How 2 Spoons of Rice Taught Me Financial Discipline

There was a time in my life when I thought “I cannot come and kill myself” was a budgeting strategy. That was until I found myself staring into a pot with only two spoons of rice and the ghost of better decisions. 

Let me take you back.

The Month I Tried to Ball Like Davido

It started in January. You know that fake rich energy January gives you? You collect December salary early, people are doing giveaways, and your brain convinces you that ₦100k can last forever.

I was in high spirit. I bought suya like I owned a cow. Ubered everywhere like I had shares in the company. I even took my friends out just because someone said “Show us love nau, you dey ball oh.”

And I was, for 7 days.

Reality Set in on Day 8

By the second week of January, my account balance started sounding like gospel: “Where two or three naira are gathered”

I knew things had gotten serious when I started measuring rice, not with cup, with spoon; and not tablespoon, Teaspoon! My entire lunch was two spoons of rice and prayer. I even rationed maggi like it was fuel in a generator.

That was my lowest financial moment, but it taught me one of the most valuable lessons: money doesn’t finish because you don’t have it. It finishes because you don’t plan for it.

Three Things I Did Wrong (So You Don’t Have To)

1. I spent to impress.
   Ubering everywhere and anywhere, ordering meals from foodcourt at every chance, and shouting “I got this” like a Yahoo yahoo girl with no password, when my account couldn't relate was such a dumb move; Never again! It's called lifestyle inflation- when you live above your means. Never again!

2. I didn’t track my spending.
   I thought budgeting was for people with millions. But broke people need budgets more than billionaires. I didn’t need excel sheet; I just needed sense.

3. I ignored my future self.
   Every naira I spent was a slap to February Me. That girl suffered, that girl couldn’t even buy bread, not even agege or bokku, Nothing. February me was left in the desert to fend for herself and it hurt like hell.

How I Got My Financial Life Together

After surviving on vibes and rice dust, I decided to try a new thing: intentional money decisions. It is not sexy, but it's effective.

Here’s what worked:

• Envelope method:
  I divided my cash into categories: food, transport, airtime, and small enjoyment (I’m not a monk). When one envelope ran out, that was it. No transfer. No “just this once.”

• Stingy men group budget:
  I created a budget so tight, even Mr. Macaroni would scream “You’re doing well!” I stopped impulsive spending. If it wasn’t planned, it wasn’t happening.

• Sapa-proof meal plan:
  I started cooking like my ancestors were watching. No more ₦4k shawarma or pizza,  and garri became my best friend and guess what? I didn’t die.

You’re Probably Laughing But What About You?

 Ever found yourself explaining to a POS lady why you’re trying 3 different cards?

Have you ever cooked spaghetti with only salt and tears?
Have you ever rejected a date not because you’re busy, but because your bank app mocked you?

We all have money stories. What matters is whether you’re learning from yours.

My Money Mantra Now?
“No go dey do pass yourself"

Now I ask myself three questions before I spend:

• Do I need it?
• Will I still want it in 48 hours?
• Can I afford it after paying tithe, transportation, and feeding?

If the answer is no, I walk away. Even if it's a discounted air fryer whispering my name.

Final Thoughts (Not Advice, Just Street Sense)

1. Your salary is not your self-esteem. Stop trying to impress people who won’t send you ₦1k when you’re broke.
2. Eat before you go to the supermarket. Hunger will convince you that you need ₦1,200 ice cream and fancy yam chips.
3. Sapa is not a village But it can relocate you. Plan ahead. Save something. Even if it’s ₦500 a week.

Now, Tell Me Yours

What’s your funniest money mistake?
Drop it in the comments. Let’s laugh, learn, and maybe cry together. Because you’re not alone, and trust me, two spoons of rice are never the answer.