‎Surviving the Storm: How I’m Learning to Breathe in a Broken Economy

‎Hi Hive,

‎It is not news that the world economy keep going from bad to worse every year and most especially the country I found myself where inflation is seen as a common thing. ‎ https://img.leopedia.io/DQmXRwsF8BFrxtLyHh7yZZUGegqo4Ws8c2KgcQrHRJCCDDr/neelam279-money-7325645_1920.jpg

‎Pixabay ‎ ‎For me, I have created a motto for myself to stay disciplined in this current situation where inflation is now seen as nothing in my country Nigeria, maybe this also happens around the world. ‎ ‎"Spend wisely, earn more, and protect your money from losing value.” ‎ ‎Initially, those words might sounded too simple to survive the harsh reality we are facing today's economy. But as the economy kept tightening its grip, I realized that survival is not always about complex strategies but it’s about discipline, mindset, and making some painful changes. ‎ ‎There was a time when I didn’t have to think twice before spending money. If I had it, I used it. But right now, everything feel different and every naira feels like it has weight. I had to sit myself down and ask some tough questions: Do I really need this? Can I survive without it? ‎ ‎Learning to spend wisely hasn’t been easy. It has meant saying no to small pleasures, cutting down on things I once considered normal, and sometimes feeling like I’m depriving myself of some fun and enjoyment. But honestly, I’m not depriving myself but protecting my future. ‎ ‎Since I'm a family man, buying foods and other stuff in bulk has really helped me anytime I got a chance and it has really pay off. Having food stuff at home has really helped me to circumvent inflation and safe me a lot of stress and safe faces because of my children. ‎ ‎Earning more now is  the toughest part. In a country where even stable jobs don’t feel stable anymore, the minimum wages is not even enough to live on for a month and relying on one source of income feels like standing on one leg in a storm. ‎ ‎I have had to think outside the box, push myself beyond comfort, and explore opportunities I never even imagined. Sometimes it feels exhausting, like no matter how much effort you put in, it’s still not enough. But giving up is not just an option since my family depends on me. Even if it’s something little, an extra stream of income brings a sense of control in a situation that sometimes feels uncontrollable. ‎ ‎And then there’s the hardest lesson of all, protecting my money from losing value. Saving money used to feel like progress, but now it feels like watching something disappearing gradually. Inflation doesn’t just attack your wallet but also attacks your peace of mind.

I had to become more intentional, more strategic even though strategic is not even enough, but I must find a means of survival at least. I save my money through taking part in local contribution (ajo or esusu) as it called Yoruba, is what has really helped me over the years.  I have learned that keeping money is just as crucial as making it. ‎ ‎The truth is, this economy has changed me a lot. It has pushed me to grow, to adapt, and to become more aware. While some days are frustrating. Some days I feel overwhelmed. But irregardless, I keep reminding myself that I’m not alone in this struggle and more importantly, I’m not powerless. ‎ ‎So I hold on to those words, not just as advice, but as a survival motto: spend wisely, earn more, and protect your money from losing value. ‎ ‎Because in situation like these, that’s not just financial wisdom but it’s a lifeline. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

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