MoneybyZikoko: Does Black Tax Set You Back?

Volume 111

Good morning, ☀️

Black tax will almost always be a critical part of the Nigerian financial experience, and there is not much anyone can do about that. Over the past four years, I’ve heard many stories about this concept, each with a different layer.

But there are a few recurring themes: People (who can) are happy to pay black tax; it could just be a burden they didn’t sign up for. It gets interesting here: everyone deals with it differently or sets different boundaries.

This week’s NairaLife subject hasn’t set a boundary for a long time, and it’s grown into a source of “resentment.” He spent years financially sacrificing his family, only to hit rock bottom when the world shut down in 2020. Now he’s clawing his way back, determined to put himself first—but it’s not as simple as it sounds.

Let’s get into it and the other stories in this dispatch.
👇🏾

In this letter:

- #NairaLife: The Project Manager Who Can’t Afford to Go Home
- Love Currency: The Student Getting Emotionally Attached to a Transactional Relationship
- As a Woman, I Shouldn’t Be the Breadwinner

QUIZ: Where Should You Go for Your Next Vacation?
Where The Money At?!

The #NairaLife of a Project Manager Who Can’t Afford to Go Home

This 32-year-old project manager devoted the first few years of his career to supporting his family. Then he hit a rough patch in 2020 and learned a few things in the process.
Now, he’s completely focused on securing his own future.

Here’s his #NairaLife

Enjoy a December to Remember with Yellow Card this Christmas! Trade at least 35,000 Naira on Yellow Card today for a chance to win $50 in Yellow Card’s $4000 Christmas giveaway. Don’t miss out on your chance to win!

Join Yellow Card today

Love Currency: The Student Getting Emotionally Attached to a Transactional Relationship

Jide* (22) has been in a casual relationship with Mutiat* (34) since 2023.

For #LoveCurrency, he talks about catching feelings for Mutiat despite their transactional arrangement, deciding to ask her for financial help and why her marriage means there’s no future for their relationship.

Read the full story

Looking for banking that matches your vibe?

Optimus Bank has got you covered. With the Optiverse app, you can bank on your terms. Open an account in just 2 minutes, transact in seconds, and customize your app experience to suit your preferences. Step into the future of banking.

Download the Optiverse app today!

As a Woman, I Shouldn’t Be the Breadwinner

Romoke* (32) has been her home’s primary breadwinner since she got married in 2018. At first, she didn’t think much of it, but over the years, she’s come to realise this dynamic isn’t normal.

She shares why she can’t leave and how she’s made it a priority to advise other women not to tow the same path.

QUIZ: Where Should You Go for Your Next Vacation?

You deserve a vacation after this long year. But whether it’s a trip to your neighbour’s house or aso-rock, you’ll know at the end of this quiz.

Find out here

Where The Money At?!

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.