How to Stop Living from Salary to Salary, According to New Book

Author and financial educator, Yemisi Adepoju, has unveiled a new book aimed at helping individuals break free from debt cycles and chronic financial stress while addressing the behavioural and emotional factors behind poor money management.

The book, Broke After Pay Day, was launched recently at RovingHeights Bookstore in Lagos. According to the author, the publication draws from years of observing workers trapped in recurring salary-to-salary struggles, regardless of their income levels.

Speaking at the launch, Adepoju said her experience as chairperson of a cooperative society exposed her to the widespread financial instability faced by employees across different income brackets.

“As the chairperson of a cooperative since 2015 and rising to the management level, I saw a lot of employees going through the headache of paycheck-to-paycheck living,” she said.

She noted that financial distress is not limited to low-income earners, citing instances of relatively high-income earners who still struggle with debt.

“I’ve seen people earn between N500,000 and N600,000 and are still owing. The financial embarrassment is crazy. And I felt, how do we break this cycle?” she said.

According to Adepoju, the book helps readers confront habits such as impulsive spending, lifestyle inflation, peer pressure, and emotional decision-making, all of which contribute to financial exhaustion.

She explained that the book’s central objective is to equip readers with practical tools to achieve financial stability and escape debt traps.

“I wrote this book because I want to see a change in Africa. I want employees to understand that regardless of the situation—whether it is black tax or a difficult partner—you can get out of it,” she said.

The author disclosed that the book is structured into eight chapters and combines storytelling with practical exercises to make financial lessons relatable and easy to apply.

She added that many workers remain financially active but are mentally burdened by debt and poor financial decisions.

“Many people are working but not happy. Some are in the prison of debt. The book addresses it,” she said.

Highlighting the book’s storytelling approach, Adepoju explained that it reflects everyday financial experiences.

“The title of Chapter One is ‘Who Chop My Salary?’ The character’s salary was paid, and within thirty minutes, it was gone,” she said.

She stressed the importance of budgeting, discipline, and delayed gratification, warning that poor money habits persist regardless of income size.

“If you cannot manage N30,000, you will not be able to manage N5 million. You must have structure and a budget,” she said.

Adepoju also encouraged readers to view money as a tool for wealth creation rather than immediate consumption.

“Money is a tool that needs to be sent on errands and return in multiple folds. You want to buy the latest phone—do you really need it? You want to change your car—is it really due for a change?” she asked.

She advised individuals to cultivate investment discipline and allow returns on investments to fund their lifestyles rather than relying solely on earned income.

Reviewing the book, real estate entrepreneur and television host, , described budgeting as a neglected but critical aspect of personal finance.

“I feel we haven’t had enough conversation on budgeting,” she said.

Also speaking, said the book reflects the financial realities faced by many Nigerians, particularly young people influenced by social media lifestyles.

“Some youths want to be like celebrities. Most of them probably don’t have what they flaunt online. They live fake lives,” he said.

He urged readers to live within their means and adopt better financial tracking habits, describing the book as practical and relevant.

Similarly, described the book as a useful guide capable of helping workers avoid post-salary financial distress.

Chief Executive Officer of , , also commended the book for its blend of storytelling, exercises, and practical financial survival strategies.

Adepoju, who is also a wellness advocate and life coach, said the book forms part of her broader mission to promote financial literacy, discipline, and long-term wealth creation among professionals.