Find Your Next Job Through Savings

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How I Started Budgeting with Just GHS 200 a Month

“It’s not about how much you earn. It’s about how you manage what you have.”

A few months ago, I felt like GHS 200 was nothing. I’d spend it in days—on food, data, small wants—and be broke by midweek. I thought budgeting was for people with big salaries. But I was wrong.

Today, I want to share how I started budgeting with just GHS 200 a month, and how it changed everything.

💭 Step 1: I Admitted I Had a Problem

The first thing I realized was this: I didn’t know where my money was going. That GHS 200 was disappearing faster than I could track. So I sat down and asked myself:

  • What am I spending on?

  • How much of it is need vs want?

  • Why do I feel broke every week?

That moment of honesty was the beginning of change.



🧮 Step 2: I Created a Simple Budget on Paper

No apps, no spreadsheets. Just pen and paper. I divided the GHS 200 into basic categories:

CategoryAmount (GHS)
Food & Basic Needs100
Transport30
Airtime/Data20
Savings (yes, even a little)30
Flex (small enjoyment)20

The goal wasn’t to be perfect, but to be in control.



🧍🏽‍♂️ Step 3: I Practiced Discipline (Not Perfection)

There were times I overspent or borrowed from my “savings” category. But I kept going. Even saving 10 cedis felt like a win. I learned that:

  • Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about intention.

  • Every cedi counts.

  • Even GHS 200 can be powerful with the right mindset.


💡 Step 4: I Learned to Adjust When Needed

Sometimes unexpected costs come up. I started reviewing my budget weekly. Some months I had to spend more on food and less on flex. But the key was reviewing and adjusting, not giving up.

🎁 What I Gained

  • Peace of mind: I stopped stressing over money all the time.

  • Confidence: I felt in control, even on a small budget.

  • Progress: My savings started growing, little by little.

💬 My Advice: Don’t wait for “big money” before you start budgeting. Start with what you have, even if it’s GHS 50 or GHS 200. You’ll be amazed at how far it can take you when you give it direction.

📝 Final Thought

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck with your small income—trust me, you’re not alone. Start now. Write it down. Be intentional. Your pocket may be small, but your mindset makes it powerful.

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