or free app like Mint or Wallet to track your spending.
3. Pay Yourself First
Most people save what is left after spending. But wise people save first and spend the rest.
Even if you earn ₦20,000 per month, try to save at least ₦1,000 at the beginning of the month.
Make saving a priority, not an afterthought.
It teaches discipline. It builds confidence. And it honours God’s principle of stewardship.
Tip:
Set up a separate savings account and transfer your savings the moment money comes in. Make it automatic if possible.
This way, you won’t be tempted to spend it.
4. Use the 70-20-10 Principle (Or Adjust It)
Here’s a simple breakdown you can try:
- 70 percent for your needs (food, rent, transport)
- 20 percent for savings
- 10 percent for giving (tithes, charity, helping others)
If this feels hard right now, start with:
- 80-15-5 or
- 90-5-5
The point is not the formula. The point is consistency.
Saving ₦1,000 every month for 12 months is better than saving nothing at all because you think it’s too small.
5. Avoid Emotional and Impulse Spending
You’re walking in the market. You see something beautiful.
Your bank account says no, but your feelings say “just this once.”
And before you know it, you’ve spent your savings on something you didn’t plan for.
Impulse spending is one of the biggest enemies of financial growth.
Ask yourself before every purchase:
- Do I really need this now?
- Can I find a cheaper option?
- Will this matter in one month?
It’s okay to enjoy your money. But not at the expense of your future peace.
6. Buy in Bulk and Budget Smartly
Planning your expenses can help you stretch your income and save what’s left.
Try:
- Buying foodstuffs in bulk with friends or flatmates
- Planning your meals for the week
- Cooking more at home instead of eating out
- Using public transport when possible
- Cutting back on subscriptions or services you don’t use often
It’s not about being stingy. It’s about being wise.
You’re not just spending money. You’re building discipline.
7. Start a Side Income Stream (Even a Small One)
If you feel like you can’t save because your income is too low, consider adding a small income stream.
Ideas include:
- Selling airtime and data
- Teaching or tutoring online
- Freelance writing or design
- Reselling digital products (like your own eBook or resources)
- Starting a blog or YouTube channel if you’re consistent
Even an extra ₦5,000 per month can help you start saving with less pressure.
Related: Start Where You Are – 5 Powerful Reasons You Already Have Enough to Begin
8. Set a Savings Goal with Purpose
Don’t just save for the sake of saving.
Give your savings a name and a goal.
Examples:
- Emergency fund
- New laptop or phone
- Business capital
- Travel or educational opportunity
- Rent or relocation
When your savings has a purpose, it becomes easier to resist spending it.
Write your goal down. Print it out. Keep it visible.
Let it motivate you.
9. Keep God at the Centre of Your Finances
Saving isn’t just a financial habit. It’s a spiritual discipline.
You’re telling God:
“Lord, I trust You for increase, but I’ll also be faithful with what I have now.”
Pray over your money. Ask for wisdom. Sow when prompted.
Give cheerfully, but also plan diligently.
Scripture:
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5
Financial wisdom is a godly pursuit. Embrace it.
10. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
You may not be saving thousands yet. But if you’re saving anything at all, celebrate it.
You’re building habits that will follow you when the big opportunities come.
Clap for yourself when you transfer ₦1,000 to your savings account.
Smile when you say no to a temptation and yes to your goal.
Journal your wins. Track your growth.
Remember, it’s not about how much. It’s about how consistent.
You’re becoming the kind of person who saves—and that’s priceless.
Final Note
Friend, you don’t have to wait until you start earning millions before you start saving.
You can start right now, with what you have.
Because the habit of saving is more valuable than the amount.
It teaches you to manage, plan, and prepare for the future.
So even if you’re earning little right now, take heart.
You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.
Decide today:
“I will honour God with my money. I will save, not out of fear, but out of wisdom.”
The seeds you plant today will become your harvest tomorrow.
What You Can Do Next
- Comment below: What’s one saving habit you’re going to start today?
- Share this post with someone who needs encouragement with their finances
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