The end-of-month soft life epidemic, explained.
Come the 28th of every month, Lagos does a 180. WhatsApp groups buzz, “Oga sponsor” texts start getting replies, and wallets suddenly feel heavier. But make no mistake, most of us still pay our bills; we just reprioritize the fun first.
1. The Flex-First Strategist
“Rent’s paid—now let me live.”
A few weeks ago, they had all their bills mapped out: rent, apartment dues, data subscription, all prepped. But the second credit alert hits, and rent is paid, their brain kicks the left-out bills to “later.” And they’ll impulsively order that meal they saw on an online vendor’s page or that overpriced shawarma they’ve heard so much about. Bills will always be there; the philosophy is flex first and figure it out later.
2. The Spreadsheet Guru
“They’re the gurus of financial literacy, maybe a little stingy.”
They’re diligent with their priorities down to the “miscellaneous expenses”. As soon salary hits they have all their bills automated and paid for, they’ve budgeted how much they’ll need for transport to work, and if they can afford to go out this month. Their motto, “if I can’t buy it twice, then it’s not worth it”. Don’t ask them for financial favors, it’s not in their budget.
4. The Soft-Life Enthusiasts
“The name is not Kweku, but they love to travel.”
They’ve got a decent job with a salary that’s able to accommodate their wants, they’ve got slightly expensive hobbies, are the life of the party. And as soon as the salary hits, they’re putting in money into that “Mexico 2026 funds account”. Now these guys you can call for financial favors, just make sure you pay back on time, they’re sweet but don’t play about their money.
5. The Pretend Planner
“Budgeting starts… eventually.”
They’ll save all the IG reels on budgetting and saving, probably talk about budgeting alot but that’s where it ends, talk— did that sting? Then fix up! As soon as salary hits, they’ve got all their priorities mixed up, they’ve planned to spend N20k at the party, only to get there and get carried away with the Dorime and now they’re N50k in the red, and it’s just the first week of the new month— My dear, you’re cooked!
6. The Overzealous Planner
“Stick to the plan.”
These guys and “The Spreadsheet Gurus” are not so distant cousins; they budget the outings into their breakdown, one owambe, one restaurant per month, with a strict budget. Doesn’t matter if you troll them for missing out; they’re immovable and will not fold. Overzealous? Maybe, but at least they’re not in the red—unless Lagos comes with it’s irregular billings and they have to break that savings to sort things out.
7. The Black “Taxee”
“Family needs me.”
They hustle not just for themselves but for the people under their care, so as soon as the salary hits, they’re also budgeting how much they need to send back home, another budget to treat their partner to dinner, or surprise them with something nice. They’re financial backbones and usually very kind, very community-oriented.
Conclusion
In Lagos, wealth isn’t just what’s in your bank; it’s the story you tell, how you spend, and the performance you deliver every month. Once that salary drops, we all get our starring roles.
