MoneyStory: The ₦70k/mo Electrician Who Says His Giving Comes Back 10 Times Over

Age

24

Occupation

Casual worker, electrician and Web3 participant

Location

Ibadan

Housing

Squatting with a friend

Monthly income:

₦70,000 base, up to ₦100,000 with additional work

Current Savings

₦35,000

What’s your current source of income?

My current source of income is from the work I do as a casual worker, from which I earn an average of ₦70,000 per month.

Yes, I have other sources of income. I am also an electrician, and I am involved in Web3, which occasionally provides me with some income

How much would you estimate you earn from all your sources of income in a month?

Well, it’s occasional. If the hustle pays, sometimes 100k is feasible and someimes even more.

Do you save, and how much do you currently have in savings?

I do save, but I don't currently have any money in my savings because I have used it to sort out some expenses.

What does your ₦70,000 usually go towards every month?

Half of it goes to food and data, the rest to savings. I don't really spend on transport because I live directly opposite my workplace.

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What usually happens when you have an unexpected expense?

Yes, if the unexpected expense is significant enough to take money from my savings, I do. But if it isn't, I'll find another way to handle it.

Has the way you think about money always been this way, or has it changed as you've grown older?

It has always been this way. My dad raised me to hustle, so he used to take me to work with him when I was young. Because of that, my perspective about money hasn't really changed.

He trained me to understand that even when I have what seems like a lot of money, I still don't see it as much, because one unexpected expense can wipe it all out.

What was money like for you growing up?

Growing up, money was not easy for my family. We had to work hard for what we had. My dad started taking me to work with him when I was young, so I learned early that money comes from hard work.

Did your dad teach you how to make money?

He didn't teach me anything to earn money. But he showed me the ways I can earn money.

Have you ever gone through a very difficult financial situation?

Countless times.

Tell us the one that hit you the most.

I don't have anyone that hit me the most... because imagine someone from a poor home. I hope that explains my unsaid words.

Do you think growing up that way is why you're so intentional about saving now?

Nope. The way I save is simply a principle I learnt from my dad. I'm not really intentional about saving in the sense of holding onto money no matter what.

If there's a genuine need, especially if someone is suffering, I don't mind using my savings to help. I just believe in saving when I can, but I also value helping people when they need it.

Have you ever dipped into your savings to help someone?

Yessss.

Even when you had your own financial needs to deal with? Tell me about it.

I won't say much about it because any help I give is always between me, the person, and Allah.

But I can't see someone who genuinely needs help, whether it's for food or because they're going through a serious problem, and not help if I have what they need.

I don't really worry too much about my own financial needs because it didn't start today. I've always trusted Allah to sort things out for me.

But let me tell you my secret. I don't mind helping someone who genuinely needs it, even if it means giving my last money, because I always end up seeing more than 10 times what I gave back within days.

Have you ever regretted giving money away?

Yes, but for now I don't want to talk about it.

What financial decision are you most proud of?

Helping people.

Because I believe Allah is owing me my rewards and I see more of it.

How did you get your current job at IITA?

I did my industrial training there four years ago, so I've built a good relationship with them and left a good impression that makes it easier for me to come back.

What would financial stability look like for you?

Maybe financial stability for me is when I start earning enough that I can spend, give to people when there's a need, and still have enough left without worrying about running out.

What are you hoping your financial life looks like in the next few years?

Honestly, I want to have a stable source of income, be able to take care of my needs, help people when I can, save and invest, and still have enough left without constantly worrying about money.

InshaAllah.

How would you rate your financial life on a scale of 1-10?

1