The Smart Money Woman: A Nigerian Student’s Guide to Dodging Broke Life

Byfirstclassuni.com

So, I stumbled upon The Smart Money Woman on Netflix, and let’s just say, a few episodes in, I started side-eyeing some characters. 

The show, based on Arese Ugwu’s book of the same title, follows five friends navigating life in Lagos, with our main character, Zuri, being the poster child for “I make good money but somehow I’m always broke.”

The Plot in One Sentence

Zuri has a great job but is drowning in debt, her car is permanently at the mechanic’s, her landlord is about to evict her, and she’s one more bad decision away from calling her ex out of financial desperation. 

Basically, a nightmare.

What’s wild? 

There’s no thief to blame—she’s simply bad with money. 

Expensive dresses, luxury lifestyle, and zero financial planning. When she finally wakes up, she embarks on a money cleanse, selling off excesses, cutting down costs, and actually learning financial responsibility. 

The series drops finance tips throughout, and if you watch closely, you’ll realize that broke no dey look face. You can earn well and still be one financial emergency away from stress.

Lessons from The Smart Money Woman

1. Your Friends = Your Spending Habits

You want to save, but your circle is all about 100K aso ebi and people are throwing parties every two weeks? Omo, your bank account is in trouble. Who you roll with affects your financial discipline.

2. You’ll Never Have Enough

If Dangote is still finding money, who are you? There will always be something new to buy. Contentment is key. You’ve heard close your legs, please close your purse and you’ll have enough.

3. Overdependence is Dangerous

If you’re used to mummy, daddy, or somebody’s son paying your bills, budgeting won’t come naturally. When the support disappears, what’s your backup plan?

4. Black Tax Needs Boundaries

Family asking for money is normal, but if you’re not careful, urgent 2K will turn into urgent 200K. Set limits before they use you to do investment.

5. Keep Your Own Money, Even in Love

Romance is sweet, but hunger is bitter. Have your own savings, so breakfast (aka heartbreak) doesn’t leave you both single, stranded, and hungry. That kind breakfast no dey belle full.

6. Stand Your Ground

In work and relationships, never let anyone undermine your worth. Who no born you, no fit command you. Period.

How to Secure the Bag as a Student

1. Track Your Spending

Stop saying “I don’t know where my money went.” I reject it for you, abeg. Apps like Mint, Money Manager, and Good Budget can help you see where your money is escaping to.

2. Adjust Your Lifestyle

Shawarma every day? If you’re not careful, your account balance will soon be on life support. Learn to cut your coat according to your bank alert.

3. Create a Flexible Budget

As a Nigerian student, expenses pop up randomly (departmental dues, photocopies, lecturers selling handouts like they own a publishing house). Budget in percentages instead of fixed amounts to stay afloat.

4. Save Small, Save Steady

Even 500 naira a week is better than nothing. Apps like PiggyVest and Cowrywise help automate savings—because if you wait to “save what’s left”, nothing will be left.

5. Plan for the Future

NYSC allowee won’t save you. What’s your financial game plan post-graduation? Set goals now so you don’t end up still begging for urgent 2K at 27.

6. Get a Side Hustle

Freelancing, selling thrift clothes, tutoring… or (hypothetically) armed robbery. (Disclaimer: I won’t bail you out if you choose the last one.)

Books to Elevate Your Money Sense

If The Smart Money Woman intrigued you, here are more gems to sharpen your financial IQ:

  • The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason – The ultimate money book for beginners. Seriously, this book helped me get my act together. 
  • Atomic Habits by James Clear – Because getting rich is about consistent good habits.
  • The Bible (Joseph’s Story) – The original wealth strategist. (Pharaoh’s finance minister before it was cool.) Joseph basically capitalized on supply and demand to build wealth for the pharaoh. (It’s giving stock broker plus real estate mogul)

Wake Up and Secure the Bag

Broke life is not fun. If you don’t want to be 30 and still answering “send me your account details” texts from your parents, now is the time to learn financial discipline. 

Track your spending, make a budget, save smartly, and start preparing for the future. Your bank account will thank you later.

Wishing you peace and funds,

Dee

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