Let me take you through a day in my life—one where financial discipline and growth are not just goals but habits embedded in every action. My name is Chisom, and I’ve spent the last decade mastering the art of financial literacy. Growing up in Nigeria, where the economic terrain can be unpredictable, I learned early on that success wasn’t about making quick money but about building sustainable habits. Today, I’m sharing 20 daily practices that have helped me maintain financial discipline and achieve growth, leveraging digital tools and insights that are particularly relevant in our Nigerian context.

Morning Routine: Setting the Tone for Financial Success

Wake Up Early

• Why it Works: Starting the day early gives you time to plan, think, and prepare. I wake up by 5:00 AM daily to meditate and set my intentions for the day.
• Step-by-Step: Set your alarm for at least an hour before you usually wake up. Use this time to review your goals and plan your day.

Review Financial Goals

• Why it Works: Reminding yourself of your goals daily keeps them top of mind. Whether it’s paying off debt or saving for an investment, seeing these goals first thing in the morning drives discipline.
• Step-by-Step: Write your financial goals on a sticky note and place them where you’ll see them every morning. Update them as you achieve milestones.

Automate Savings

• Why it Works: Automated savings ensure that a portion of your income is saved before you even touch it. This is crucial in a country like Nigeria, where unexpected expenses can arise.
• Step-by-Step: Set up a direct debit from your main account to a savings account or a fintech platform like PiggyVest.

Mid-Morning Routine: Staying on Track

Check Bank Balances

• Why it Works: Monitoring your account balance daily helps you stay aware of your financial status and detect any unusual transactions early.
• Step-by-Step: Use mobile banking apps to quickly check your balances each morning. Make it a habit to review your spending patterns.

Budget Your Day

• Why it Works: Planning your expenses for the day helps avoid impulse purchases and keeps you within your budget.
• Step-by-Step: Use a budgeting app like Mint or Money Manager to allocate your daily expenses. Stick to this plan as closely as possible.

Track Spending

• Why it Works: Tracking every naira spent ensures that you are aware of where your money is going. This habit curbs unnecessary spending.
• Step-by-Step: Every time you make a purchase, log it in your budgeting app or a simple notebook.

Pay with Cash or Debit Card

• Why it Works: Using cash or a debit card keeps your spending real. You feel the impact of each transaction, unlike when using credit.
• Step-by-Step: Withdraw your daily budget in cash or use your debit card. Avoid credit cards unless absolutely necessary.

Pack Lunch

• Why it Works: Preparing your meals at home saves money that would otherwise be spent on eating out. In Lagos, a simple lunch can cost up to ?1,500 daily—savings add up!
• Step-by-Step: Plan your meals for the week and prepare your lunch the night before. Use affordable, nutritious ingredients.

Learn a New Financial Concept

• Why it Works: Continuous learning is vital for financial literacy. Each day, I dedicate 15 minutes to learning something new about finance, whether it’s about investments or the stock market.
• Step-by-Step: Subscribe to financial newsletters or blogs. Read a short article each day or listen to a podcast while commuting.

Review Investments

• Why it Works: Regularly reviewing your investments helps you stay aligned with your financial goals. Whether it’s stocks, bonds, or real estate, keeping an eye on your portfolio is essential.
• Step-by-Step: Set a daily reminder to check your investments. Use apps like Cowrywise or Risevest to monitor your portfolios.

Afternoon Routine: Staying Disciplined

Avoid Impulse Purchases

• Why it Works: Impulse buying is one of the biggest threats to financial discipline. By avoiding it, you save more and stay on track with your budget.
• Step-by-Step: If tempted to make an unplanned purchase, wait 24 hours. If you still need it the next day, then consider buying it.

Network with Like-Minded Individuals

• Why it Works: Surrounding yourself with financially savvy people keeps you motivated and informed. I spend lunch breaks networking with colleagues who share similar financial goals.
• Step-by-Step: Join a financial group or forum, such as Nairaland, and engage with others on financial topics.

Invest in Learning

• Why it Works: Instead of spending money on frivolous items, I invest in online courses that enhance my skills. This habit has increased my income over time.
• Step-by-Step: Allocate a small budget monthly for online courses or books. Websites like Udemy or Coursera offer affordable options.

Practice Gratitude

• Why it Works: Gratitude keeps you content with what you have and reduces the urge to overspend. A grateful mindset is key to financial discipline.
• Step-by-Step: Every afternoon, take a moment to write down three things you’re grateful for. This simple act changes your perspective.

Evening Routine: Reflecting and Planning

Review Daily Expenses

• Why it Works: Reviewing your daily expenses helps you stay on top of your budget and adjust for the next day.
• Step-by-Step: Before bed, review what you spent during the day. Note areas where you could have saved more.

Plan for Tomorrow

• Why it Works: Planning your finances for the next day keeps you proactive, not reactive, in managing your money.
• Step-by-Step: Allocate funds for the next day’s expenses. Prepare any materials you need for the day ahead.

Set Aside Change

• Why it Works: Every naira counts. At the end of the day, I empty my pockets and set aside any loose change. Over time, this adds up to a significant amount.
• Step-by-Step: Create a jar or envelope where you drop your change daily. Periodically, deposit it into your savings account.

Reflect on Financial Wins and Losses

• Why it Works: Reflection is a powerful tool for growth. By assessing your financial wins and losses, you learn from your mistakes and reinforce positive habits.
• Step-by-Step: Spend five minutes each evening reflecting on what went well and what didn’t. Adjust your strategies accordingly.

Read Financial News

• Why it Works: Staying informed about the financial world helps you make better decisions. I read the news or listen to a summary before bed.
• Step-by-Step: Subscribe to a reliable financial news source like The Guardian Nigeria or BusinessDay.

Rest Well

• Why it Works: A well-rested mind makes better financial decisions. I ensure I get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Step-by-Step: Establish a bedtime routine that includes winding down at least 30 minutes before sleep. This could involve reading or meditation.