Not too long ago, we were contributing ₦8,000 in my group. It was meant to be saved until around September, but due to some financial pressures, I ended up spending ₦7,000 of it.
At first, it didn’t feel like a big deal. I told myself I would replace it quickly. But soon enough, I started feeling the weight — not just of the missing money, but of the responsibility attached to it. I found myself asking: “What if they suddenly ask for the money? What if they find out I spent it?” And to add to it, I also had a ₦15,000 loan debt with Opay hanging over me.
This experience pushed me into two important realizations:
💡 1. Money Is Easy to Spend When There’s No Plan
I didn’t intentionally want to spend the contribution money, but because I didn’t have a clear budget or discipline at the time, I dipped into it little by little until only ₦1,000 was left. I learned that without structure, money flows like water — and disappears just as fast.
💡 2. Pressure Is Real, But Planning Is Power
The guilt and anxiety I felt didn’t help me — it only made me feel stuck. What helped was creating a simple plan: saving ₦500 every week. That way, I’ll have the ₦7,000 replaced by September without borrowing or stressing. That one small decision gave me back my peace.
💡 3. It’s Okay to Fall, As Long As You Rise with Wisdom
Many students go through silent financial struggles. We make mistakes. We overspend. We borrow out of pressure. But it’s not the end. What matters is how we respond. I chose to respond with honesty, humility, and strategy. And that changed everything.
✅ My Advice to You
If you’re under financial pressure, you’re not alone. Start small. ₦500 weekly can rebuild anything.
Learn to track your expenses — even if it’s just in a notebook.
Avoid quick loans unless you're ready with a repayment plan.
Most importantly: Don’t let guilt paralyze you. Let it teach you.
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