How to Survive February When January Drained Your Wallet

If January did you dirty, you’re not alone. We all started the year with high hopes, fresh resolutions, and ambitious budgeting plans. But before you could even say “new year, new me”, school fees, rent, increased fuel prices, and that one cousin who never forgets your number when he’s in need had already wiped your account clean.

Now, you’re looking at February like a stranded traveler eyeing a long, dry road with no hope in sight. Well, here’s how to survive February (including Valentine’s Day expenses) when January left you financially stranded.

Accept Your New Financial Status (At Least for Now)

First things first, let’s be honest with ourselves—you are broke. There’s no point pretending or trying to impress people who won’t give you urgent 2k later. Embrace your situation.

Start responding to every plan with:

• “Lemme check my schedule” (which is code for ‘do I have money for this?’)
• “Omo, my village people are testing me” (so they know your suffering is spiritual).
• “Let’s do it next month” (when, hopefully, salary or Sapa relief funds will drop).

Master the Art of Free Entertainment

Forget expensive brunch dates and owambe outings where you’ll just be collecting souvenirs and no food. 

February is for free entertainment. Here’s how to have fun without spending money:

• Be an Event Crasher – Lagos has free events every weekend. Just dress well and walk in like you own the place.
• Visit Your Friends Who Have Netflix – Let them carry the streaming bill while you carry the remote.
• Join Religious Gatherings Strategically – Not just for spiritual growth, but for the free food and drinks at end-of-service fellowships.
• TikTok and Instagram Reels – 30 minutes here and you’ll forget you were even supposed to leave the house.

Become a Budgeting Guru

At this point, your motto should be: If it’s not essential, it’s not happening. Budget your funds like a Nigerian mom planning to buy Christmas clothes—strictly and with a deep sense of purpose.

• Cancel that gym subscription – Who are you deceiving? You know you haven’t gone since January 3rd.
• Cook your own food – Eating out is for people who still have “vex money.”
• Use transport alternatives – Trekking is cardio, plus you get gifts for walking 10k steps consistently if you join Fusion’s FitFeb. Don’t miss out! Also, hitching free rides builds your negotiation skills.

Survive Valentine’s Day Like a Pro

February 14th—the day capitalism ensures your account remains on life support. If you’re in a relationship, manage expectations early:

• Start preaching minimalist love: “Baby, love is not about material things; it’s about connection.”
• Promote home dates: “Let’s cook together and watch a movie. It’s more intimate.” (Translation: restaurant bills will not see me).
• If you’re single, congratulations! You have automatically dodged the biggest financial bullet of the month.

RELATED: Cheap Romantic Date Ideas In Lagos

Seek Alternative Income Sources (Because We Must Eat!)

If January humbled you, February is the time to think fast and make quick money. Some survival ideas:

• Sell your old items – That shoe you bought in 2019 that you never wore? Someone on Jiji will buy it.
• Freelance – If you can write, design, or even offer relationship advice, there’s money to be made online.
• Become a Content Creator on Fusion – Ditch those social platforms that never give you anything in return for your troubles. Create relevant posts consistently across Fusion’s communities and you just might be the next baller. 
• Become a Vendor for Small Items – Selling recharge cards, thrift items, or chin chin to your colleagues can bring in daily urgent 2k cash.

Have Faith -Joy Is Coming!

No matter how tough it gets, always remember: Joy is on the way! Whether you’re expecting salary, allowance, or one miracle alert, keep hope alive. 

In the meantime, stay away from unnecessary spending, borrow data instead of buying or ask your neighbour to share their hotspot, and remember: this suffering is only temporary.

By March, when you’ve recovered, you can go back to eating out and living large. But for now? Welcome to survival mode. 😭

If you’ve read this far, just know that you’re not alone. We’re all surviving February together. 

Share this with your friends who need financial healing this month and invite them to join the Finance 101 community on Fusion. 

Stay strong, stay frugal, and may your pockets recover swiftly! 

Yours in management,