Saving money used to feel like a normal part of life. You earned your salary, paid your bills, and kept something aside for the future. Today, for many Nigerians, that has become increasingly difficult.

The cost of living keeps rising, while many people's incomes remain the same. Food, transportation, rent, electricity and other basic needs can consume most of a person's earnings. By the time everything is paid for, there may be little or nothing left to save.

Family responsibilities also add to the pressure. Many young Nigerians support their parents, siblings or other relatives. An unexpected medical bill, school fees or family emergency can quickly wipe out whatever savings someone has managed to build.

Social media also contributes to the problem. Constantly seeing people travelling, buying expensive items and living seemingly luxurious lives can create pressure to spend money just to keep up appearances.

But the truth is, saving is difficult when survival itself is expensive.

While financial discipline, budgeting and financial literacy are important, the bigger economic picture cannot be ignored. You cannot save money you simply do not have.

Nigerians want to save. They want to invest, own homes, start businesses and prepare for the future. But for many, the struggle is not a lack of financial discipline. It is the reality of trying to survive in an increasingly expensive economy.

The question, therefore, is not only “Why are Nigerians finding it difficult to save?”

It is also “What needs to change so that Nigerians can afford to live today and still prepare for tomorrow?”