Hello my Abuja Peeps. Life in Abuja can be very expensive if you are paying rent and have kids in private schools. Rent and school fees alone can bankrupt you if you are not financially prudent i.e if you don't have a meaningful income.

A lot of people complain that no matter how prudent you are, a meagre income will not sustain you. That may be true to an extent but for majority of people you can survive on a low income if you follow these 5 tips (what others have done). Here goes;

1. Get a side hustle

To survive in Abuja on a low income, you may need to augment this with a side hustle. Stay tuned to my moniker to find out about 5 Abuja side hustles that make a lot of financial sense. 30,000 naira per month is slave wage but a side hustle that brings in extra 40,000 naira may be a life saver.

2. Reside on the outskirts

This tip is very practical advise. More than 90% of Abuja commuters are people living on the outskirts of the city - what is known as outside town. The main reason this make sense is because rent costs on the outskirts is affordable and unlike Lagos, transportation in Abuja is much cheaper.

3. Cook and eat all your meals

The lock down period of this Covid-19 was an eye opener for many people. It is possible to survive on 25,000 naira per month if you minimize your going out and cook all the meals you eat. Mama put food may look affordable, but it is penny wise pound foolish unless it is not feasible to cook your own meals because of too many commitments.

4. Save every penny

I learned a lesson in 2014 that made me realize the importance of saving. I was flat broke and miserable during Christmas that year I was at the mercy of loved ones for financial assistance even though I had made some money earlier that year. Between January 2017 and June 2019 i made a concerted effort to save like no tomorrow and voila - I was able to buy a small parcel of land and build the house I now live in.

5. Live close to your workplace

If you have two job options, one that pays 50k but within trekking distance from where you live and 70k but at a distance that will require daily commuting. I would personally take the first option because on the long run, I would be able to save and invest my savings faster.

Are you looking for a profitable part time business to run to back your side hustle, then call: 0818 868 7078 or 0805 3313 625

Don't save what's left after you spend; spend what's left after you save.

I disagree with your number 2&5 because you can hardly see any well paying job in the outskirts of the city let not deceive ourselves

Goldwater2023:
I disagree with your number 2&5 because you can hardly see any well paying job in the outskirts of the city let not deceive ourselves

True! But this article is about "how to survive in Abuja on a low income". That means people who are not fortunate enough to get a good paying job.

Good morning business and career minded Abj folks.

Do have a lovely day ahead.