There was a time when $300 dollars had to carry me through an entire month. Rent, food, transport to work, basic needs it had to fall with in that tight limit, I found myself in a position where each decision came down to survival: ” Do i really need this?” became a daily question. It was humbling, sometimes humiliating but also eye opening. That season forced me to look at money differently, rethink my habits and to uncover strength i didnt know i had. In this post am sharing what that chapter of my life taught me- not just about budgeting but also discipline and what financial freedom truly means.
My Reality: Life On $300 dollars a month
When Isay that i was living on $300 dollars a month, i dont mean that i was ”cutting back”, no that was all i had for everything- no savings cushion, no side income, no backup plan. I had to make it work somehow and rent took quite a big bite out of that amount. What was left had to cover food, transport, phone data and anything else that life threw at me.
There were days when I walked instead of paying for a ride, skipped meals to make the food last longer, or quietly declined plans because I couldn’t afford to go out. I stopped thinking about what I wanted and started focusing solely on what I needed. Even small decisions—like whether to buy airtime or save the money—felt heavy.
The truth is, it was draining. Not just financially, but emotionally. I felt stuck, embarrassed at times, and constantly afraid of unexpected expenses. But that season also stripped life down to its essentials—and in that clarity, I started learning things I probably wouldn’t have if I’d been “comfortable.”
The Hardest Parts
Living on $300 a month wasn’t just about cutting costs—it was about constantly choosing between needs. One of the hardest parts was the mental pressure. Waking up every day knowing that one unexpected expense could ruin the entire month was exhausting. There was no room for error, no margin for emergencies, no space to breathe. There were moments when I felt ashamed, especially when I had to say “no” to things others took for granted—like a quick coffee out, attending a friend’s event, or even replacing something as simple as a broken charger. I often kept my struggles to myself because explaining felt harder than just staying silent. Another tough part was watching time pass and feeling like I wasn’t moving forward and within the first week of a new month i would be aggrevated waiting for payday. It felt like everyone else was building, buying, and growing while I was just… surviving. That comparison trap hit hard, especially on the low days when my self-worth started tying itself to how much I had in my account.
But even in those moments, something inside me refused to give up. I kept telling myself, “This is temporary. I’m not going to stay here.”
What Got Me Through
Looking back, I realize I didn’t just survive that season—I endured it with a kind of quiet strength I didn’t even know I had. A few key things carried me through:
1. Faith and mindset. I had to constantly remind myself that this situation didn’t define me. I prayed, journaled, and held on to the belief that something better was coming. On days when everything felt heavy, I would speak life over my situation—even if my reality didn’t change right away, my perspective slowly did.
2. Radical budgeting. Every dollar had a job. I tracked every expense in a notebook or on my phone. I got creative—reusing things, finding free alternatives, learning to cook with limited ingredients, and prioritizing needs over wants. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was effective.
3. Saying “no” without guilt. I learned to stop explaining myself. If I couldn’t afford it, I didn’t force it. And over time, I stopped feeling bad about protecting my peace and my pocket. That boundary alone saved me from unnecessary stress.
4. Choosing growth, even in survival mode. I used free YouTube videos and blog posts to learn about money, mindset, blogging, and side hustles. Even with limited data, I tried to pour into myself however I could. I told myself: If I’m here, I might as well grow while I wait.
What I Learned About Money
That $300-a-month chapter of my life completely reshaped how I see money. Before, I thought money was just about having enough to spend comfortably. But when you have almost nothing, you start to see it differently.
1. Money isn’t just for spending. I learned to respect every coin. When you don’t have much, you learn how far even small amounts can go. That respect has stayed with me—even now, I don’t waste money like I used to.
2. Saving isn’t enough—you have to grow your money. I realized I couldn’t save my way out of poverty. I needed to find ways to earn more, invest wisely, and create multiple income streams. That mindset shift is what pushed me to start this blog and pursue new skills.
3. Scarcity is loud—but abundance starts in your mind. Living on less taught me how noisy scarcity can be. It screams, “You’ll never have enough.” But I began to quiet those thoughts by practicing gratitude, affirming abundance, and believing that I could build wealth, even if I started from zero.
4. Budgeting isn’t a punishment—it’s self-respect. Having a plan for your money, even if it’s a small amount, is a form of taking care of yourself. It’s how you tell your future, “I’m showing up for you.”
How That Season Changed Me.
Surviving on $300 a month didn’t just shift my finances—it changed. It humbled me, stretched me, and ultimately lit a fire in me that still burns today.
I no longer see money as something to chase just for comfort or status. I see it as a tool for security, freedom, and purpose. That season taught me how to live with less, but it also gave me a deep hunger to build more—for myself, and for my future.
I started pursuing knowledge about personal finance, side hustles, and passive income. I became intentional about my goals and started learning how to monetize my skills—through blogging, affiliate marketing, and creating content online. Every small step I take now feels like a rebellion against the life I never want to go back to.
Most importantly, I walk differently now. I have more confidence. I believe in myself more. I trust that even if I ever hit rock bottom again, I’ll rise with more wisdom, more strategy, and more faith than before.
Advice to Anyone Struggling Financially
If you’re in a season where money feels tight, overwhelming, or just nonexistent, I see you. I’ve been there. Here’s what I’d tell you if we were sitting across from each other, heart to heart:
1. Start where you are, not where you wish. Don’t wait for a miracle amount to begin taking control. Even if you’re earning little, learn to manage it well. That habit will follow you when you earn more. 2. Cut the shame. Being broke doesn’t mean you’re lazy or less valuable. You’re not your bank balance. Your current situation is not your final destination. Give yourself grace.
3. Track every coin. When money is tight, clarity is power. Know where it’s going, what’s draining you, and what can be trimmed. Awareness is the first step to taking control.
4. Learn something free every day. Use free YouTube videos, podcasts, or blogs to learn about money, business, or mindset. Feed your mind even when your wallet is starving—it’ll pay off.
5. Believe in better—even when it feels far. This is not forever. Keep your eyes on what you’re building toward. You have the power to turn things around, one small step at a time.
Final Thoughts: You are not alone
If you’re going through a tough financial season, I want you to know this: you are not alone. So many of us have silently fought battles with money, wondering if things will ever get better. They can. They do.
What you’re experiencing now might just be the fire that shapes your future strength. Don’t be ashamed of your struggle—it’s building resilience, wisdom, and grit in you. The lessons I learned during my $300/month season became the foundation of a more intentional, purpose-driven life. Yours can too.
Keep showing up for yourself, even on the hard days. Keep learning, budgeting, dreaming. And when the breakthrough comes—and it will—you’ll look back and realize that this season didn’t break you. It built you.
