One minute, you're writing your final year exams; the next minute, you're rounding up your NYSC service and posing for your 'POP' pictures. But here you are now in the labour market with no idea of what the next step is or what's waiting for you out here.

The truth is that without a proper plan, you might find yourself endlessly scrolling through job platforms in hope. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 76.7% of working-age Nigerians are unemployed. 

You can, however, create a powerful start by exploring this 90-day money game plan designed to help you gain control of your finances, earn a stable income, and build a life you will be proud of. Let's go!

The First Phase (Days 1 - 30) - Reset and Reboot

1. Clearly Outline Where You Stand

The first thing to do as a new Nigerian Graduate is to face your finances and know where you stand. How much do you have left in your bank account? Do you have debts? Do you have subscriptions you're currently paying for? 

Once you've answered these questions honestly, you can then write them out for clarity's sake. 

2. Cut, Cancel, Clean Up

Your goal here is to stop your money leaks, i.e. unnecessary expenses. Now is the best time to cancel those 'not so necessary' movie subscriptions, shopping sprees, and any other personal wants that you can do without. 

An ideal way to track your income, i.e, what you earn and what you're spending, is by budgeting. A common budgeting method is the 50/30/20 rule. Where;

• 50% of your earnings go towards essentials, such as food, rent, and utilities.

• Up to 30% can be allocated for non-essentials, such as subscriptions, entertainment, and personal wants.

• 20% should go to savings, investment, or debt servicing.

3. Upskill Intentionally

Not to burst your bubbles, but in our present labour market, your undergraduate degree alone might not carry you far. Now is the time to upskill and learn something that can generate income and have a positive impact in the near future. 

Some in-demand skills you can learn include Fashion Design, Hair Styling, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Video Editing, Copywriting, Social Media Management, and many more. You can easily learn from courses that are easy to understand on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, etc. 

The Second Phase (Days 31 - 60) - Go Big or Go Home

Now that you've aligned your mind to start earning, it's time to make money. No more waiting for "urgent 2k" from friends and family. The steps in this phase include;

1. Freelancing Services

In today's digital world, you do not need a fancy job title to begin earning well. Once you've upskilled, you can start offering your services on a freelance basis. Platforms where you can do such include Upwork, Fiverr, Guru, etc. 

Bear in mind that making money as a freelancer isn't a get-rich-quick scheme; you'll require skill, trust, consistency, and good communication to get paid well. 

2. Monetise your Skills through Social Media

If you have an online audience, sell your skills! Social media is quickly becoming one of the most lucrative avenues for content creators to earn a substantial income. Gone are the days when social media was used solely for entertainment. 

Now, you can make money while you scroll. You can smartly leverage what you know by showcasing your skill, offering value, and selling without being coercive. 

3. Sell What You Can – Online or Offline

You might not like freelancing or be interested in social media,  and that's okay. You can still make money by selling products or offering services people need every day.

What can you sell? You can sell a wide range of products, including Okirirka clothing, phone accessories, perfumes and body care products, beauty and hair products, food and snacks (e.g., parfait, small chops), bakery items, and more.

You can sell these items either: 

• Offline: Sell to friends, family, neighbours, church/mosque groups, and NYSC groups. Leverage the power of word of mouth and start, no matter how small.

• Online: You can also sell through your WhatsApp status, Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, X, and Telegram.

And no, you don't need a big shop or store. You can easily scale your business from the comfort of your home.

4. Open a Business-Friendly Bank Account to Track Your Hustle

It's very easy to mix business and personal funds, and this is, unfortunately, a major reason why most small businesses fail. 

From your very first earnings, treat your venture like a big business and open a reliable business banking account, such as a Moniepoint Business Banking account, to track your earnings and expenses easily. 

Other ways to earn as a young graduate in Nigeria

• Teaching: You can offer home lessons for children or teach students who are currently preparing for the WAEC or JAMB exams.

• Virtual Assistants: We live in a busy world, so take advantage of that. Offer your services as a personal assistant to business owners, such as organising schedules, booking trips, and lots more.

• Ride-hailing: If you have a bike or small car, consider earning money through platforms like Bolt, Uber, or Gokada.

• Event staffing: Look for ushering gigs, brand ambassador jobs, or event support roles.

• Laundry/Ironing services: You can start your laundry service for family and friends and eventually scale up to serve others.

The Third Phase (Days 61 - 90) - Level Up and Lock In

By now, you've probably learnt how to reboot and start earning; now it's time to build stability and structure.

1. Build your Savings

Once you receive your earnings, ensure to pay yourself first. Start saving no matter how little it is; even a tiny N1000 daily can amount to N30,000 every month. 

2. Build your Brand Online Presence

As an individual offering valuable services, you are a brand. Ensure to build your online presence, such as an Instagram page, a LinkedIn profile, or a one-page portfolio. By building an online presence that your potential clients can relate to, you establish overall trustworthiness and ultimately increase revenue.

3. Build your Network

It's essential to build a valuable network of friends and acquaintances as you progress in life. Join Twitter spaces and online forums, or attend conferences and engage, learn, and pitch ideas whenever the time presents itself.

Earn and Transact with a Reliable Bank - Moniepoint

As you step into the next chapter of life, one thing's clear: you need more than just hustle. You need tools that work as hard as you do. Whether you're chasing your first freelance gig, selling a product online, or stacking steady income, having a reliable bank behind you is non-negotiable.

That's where Moniepoint comes in. From smooth Personal Banking to stress-free Business accounts, Moniepoint is designed for young Nigerians, helping you send, receive, and manage money without the usual banking hassles.