Hey hustlers, it's Precious.
One of the biggest shocks for many of us in 2026 is how fast food prices keep rising every month. Rice, beans, yam, garri, onions, fish, and even vegetables have all become very expensive. Last year, I was easily spending a lot every month just on food and groceries. By the 20th of the month, my salary was almost finished mainly because of food.
I got tired of it. So I decided to change the way I shop and cook. I started tracking my food expenses properly and made some small but powerful changes. By the end of last month (March 2026), I had cut my food bill down in one month!
That extra money didn’t disappear. I used it to add more capital to my side hustle. In this post, I’m sharing the exact habits that worked for me.
1. Change My Market Day and Time
I used to rush to the market after work or on weekends when prices are highest. Now I go very early on Saturday mornings — before 8am — to Mile 1 Market or Creek Road. Sellers are still setting up and they are usually more willing to negotiate.
One Saturday alone, I saved alot just by arriving early and buying from the first traders. Early birds really do catch the cheaper worms!
2. Buy in Bulk What Doesn’t Spoil Quickly
Items that can last long get bought in bigger quantities: 10kg or 25kg bags of rice, beans, garri, onions, and potatoes. I store them properly in strong buckets with tight lids to prevent weevils and moisture.
This single habit cut my monthly spend, because I no longer buy small, expensive top-ups every week.
3. Negotiate Harder (But Politely)
I no longer accept the first price the seller gives me. I now say things like “Aunty, the price is too much for me o, please help me reduce it small” and sometimes walk away slowly. Most times they call me back and reduce the price.
I also try to buy from the same sellers regularly so they start giving me “customer price.”
4. Cook Once and Eat Twice (Meal Prepping)
Every Sunday evening, I cook a big pot of stew or soup (okra, egusi, vegetable, or simple tomato stew). I also boil plenty yam or rice in bulk. This way, when I come back tired from work and NEPA has taken light, I don’t rush out to buy expensive take-away food.
This habit alone reduced my food spending in the first two weeks of the month dramatically.
5. Avoid Pre-Packaged and Processed Items
Pre-packaged spices, washed vegetables, and ready-to-eat items are always more expensive. I now buy raw ingredients and prepare them myself. I also reduced buying soft drinks and started making zobo or kunu at home when I have time.
Other Small but Powerful Habits
I carry my own shopping bag so I don’t pay for nylon bags.
I compare prices between 2–3 stalls before buying anything.
I freeze extra soup in small portions so nothing wastes.
The Result?
Last month, these changes helped me spend less on food instead of the usual huge sum. That extra money went straight into my side hustle capital and savings.
Small consistent changes like this really add up fast, especially when you’re hustling in this tough 2026 economy.
Final Advice
You don’t have to do all these things at once. Start with just two or three habits this weekend, maybe early market day and bulk buying. Track your spending for one month and you’ll be surprised at the difference.
What thrifty shopping tricks have you discovered in your area?
Do you go to the market early or have any good negotiation tips?
Share your own experiences in the comments below. Let’s help each other stretch our money further in this economy.
If this post helped you, share it with that friend who always complains that food is finishing their salary.
Stay thrifty and keep hustling smart!
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