Budgeting and Smart Spending: My Approach to the Cost of Living

The cost of living is rising everywhere, and sometimes, changing locations doesn’t necessarily make things better, unless you are sure of someplace that could make things more affordable.

Before I moved to Ibadan, I had enjoyed living in the city where I was posted for my service year. The cost of living wasn't high, and life was manageable for many people. However, some limitations made me have second thoughts about moving, which were poor electricity and a lack of opportunities that suited my needs. Since I moved, I have begun to navigate my expenses, and here’s what I have observed so far.

The last time I came to Ibadan to search for an apartment, I couldn’t stop screaming at the prices. I had always believed this city to be less expensive compared to places like Lagos or Port Harcourt.

Imagine seeing self-contained apartments listed for 350k, 450k, and above excluding agent fees and other charges. It was shocking, considering that in my previous city, I got a two-bedroom apartment for just 50k. Though I only used one room, it was more than enough for me. Feeding and transportation were also quite affordable there.

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I screamed the last time I bought this wrap of Amala for a thousand naira, something I would make myself and still have left. The more reason I like to make my meals than spend a lot of money to buy outside and still not be satisfied especially at this time where everything has crazily gone up.

However, despite the higher costs, Ibadan is a good city, and I finally moved here last Friday. While I have yet to fully explore the cost of living, I have already noticed that transportation is slightly higher. Thankfully, it is not beyond what I can manage. One wise decision I made before moving was to buy lots of foodstuffs that would last me for at least three months.

Food items were cheaper in my former city, so I took advantage of that and spent over 80,000 naira on bulk purchases. I doubt I would get the same quantity for that price here in Ibadan, but I will find out in the coming months once I've exhausted these ones.

One reason I resort to buying in bulk is that it saves you money than buying in small quantities. There are times I would regret not getting most things at a wholesale price but going to shops to get them as the price would be higher and the quantity lower. There used to be lots of cheating with these vendors who sell at retail prices.

With the rising cost of living, feeding, and transportation, one thing I have always taught myself is to spend wisely, never beyond my means, yet without depriving myself of good meals and stuff. While living frugally, I still indulge in some luxuries once in a while. I have mastered the art of managing my resources well, ensuring that I always have enough to last me.

Buying food in bulk has helped reduce my expenses. There are days when I don’t even spend a dime for two or more days because I have everything stocked at home. Most of my purchases are perishable items like pepper, meat, and fish, even fruits to complement my meals. On average, I spend about 5,000 naira weekly on these, sometimes even less.

In fact, there was a time I didn’t spend more than 2,000 naira in five days, and this was possible because I tracked every expense using my budget app. This app helps me monitor my spending and ensures I know where my money is going.

When it comes to transportation, I don’t go out unnecessarily. I am not someone who enjoys stepping out except there's something important or urgent I need to attend to. Back in my previous city, I only went out to the market or visited the supermarkets. This lifestyle made my expenses less extravagant.

Now that I am in a new environment, I intend to maintain this approach, only stepping out when necessary, especially since I have yet to secure a job. I have estimated that once I start working, my daily transport expenses should not exceed 1,500 naira, considering how costly things are now. It is alarming to think that what we now spend 1,500 naira on for transportation used to cost roughly 500 naira. I often wonder how many people can afford to live comfortably under these circumstances.

For me, one of the best ways to make life easier is by saving up money to buy food in bulk. This has been my strategy for years, and it continues to help me at a great length. Also, cutting down expenses has become a priority, especially now that I am in a new city where I will be paying 350,000 naira annually for rent.

To stay ahead, I have already started saving for next year’s rent because I don’t want any embarrassment from my landlord or agent. Above all, being consistent in saving and investing is crucial to sustaining myself, and of course, I rely on God’s help, which is the most important factor.

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_{First and last images are generated from Meta AI}