At some point, your budget probably worked perfectly. You had your spending limits figured out. You knew how much went to transport, food, bills, random weekend enjoyment, and maybe even savings. For a while, it felt like you finally had control over your money. But then life changed quietly.
Living in Lagos naturally increases spending. Transportation, food, subscriptions, emergencies, convenience, and everyday expenses compete for your money constantly. In many cases, salary is already mentally allocated before it even arrives.
When you are in control of your money, life tends to feel more stable. But when money starts to feel like it is controlling you, even simple things can become stressful. Paying bills, saving for future plans, or handling unexpected expenses can start to feel overwhelming, and that pressure builds over time.
The 50/30/20 rule is widely recommended for budgeting, but does it still fit Nigeria’s current financial reality?