At Cowrywise, one of our biggest goals is to help you make better financial decisions, like saving. We get it: saving money is hard and finding ways to save money in Nigeria is even harder. There’s always something to spend on.
However, we have thought about several practical ways in which you can spend less and save more, so let’s get straight into it.
Topics we will cover:
Food and drink tips

1. Buy your groceries in bulk
One of the easiest ways to save money is by buying all your groceries in bulk. You will agree it is also a good feeling to have the kitchen stocked with all your favourite food.
2. Cook, don’t eat out or order food
It’s expensive to eat out always, and when you finally sit down to do the maths it all adds up to you spending more and saving less.
3. Food prep is a lifesaver
You get home hungry after a long day at work. You’re also tired and want nothing more than to just rest. Instead of being tempted to buy food, all you’ll have to do is eat the food you prepped for the week.
4. Cook only what you can eat
Sometimes we’re tempted to cook much more than we can eat in a single sitting and end up wasting food. You might not realize it, yet every little bit adds up to one buck that you could have saved.
5. Stock up on non-perishable food
Stocking the house up is all fun and games until you open the fridge to find that all the vegetables have wilted and the fruits are turning all colours of the rainbow. Stock up on non-perishable food and buy your fresh produce only when you have an immediate use for it.
6. Pack lunch when going to work
One of the easiest ways to save money is packing lunch to work. You’ll save money and time when you prep something from home and bring it along with you.
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Home and living tips

7. Do your laundry
It’s nice to sit back and know that you’ve handed your dirty laundry to someone who will bring them back nice and clean. But did you know that you could save a lot more if you did them at home or went to the laundromat and did it? Yup, it will save you a few bucks.
8. Practice the 30-day rule
You’ve spotted something you like on your favourite Instagram vendor’s page, and suddenly you want it. Instead of buying it, put the money in your Cowrywise Stash and wait for 30 days. If at the end of the 30 days you think you need it, buy it. The chances are pretty low that you’ll still feel the impulse and 30 days is an excellent way for it to wear off as you put some thought into it.
9. Outsourcing chores is nice, but doing them yourself is better (for your pocket)
We all hate chores and would much rather prefer to get someone else to do them. Except that costs you a lot. You save much more by doing it yourself.
Transport tips

10. Carpooling
That Uber ride you’re about to order? Take it with a friend or two. Carpooling means the bill will be split and you still get to ride in comfort to your destination. It’s an excellent way to cut back on spending.
11. Travel packages are the best travel deals
We know you’ve been thinking about rewarding yourself for working hard. Now you want a vacation, and those flight tickets look too expensive because you’ll have to pay for hotels, food and do cool stuff while you’re there. Go for a travel package which is usually more affordable because you get group discounts. You’ll have fun, get a much better deal and still save some money too!
12. Don’t commute during rush hour
If you can leave your home a little earlier or later, do it! There’s nothing better than avoiding the hike in transport fares during rush hour.
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Health tips

13. Cut down on smoking and drinking alcohol
You’re probably wondering what this tip has to do with saving money. If you think about how much money you’ve spent on alcohol and cigarettes, you might notice how it all leads up to a larger amount. Both can also lead to expenses paid on medical bills.
14. Health insurance means fewer medical bills
When you think about the fact that you pay an affordable amount every month for health coverage, it makes a lot of sense that it saves you money in the long run. Whether it’s a headache or something even more severe, your health insurance covers it and saves you a lot of money.
Entertainment tips

15. Stream less and download more
This should seem pretty obvious, but you’ll end up spending much more on data if you stream.
16. One movie or TV streaming service is enough
There are plenty of platforms offering to give you all the movies you can watch with a monthly subscription. We know there’s a temptation to subscribe for more than one but resist it and save that money in a savings plan instead.

