Saving money sounds simple—just spend less than you earn, right? But if you’ve ever tried it, you know it’s not that easy. I used to think I had it all figured out until reality hit me hard.
My Struggle with Saving on N150,000 a Month
Back in early 2024, I was earning N150,000 monthly. At first, it felt like a lot. I could pay bills, buy groceries, and still have some money left for “enjoyment.” But every time rent was due, I was always panicking. My rent was N300,000 a year, and I couldn’t understand why I never had enough saved, even though I thought I was doing okay.
I wasn’t wasting money on luxuries—no designer clothes, no flashy lifestyle. But somehow, money was just slipping through my fingers. That’s when I realized: the problem wasn’t how much I was earning. It was how I was saving (or not saving at all).
How to Trick Yourself into Saving Money in 2025
1. Pay Yourself First, Not Last
One trick that changed everything for me was paying myself first. As soon as my salary dropped, I would move a fixed amount—say N20,000—into a separate savings account. At first, it felt like a risk. What if I ran out of money before the month ended? But somehow, I always found a way to survive on what was left. It’s funny how our brains adjust when we set limits.
2. Use a Hidden or Hard-to-Reach Account
I opened a second bank account with no ATM card or mobile app access. It was annoying to reach, which was exactly the point. That account became my rent savings account. Every month, I dropped a little into it and forgot about it. By the time rent came, I was shocked at how much I had saved without even feeling the pinch.
3. Automate Your Savings
If you’re like me and sometimes “forget” to save, automation can save your life. Most banks now allow you to set up automatic transfers. I set mine to move N5,000 every Friday into my savings. Small amounts added up, and I barely noticed the money was gone. Plus, seeing the balance grow weekly motivated me.
4. Name Your Savings Goals
Instead of just “savings,” I started naming my accounts things like House Rent, Emergency Fund, and December Enjoyment. This simple act made saving feel more purposeful. It’s easier to leave the money alone when you know exactly what it’s for.
5. Cut Back Without Feeling It
I didn’t want to cut off everything I enjoyed, but I had to be smart. I started cooking more instead of ordering food. I cut down on data subscriptions by using Wi-Fi at work or public places. I even stopped buying bottled water and got a reusable water bottle. The savings weren’t massive individually, but over time, they helped.
6. Try a “No-Spend” Challenge
Every month, I’d pick a few days and decide not to spend any money at all. No small chops, no impulse buying, nothing. It was hard at first, but later I started looking forward to the challenge. It made me more mindful of my spending habits overall.
Final Thoughts
Saving money doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Sometimes, you just need to outsmart yourself. I learned the hard way that discipline isn’t about being strict all the time—it’s about making systems that work even when you're tempted to spend.
If I could go from living paycheck to paycheck on N150,000 to comfortably paying my rent on time, you can too. Trick yourself into saving—it’s the smartest game you’ll ever play.