By Nkiru Ogbuli
If I had a dollar for every time someone talks about the hardship in Nigeria, I would easily be a millionaire from that alone because how much is the dollar to a Naira today? But, sadly, I might not be able to afford a lot as I would have say two, three years ago or even a year ago because the prices of items keep increasing by the hour.
Imagine that as a seller, you tell your customer the price as you know it then the next hour put a call through to your supplier and he or she tells you the exact price you told your customer. Meaning no profit for you or worse still, when you have sold all your goods and have to replace but you have to source for extra money in order to be able to get more goods because the prices have quadrupled.
Buyers too, prices are increasing and incomes have remained static. The fact of the matter remains that we must find ways to cope and make life better and more meaningful regardless of whatever the situation is.
Here are some tips you might find helpful in this regard:
1. Bulk Buying: I know some might say it is only those who have money who can buy in bulk. True but there are also times we come into cash too. Say you are booked for a job you never expected, or you collect an ‘ajo’. The best bet is to buy whatever you can in bulk. I’m not trying to be a doomsday prophet, but prices are just going to keep soaring unless something drastic is done. Let me not go into how wicked some of us are, selling old stocks at outrageous prices and inflating prices unnecessarily.
2. Enough of the Brands: Have you noticed that some brands are unnecessarily more expensive than others who offer the same thing or even better? Time to ditch those big names. If they had you in mind they would have considered over pricing their goods. I wish I could list some brands but I am not about to do free advertising. Consider this when next you are at the supermarket unless of course this economy has nothing on you.
3. Go to an Actual Market: Again, this is not for everybody. If you know you are ‘Gucci’ please remain shopping in the supermarkets and malls. There’s the time factor too. If you don’t have the time, it is understandable but for people who are on a budget, roll those trousers up and comb the markets. Not the outer parts of the market now. I had an experience last two weeks and I am really done with shopping at the periphery of markets unless of course I don’t have the time.
4. In Order of Importance: This is not the time to be frivolous. I know that nobody can dictate how a person spends their hard earned money but are unnecessary show-offs that Important to you when people are dying of hunger? Think about it. Aside that, people who on a budget must know what to do away with from their shopping lists. I stopped buying a particular canned fish when it became 500 Naira. Who knows how much it is today? Not like I care because the only way I am eating it is if it is given to me free. I have also stopped going to the tailor’s weekly. I can not begin to tell you how much that has saved me. I will repeat my clothes, after all they are mine.
5. Beneficial Friendships/Companies: Earlier this year, I took stock of the people I had surrounded myself with the previous years. I knew something just got to give. Users had to go. There are people who use others for their moxie, aura, intellectual capabilities, education, money etc. Check what they give in return, next to nothing. So it might be time to check people around you too. You don’t need Debbie Downers. The situation is already biting as it is. Make it a point of duty to surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself. You also need people who you can trust to come to your aid when necessary and even people you can really open up to. A problem shared they say, is a problem solved.
6. Go Out Only When Necessary: I had thought that with the Covid-19 era, we had learned that not everyone has to be in the streets or at the workplace to be productive. Obviously not. Employers who have done next to nothing to cushion the effects of the hardship still insist on their workers going to work everyday. Kudos to the Lagos State Government in this regard. The fact remains that you could be indoors and still be as productive as the person at the workplace if not better. Time to research on remote work. Put that hidden talent to good use. Let’s not roam the streets aimlessly. I don’t need to remind you of the cost of transportation or fuel. If it is not yielding any profit, stay home but if your livelihood depends on your stepping out of the house, then by all means.
7. Extra Sources of Income: If there has ever been a time when you need an extra source of income, now is the time. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something that rakes in millions. If it does, all good. Like I said earlier, incomes have remained static. You need something extra to augment your salary. Now is time to learn that skill. Better to get your ‘urgent 2k’ from extra work than be known as a beggar.
8. What Floats Your Boat?: To borrow our CEO’s line, what floats your boat? Do it then! You just have to find a way to stay afloat during these times. The heat too is something else so find ways to relax and calm your nerves. Don’t be given to too much worrying and stress. Don’t worry over what you don’t have control over. If you like to dance and listen to music, find time to indulge within the limits of your resources. It could be at home, out with friends, wherever. Do what makes you happy as long as it hurts no one.
Lastly, in everything you do, put God first and ask Him for guidance, after all, He is your Maker. Trust Him and hand over your worries to Him. Do not fear or fret. People die just from fear of situations. This economic situation is capable of causing immense fear. Do your best and leave the rest to God. Just don’t be lazy and expect manner to fall from heaven. Stay positive always!
Tell us in the comments which of the tips you hope to apply and what other measures you have adopted on your own to cope with this ‘hardship’.
Have a great week ahead!