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Naira Life Vol 197

Naira Life Vol 197

Also: It's 11 days to the Naira Life Conference

Toheeb Lanlehin
August 10, 2026

Volume 197

In partnership with

Good Morning, 🌞

The Naira Life Conference is less than two weeks away. We’re in the final lap.

Zikoko and Yield by Credit Direct are gathering the country’s sharpest finance minds, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and audacious thinkers for a full day of honest and practical conversations around this year’s conference theme: All About Wealth.

You’ll get a chance to dig into these ideas, interact with our lineup, and, most importantly, get practical, real-life insights to help you grow your career, build your finances, or move your business forward.

Wealth is a team sport. The Naira Life Conference will get you on the roster.

Confirm your attendance here. See you on August 22.

Now, let's get into today's stories. 👇🏾

In this letter:

#NairaLife: This 20-Year-Old Has Four Income Streams, but Can’t Stop Taking On More

This 20-year-old content marketer hasn’t stopped working since she entered polytechnic at 13. These days, she juggles three jobs, a side hustle and a constant drive to do more, all while navigating money anxiety.

Her motivation to keep on going, even on hard days? Financial freedom. This is her #NairaLife

Panic doesn't come from borrowing; it comes from being locked into repayments you can't manage.

Carbon does things differently. We skip the hidden fees and surprise charges to give you transparent rates and terms that fit your budget.

Emergency? Business growth? Unexpected bill? Get the support you need without losing your peace of mind. Borrow smart, breathe easy, and keep moving forward.

Sort it with Carbon

“I Started to Hate Him” — Nigerians on Dating Someone Going Through Financial Hardship

Would you stay with your partner if they suddenly lost everything?

From failed businesses and layoffs to investment scams and career setbacks, these Nigerians share the experiences that shaped their answer, and why some say they'd never do it again. Read the full story here

The Naira Life Conference is returning on August 22, 2026, in Lagos! Show up ready to learn from finance experts, business owners and industry leaders, and partake in unfiltered conversations about building wealth sustainably.

Real stories, expert advice you can actually use, and a community ready to build wealth together.

Secure your spot here

Nigerians Who Grew Up Poor Share The Luxuries They Refuse To Spend On

For some Nigerians, becoming financially comfortable didn’t automatically erase the habits and mindsets they developed while growing up with very little. Even though they can now afford things they once only dreamed about, some purchases still feel excessive, wasteful or impossible to justify.

We asked high-earning Nigerians who grew up poor about the luxuries they still refuse to spend money on.

Here’s what they said.

Ask Aunty M with Mo

I am currently struggling with debt that I am unable to repay due to my limited income. The financial pressure is affecting my daily life, studies and emotional well-being. I find it difficult to meet my basic needs while also trying to pay off what I owe. I am seeking advice on how to manage my debt responsibly, improve my financial situation, and regain stability without falling further behind. - Color, 25

Hi Color,

I’m so sorry you’re going through this, especially at such a young age. Debt has a mental and physical weight beyond the financial one, and doing it while studying makes it heavier.

First, talk to your creditors. Ask for a repayment plan that's actually feasible for your current income. Most people would rather receive something consistently than nothing at all. Negotiate the debt, don't ignore it.

On earning, I wish you'd shared more about your skills so I could tailor this better, but here are accessible options to explore: online tutoring in subjects you're strong in, virtual assistance, social media management for small businesses, or creating content for brands and events. These are all flexible enough to work around your studies.

Pick one, learn it quickly, and start. Spreading across too many options at once slows everything down.This is a hard season, not a permanent one. Small, consistent steps forward still move you forward. I’m rooting for you.

Xoxo, Mo

If you're here, you probably have a money or work dilemma. Ask your question and we'll figure out an actionable solution for you.

Where The Money At?!

We can't say we're about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we've compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don't mention. We gatchu.