17 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

17 Practical Things Anyone Can Do To Kick Poverty Out of Their Lives

Apr 14, 2025.

Poverty isn’t just about a lack of money — it’s often tied to a cycle of poor choices, limited knowledge, and deeply ingrained mindsets.

But here’s the truth: with the right strategies, information, and daily actions, anyone can rise above poverty and build a more stable, prosperous life.

Below are 17 practical, easy-to-understand steps that can help kick poverty out of your life — one choice at a time.

1. Change Your Money Mindset

To escape poverty, you must first believe it’s possible.

Many people are raised to think that wealth is for others — not them.

That mindset keeps them stuck.

What to Do:

· Begin affirming wealth and abundance daily.

· Read mindset-changing books like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill or The Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker.

· Replace negative money thoughts (“I’ll always be broke”) with positive ones (“I am building wealth step by step”).

2. Track Every Penny You Spend

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Tracking your expenses reveals the habits and patterns draining your money.

What to Do:

· Use simple tools like a notebook or free apps like Wallet or Spendee.

· Review your daily and weekly spending.

Highlight non-essential expenses you can reduce.

3. Create and Stick to a Budget

A budget gives your money direction.

Without it, your money disappears and leaves you wondering where it went.

What to Do:

· Set income and spending limits each month.

· Follow budget rules like 50/30/20 — 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for saving/investing.

· Adjust monthly as your situation changes.

4. Cut Off Unnecessary Expenses

Every naira or dollar you spend needlessly keeps you in financial bondage. Simple sacrifices now can lead to long-term freedom.

What to Do:

· Cancel subscriptions or apps you don’t use.

· Cook more meals at home.

· Resist buying trendy items to impress others.

5. Start a Side Hustle

If your salary can’t cover your needs and savings, find ways to earn extra.

What to Do:

· Offer freelance services like writing, design, or tutoring on Fiverr or Upwork.

· Start a small business selling food, clothing, or digital products.

· Leverage skills you already have to provide solutions in your community.

6. Save Consistently — Even Small Amounts

Saving isn’t about how much — it’s about how often.

Small, consistent savings grow over time.

What to Do:

· Set up an automatic savings plan.

· Use piggy banks, digital wallets, or savings apps like Chime.

· Reward yourself for reaching saving milestones.

7. Avoid Bad Debt

Not all debt is bad, but borrowing money to fund a lifestyle you can’t afford will only keep you broke.

What to Do:

· Only borrow for assets that increase in value.

· Avoid payday loans or high-interest credit cards.

· Pay off your debts quickly to save on interest.

8. Build High-Income Skills

To earn more, you need to be more valuable in the marketplace.

High-income skills unlock higher pay and more opportunities.

What to Do:

· Learn copywriting, digital marketing, coding, or video editing.

· Take affordable or free courses on Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.

· Apply your skills through practice and freelancing gigs.

9. Read Books on Personal Finance

Books are mentors in print.

The right ones will teach you how to manage money wisely.

What to Do:

· Read one finance book per month.

· Take notes and apply what you learn.

· Recommended: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin.

10. Avoid Get-Rich-Quick Schemes

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Many people stay poor because they lose money in scams.

What to Do:

· Stay away from Ponzi schemes and fake investment platforms.

· Do proper research before putting your money anywhere.

· Focus on long-term, proven wealth-building methods.

11. Start Investing Early

Investing turns your money into a working tool.

The earlier you start, the more your money grows.

What to Do:

· Begin with as little as $10 using platforms like Acorns, Robinhood, or Binance.

· Learn about stocks, mutual funds, and cryptocurrency.

· Be consistent — investing is a marathon, not a sprint.

12. Learn to Sell

Sales is a skill that multiplies your income.

Whether you’re selling a product, service, or idea — learning how to sell changes everything.

What to Do:

· Practice pitching ideas and negotiating.

· Study top salespeople through books and YouTube.

· Start with what you already know or love.

13. Use the Internet to Your Advantage

We live in a digital economy.

You can work, sell, teach, and earn online.

What to Do:

· Create a YouTube channel, blog, or online store.

· Learn affiliate marketing, dropshipping, or e-book publishing.

· Monetize your content or skills through platforms like Teachable or Gumroad.

14. Network With Growth-Minded People

Your environment shapes your future.

You become like the people you spend time with.

You are the average of the 5 persons you spend the most time with says Jim Rohn

What to Do:

· Join online forums like Reddit’s r/entrepreneur.

· Attend local business events or personal finance webinars.

· Find accountability partners for your goals.

15. Set Clear Financial Goals

Clarity attracts success.

Without goals, you drift. With them, you grow.

What to Do:

· Write down what you want to achieve financially.

· Break them into monthly and weekly milestones.

· Track progress and adjust when needed.

16. Take Responsibility for Your Life

Blaming others gives away your power.

Owning your life gives you control.

What to Do:

· Accept where you are without shame.

· Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t.

· Make daily decisions that align with your goals.

17. Give Back as You Grow

Giving is a principle of abundance.

It opens doors and creates goodwill.

What to Do:

· Share what you’re learning with others.

· Donate time, money, or knowledge to causes you believe in.

· Help others grow — success is sweeter when shared.

Last Lines

Poverty doesn’t end by wishing or complaining — it ends by doing.

These 17 practical things are not magical, but they are powerful when practiced consistently.

You have the ability to change your financial story.

Start with one action today.

Keep going.

In time, poverty will be behind you — and prosperity ahead.

@Paddylay

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