17. YouTube and Vimeo are free
If you’re looking to save even more, slash your movie streaming service and go for YouTube instead. There is a lot of great content on there to watch instead.
18. Research events that are pocket-friendly
You’re bored with being home all weekend and want to go somewhere or do something. Search for events that are pocket-friendly! These events could be close to where you live and don’t require you to dish out a hefty gate fee to grant you access. Eventbrite is a great place to start.
19. See a movie at home and skip going to the cinema
We all love the experience of going to a cinema provides. When you’re on a budget, staying at home to watch a movie is a much better way to save.
Applying these tips means you’ll definitely have a lot more to put away into your savings and investment plans. To get started, all you need to do it sign up with us and start saving.
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I have been saved times without number from my 20% savings on my salary earned and this I enjoyed using cowrywise application.
I simply want to applaud the initiatives behind cowrywise, and God bless the day I downloaded this app, seamless transactions and activities, this is a one stop shop for investors and planners alike.
Oluwadamilare Akinola.
(Dee3concepts Travels)
A+ for financial literacy.
Thank you Cowrywise!
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So happy to have you on board ?
I love saving with cowry wise. I have no regret… i have also learnt some things on their blogs concerning savings and investment
So glad to hear that, Blessing. Thanks!
Yayyy ?
I’m a student. Although there are other saving app buh i love cowrywise moreee… So straightforward
Thanks Omowunmi! ??
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As a student who uses both PiggyVest and Cowrywise, I prefer Cowrywise because it is waaayy simpler. And has more options.
Always teaching its users something. Thank you!
Thank you, Omolola.
Among all other sites and companies, I have been investing I still choose cowrywise as the best . Because,its simple, straightforward, and attend to their customers,thanks to cowrywise we are still looking up to you,
for more development.
I love CowryWise for their regular financial education
I love cowrywise
And introduced it to my friends
Great initiative from Cowrywise
Now i would love to ask where the 10% tithe comes to play in
Well, you get to play around with the percentages when it comes to the 50-20-30 rule. I include my tithe by lowering my necessities to 40%, and also included black tax @ 9%. Just make sure all your categories add up to 100% and adjust where only necessary.
Specially want to thank OPE he’s/she’s been great! Thank you for all the financial advices!
Overall best in financial literacy
I so much love cowrywise especially because they have a plan for Muslims who do not want interest on their savings and I also love their automation
I am always happy and always look forward to when cowrywise will remove my money
Them say debit alert no dey give person joy but whenever it’s from cowrywise am always happy
Please I need your advice on how to get debt free with my income how to spend and Dave to pay up the loans
I always look forward to Ope’s email because their is always something to learn.
I invitatied one thousand I did not see the money or income
Awesome! I loved this app because any time I logged in,it gives me future assurance.
Kudos to you guys (expecially ope) your quote motivated me a lot ❤️❤️ cowrywise
I wanna know about cowrywise investment…I only know about her savings
With little responsibilities, I stay with my parents , my main expenses are usually transport and internet subscription, I’m able to save up to save up to 50% of my salary
Cowry wise is the Best
I love cowrywise and I’ll introduce anyone to it.
I wish to know more about Cowrywise investment
I wish to know more about Cowrywise investment. I have interest in investing. How can I go about it
Cowrywise is very nice ,they do great job
Wow really loved this
A very nice article thanks
Thank you for yet another insightful post??
I have no regrets since I joined cowrywise, since 4years ago, I love it and have introduced many people, God bless you all Amen
The first 200k I was able to save was because Cowrywise made it possible ????.
I love the fact that once a saving plan is set you can never break it till it’s due date.
I remember rushing down to my app to withdraw my money just for me to realize it’s a one year saving plan?? I was heartbroken at then but guess what one year later I was immensely grateful that the money was safe locked without me accessing it.
I have a lot to learn from using this app as I journey to financial freedom, I haven’t officially utilized the investment options but I will definitely give it a good try someday.
Thank you Cowrywise for this awesome opportunity ❤️?
Thanks for always educating me ❤️?
Thank you cowrywise..Thank you Ope
Thanks so much my favourite Savings adviser, Ope, this 50-20-30 plan is an eye opener. I will put into use immediately so that I can be consistent in my savings. Thanks
Lovely write-up as usual, always happy to see cowrywise content