Money comes in, and just like that, it disappears. Poof. You check your bank app and as yourself, “Wait, who spent this money? Was it me?” Sounds painfully familiar?  

What you might not realise is how often we spend on small, seemingly insignificant things. Individually, they don’t feel like a big deal, but over time? These things add up. 

We spend mindlessly, and before we know it, those sneaky little expenses drain our accounts, slowly but steadily.

In a country where the economy is basically on vibes and survival mode, every naira matters. So, let’s call ourselves out a bit, shall we? 

If any of this sounds like you, no judgment, just adjust.

1. Constantly buying “small” data bundles

You buy ₦500 data every other day, thinking it’s small. But do the math; ₦500 every 2 days is about ₦7,500 a month. And that’s if you’re lucky. Some people spend more.

Instead of small, frequent bundles, many telcos offer bigger, more cost-effective plans. But because you’re streaming YouTube sermons without Wi-Fi, you keep buying small chunks, and wasting money. A monthly plan or home Wi-Fi might feel like a lot upfront, but it saves you long term. Trust.

RELATED: New MTN Vs. Airtel Data Plans: Which is Cheaper & Better?

2. Emotional spending on food & drinks

You’re sad, so you order pizza. You’re happy, so you order shawarma. You’re bored? Hello, ice cream. 

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Food delivery apps, restaurants, and random street cravings are one of the biggest low-key money drainers. It’s not just the food itself, it’s the delivery fees, the extras, and the “let me just add one drink” mentality.

Eating out or ordering in once in a while is fine, but when it becomes your coping mechanism or weekend routine, your wallet starts to feel it.

Try meal prepping, eating at home, or gasp learning to cook that one thing you always buy. 

3. Buying things to “feel among”

This one is for the soft life crew. You saw your friend rocking the latest sneakers, so you bought one too, even though rent is knocking. You booked that “staycation” because your fave influencer did it, even though your fridge is empty.

Social pressure is real, especially online. But trying to keep up with lifestyles you can’t afford is a fast-track ticket to being broke and stressed. Nobody’s saying don’t enjoy life, but ask yourself: is this spending for me, or for them?

Learn to admire without acquiring. Sometimes, looking is enough.

RECOMMENDED: 5 ways you can save money on food in a bad economy

4. Subscribing to everything but using nothing

Let’s talk subscriptions. Netflix. Spotify. Apple Music. Showmax. YouTube Premium. And that fitness app you’ve never opened. You’re subscribed to five platforms but only actively use one.

The worst part? Some people even forget they subscribed, and those silent monthly debits just keep deducting. That’s your money, doing absolutely nothing.

Take a moment to review your subscriptions. Cancel what you don’t use. Or better still, share accounts with friends or family. You don’t need everything, and you definitely don’t need to pay for what you’re not using.

5. Over-reliance on Bolt/Uber/ride-hailing

Yes, public transport can be chaotic, but that Bolt habit? It’s eating your funds. A ₦3,000 trip here, a ₦5,000 ride there, and by the end of the week, you’ve spent more than your weekly feeding budget on rides alone.

Sure, sometimes it’s necessary. But a little planning, like walking short distances, carpooling, or even taking public transport, can seriously cut your transport costs.

Being mobile is nice. Being broke? Not so much.

Life is hard enough in Nigeria. Don’t let your spending habits make it harder. Cut back where you can and spend wisely. 

ALSO READ: 5 habits that can secretly make you poor without realising it

When it comes to the Catholic Church, the papacy remains one of the oldest continuous institutions in the world. It has seen a long line of leaders guiding the Catholic Church over the centuries. 

Each pope’s tenure has had its own impact on the Church and the world at large.

As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, here is a list of popes of the Roman Catholic Church throughout history, along with the duration of their papacies. 

READ ALSO: What happens when the Pope dies? 

From the early days of Saint Peter to the modern pontiffs, this compilation includes the men who have held the papal office and shaped religious, political, and cultural landscapes across time. 

READ ALSO: Meet the only Nigerian who can vote on who becomes the next pope

We often turn to deodorants, perfumes, and body sprays to maintain a pleasant scent throughout the day. 

While these products can be effective, what you consume also plays a powerful role in how your body smells. 

Surprisingly, some foods can help you stay naturally fresh from the inside out. By including these in your diet, you not only support your overall health but may also notice a subtle improvement in your natural body odour. 

Here are three surprising foods that can help keep you smelling fresh all day long.

1. Parsley

Often used as a garnish, parsley is a powerful herb that does more than add colour to your plate. It contains chlorophyll, a natural compound known for its deodorising properties. Chlorophyll helps neutralise body odours by detoxifying the bloodstream and promoting healthy digestion, which can influence how your body smells.

ALSO READ: Why your feet stink and how to keep them fresh

Parsley also has antibacterial properties that may help combat odour-causing bacteria. You can chew on a few sprigs after meals, blend it into green smoothies, or add it generously to salads and soups for a refreshing boost.

2. Green Apples

Green apples are not only crisp and delicious, but they’re also rich in fibre and antioxidants, which support gut health, a key player in body odour. A healthy digestive system ensures toxins are efficiently eliminated from the body, reducing the chances of unpleasant smells.

What’s more, green apples contain polyphenols that help fight bacteria in the mouth, naturally freshening your breath. Replacing sugary snacks with a green apple can be a tasty and effective way to stay refreshed throughout the day.

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EXPLORE: How to naturally smell good without using deodorant

3. Lemon

Known for its sharp, clean scent, lemon is a citrus fruit that works wonders from the inside. It helps balance the body’s pH levels and acts as a natural cleanser. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning supports digestion, flushes out toxins, and may contribute to a more neutral body odour over time.

Additionally, lemon’s high vitamin C content boosts the immune system and supports the health of the skin, which plays a vital role in how we smell. Adding a few slices to your water or using lemon juice in salad dressings can make it a regular part of your routine.

Smelling fresh isn’t only about what you apply on your skin, it also begins with what you consume. Adding foods like parsley, green apples, and lemon into your daily diet can help support your body’s natural freshness in a subtle yet noticeable way.

Combined with good hygiene, these simple dietary additions can make a lasting difference, helping you feel confident and refreshed all day long.

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