Main PageThe day I realized I was broke ,And how it changed my view on money
The Day I Realized I Was Broke – and How It Changed My View on Money
I’ll never forget that Friday evening. I was tired from a long week and decided to stop at the ATM on my way home. All I wanted was ₦5,000 for the weekend—just enough to get some food, maybe meet up with friends, and relax.
I slid in my card, pressed the buttons, and waited. A few seconds later, the screen flashed:
“Insufficient Funds.”
I laughed nervously at first, thinking maybe it was a network issue. But after trying again, I saw the same thing. At that moment, it hit me hard: I was broke. Not because I didn’t earn money, but because I had no control over how I spent it.
The Turning Point
On the bus ride home, I kept asking myself: Where did all my money go? Salary had just entered two weeks ago, yet my account was empty. I couldn’t even point to anything meaningful I had done with it.
That day was embarrassing, but it was also the moment that woke me up. I realized money doesn’t disappear by magic—it disappears through small, careless habits.
What I Learned
1. Tracking Expenses is Powerful
Until I started writing down where my money went each day, I had no idea how much was leaking away on snacks, transport, subscriptions, and impulse buys.
2. A Budget is Not a Prison
I used to think budgeting was about restriction. But I later discovered it’s about giving my money direction. Even leaving a small allowance for fun made the budget easier to stick to.
3. Saving Small is Better Than Saving Nothing
I always believed I needed to save huge amounts. But starting with even ₦500 or ₦1,000 a week gave me a sense of progress. Over time, it added up.
Final Thought
That ATM experience was embarrassing, but it turned out to be a blessing. It forced me to take control of my money before things got worse. Today, I’m not perfect, but I’m far more intentional about how I spend and save.
👉 What about you? Have you ever had a “broke moment” that changed how you think about money? Share your story in the comments..
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