Reassess spending habits amid harsh economy – Financial expert Nwankwo urges Nigerians

A financial literacy advocate, James Emmanuel Nwankwo, has called on Nigerians, particularly young professionals, to reassess their spending habits and embrace practical coping strategies as the country battles tough economic realities.

Presenting a paper titled “Managing and Growing Your Finances: Insights on Coping Mechanisms in the Prevailing Economic Reality” at the Young Professionals Club forum on Wednesday, Nwankwo stressed that intentional financial management is the key to stability and sustainability in the current economic climate.

“We are already halfway through the year. “September has sneaked up on us, like that unread book we swore we’d finish in January,” he said.

“While not everyone is in the same boat, many shy away from this harsh reality. The perfect time for a half-year financial audit was June 30th; the second-best time is now. Do not miss the opportunity to reset, refresh, and reposition your finances.”

He noted that the biggest challenge for many young Nigerians was no longer about how much they earned but how effectively they managed it. “The average young Nigerian today is juggling multiple expectations—rent, school fees, family support, and planning for the future. Mastering this balance requires financial skills that are rarely taught in schools or even by traditional advisers,” he said.

Highlighting the risks of poor planning, he warned, “If income earners struggle to pay rents, school fees, and basic bills while actively employed, what then happens if those sources of income are truncated? What happens when there are no emergency funds or pensions to fall back on?”

Nwankwo identified black tax, impulse buying, costly subscriptions, and extravagant social spending—such as the popular “Owanbe” parties—as major pitfalls draining the finances of young professionals. To address this, he advised creating a family support budget. “Family support works best when it is intentional, not reactive. Set aside a fixed monthly support limit to stay intentional, reduce stress, and keep your goals on track,” he said.

He further outlined practical tools such as the 50-30-20 budgeting rule—allocating 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment—and zero-based budgeting, which requires justifying every expense. “Budgeting is not about denying yourself; it’s about aligning your spending with your priorities,” he explained.

On investment, Nwankwo urged young Nigerians to move beyond savings to wealth-building. “Don’t just save; make your money work for you. Start small, but start smart. Treasury bills, money market funds, and bonds are safer entry points before venturing into equities. Diversify, rebalance, and always assess your risk tolerance,” he advised.

He categorised investors into conservative, moderate, and aggressive types, urging participants to identify where they belong. “Are you conservative, moderately conservative, or aggressive? Knowing yourself is the first step to making smart investment choices,” he said.

The financial expert also encouraged professionals to embrace multiple income streams through freelancing, teaching, and digital services. “You cannot rely on one source of income in today’s economy. A side hustle is no longer a luxury—it’s a survival strategy,” he stated.