For the average Nigerian Gen Z, the thought of investing in stocks can feel like a distant dream. Between navigating school, side hustles, waiting for salary and falling broke, saving for investments often takes a backseat. But here’s the thing: building wealth doesn’t require a millionaire’s budget. It starts with small, intentional steps. Here are ways you can mop money around to build buy stocks.

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1. Cut back on non-essentials

Ever calculated how much you spend on daily luxuries like shawarma, suya, or that third streaming service you barely use? These tiny expenses, when tracked, often reveal surprising opportunities to save. Take a careful audit of your finances and redirect expenses that seem to be non essential into an investment account. A ₦2,000 shawarma saved every week translates to ₦8,000 monthly—money that could buy shares in top companies like GTCO or MTN Nigeria.

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2. Pick a skill, account or day that funds your stocks portfolio

I doubt you are not a multi-skilled person, if I am wrong, you will have several accounts and if I am wrong again, you definitely have each day of the week.

This is how it works. Let’s say you sell clothes and also do photography. You can choose to commit 50% of all the funds you make from photography to stocks. Or you could say, each time a customer from your cloth of photography skill transfers money to your GTBank account, that money or part of it will go to investing. Or you could say part or all the money that comes to your account on a Tuesday will go to stocks. This way, you have created a pipeline that will lead to you getting cash to invest in stock no matter how little you get.

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3. Sell Pre-Loved Items

Declutter your wardrobe and sell clothes, shoes, or gadgets you no longer use. Apps like Jiji and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to connect with buyers. This cash, though small, can form the foundation of your stock market journey.

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4. Leverage Micro-Investing Platforms

Thanks to apps like Trove, Bamboo, Risevest, and Chaka, you no longer need millions to invest in stocks. These platforms allow you to start with as little as ₦1,000, making investing accessible for everyone. Skip one night out, and you could own shares in Nigerian blue-chip companies.

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5. Ask for Investment Gifts

Gone are the days of receiving only clothes and cake for your birthday. Let your friends and family know you’re serious about investing. You could ask that gifts be sent to your investment accounts. A lot of your egbons will even love that you are taking such a step.

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6. Increase Your Income

Sometimes, the best way to find money for investing is to increase your overall earnings. Look for ways to level up in your career, such as taking online courses or certifications to boost your skill set. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable options. Alternatively, negotiate a raise at work or explore new job opportunities with better pay. With every income increase, allocate a percentage specifically for investments—your future self will thank you.

7. Start Small and Think Big

Finally, remind yourself that you don’t need millions to start. Begin with what you have. Invest ₦5,000 consistently, and watch compound growth work its magic. Stocks like Dangote Cement, UBA, and Zenith Bank offer affordable entry points and long-term potential.

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A Future Worth Investing In

With the right mindset and tools, building wealth on the Nigerian Stock Exchange is within reach. The key is to stay disciplined, educate yourself, and start now.

Remember, the earlier you begin, the greater your potential to grow wealth—and before long, your portfolio could be very nourished.

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