and 7 Proven Steps to Break the Cycle
Why most people stay broke?
Let’s get real. Despite the endless hustle, increasing incomes, and countless side gigs, most people are still financially stuck.
They work hard, but their money disappears faster than it comes in. Always in debt, they struggle to save, invest, or even breathe when an emergency pops up.
Why?
Because true wealth isn’t built by effort alone. It requires strategy, discipline, and education.
But here’s the good news: financial failure is not your destiny. It’s a pattern—and patterns can be broken.
In this article, you’ll discover:
Whether you’re trying to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck life or already investing and looking to level up, this guide is for you.
Now why most people stay broke, struggle and fail financially!
Let’s start by identifying the common traps that keep people broke:
Truth is: essential life lessons people need to succeed are not thought in schools.
Schools teach algebra, not taxes. Thus, you graduate from college knowing how to find X, but not how to build assets. Most people never get the chance to learn the fundamentals of budgeting, investing, or wealth-building.
Even students who study finance, economics, business and related subjects concentrate on understand complex theories but end up not knowing how to create wealth with the knowledge — unless they go looking for it.
Young people who are lucky to get well paying job often waste their chances of building sustainable wealth.
How? By poor financial lifestyle!
Every annual bonus earned is an opportunity to upgrade life style. You get a raise—and upgrade your car. You earn more—and dine out more. That’s lifestyle inflation, and it’s one of the quickest ways to stay broke. Income rises, but expenses rise faster.
Instead of using the extra cash to create assets, you create liabilities by funding lifestyle purchases.
At the end of the up you would have only succeeded in inflating your lifestyle, while deflating you’re your fortune.
These days, there are countless ways to access money. Fintechs and banks are constantly rolling out products that make borrowing feel effortless. No collateral, minimal paperwork, and no strong credit history required. From credit cards to Buy Now, Pay Later options and unsecured personal loans, borrowing has never been easier.
But these modern conveniences can quickly become traps. Interest quietly chips away at your future before you even have a chance to build it.
Saying “I want to be rich” is like saying “I want to be fit”—without a plan, you’ll go nowhere fast. Real financial growth requires clear, measurable goals. You are well motivated when you work towards a goal.
Ever bought something because you were stressed, bored, or just had a bad day? Emotional spending leads to regret, clutter, and depleted bank accounts. Without discipline, good intentions vanish.
These and many other reasons are why most people stay broke. Don’t be like the crowd. Use the following the framework to stay ahead of the curve.
It’s time to reverse the trend. These 7 steps aren’t hype—they’re proven, practical, and applicable at any income level.
Your money will never grow beyond your understanding of it. Read books like:
Also, follow personal finance blogs like this, YouTube channels, podcasts, and newsletters that teach with clarity.
Tracking your expenses helps you see where your money actually goes. Often, it’s a wake-up call because you will be shocked to learn how reckless you’ve been with money. Fortunately there are quite a number of free tools available online you can use to keep track of your spending.
for example, a simple Excel template or Google sheet can help you keep adequate records
Every naira you earn should have a job. Choose a method that works for you:
An essential part of every good personal financial plan is keeping an emergency fundAMP: that money you set aside specifically to help you answer unexpected call. Start small—maybe ₦50,000 or ₦100,000—but grow it steadily to cover 3 to 6 months of living expenses. Emergencies are part of life. Be ready.
Being in debt is one of the most common financial mistakes that can prevent people from reaching their life goals. In fact, the pressure from creditors has driven some individuals to make tragic decisions, including taking their own lives. Whenever possible, avoid falling into debt.
However, if debt becomes unavoidable, take prompt and proactive steps to manage it effectively.
Use methods like:
Pay more than the minimum. Renegotiate interest rates if possible. Cut the cards if needed. Avoid borrowing for things that lose value fast.
InvestingAMP is one of the surest ways through which people create sustainable wealth. Fortunately it is not as difficult to start investing as many think. Even small amounts grow over time. Consider:
The key: Start now. Compound interest rewards time, not perfection.
No single paycheck is safe in today’s world. Explore other income channels:
Let’s be honest—starting is easy. Staying consistent is where the magic happens. Use these tips to build lasting habits:
You don’t need a six-figure income to build wealth. You don’t need to win the lottery. What you need is awareness, discipline, and a plan.
If you’ve felt overwhelmed, broke, or just behind in life, know this—you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. But you do have to choose change.
By understanding the root causes of your financial problems — and applying these 7 steps—you can change your money story forever.
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Buchi creates content and leads the Team at Kobotalk Management Services; a business development and investment consultancy firm. He provides strategic advisory to help SME's, small business owners and HNI's grow profitable business and make informed investing decisions.
Buchi creates content and leads the Team at Kobotalk Management Services; a business development and investment consultancy firm. He provides strategic advisory to help SME's, small business owners and HNI's grow profitable business and make informed investing decisions.