Are You Broke or Just Bad With Money?

Let’s cut to the chase: if you're constantly running out of money, you need to figure out why. 

Is it because you truly don’t earn enough, or because you manage money poorly?

The difference matters. One calls for survival tactics. The other calls for discipline.

What Does “Broke” Really Mean?

Being broke means your income can’t keep up with your basic expenses — rent, food, transport, bills. You’re not buying designer clothes or taking weekend trips. You’re just trying to survive.

Most people who are broke:

• Live paycheck to paycheck
• Have little to no savings
• Struggle to pay for emergencies

This isn’t always their fault. Wages can be low, jobs unstable, and inflation unforgiving. But being broke doesn't automatically mean you’re bad with money.

What Does Being Bad With Money Look Like?

Being bad with money isn’t about income — it’s about what you do with what you have.

Here are a few signs:

• No budget, just vibes
• Constant impulse buying
• Paying late fees every month
• Borrowing for non-essentials
• Living above your means

A person earning K5,000 a month but spending K6,000 is worse off than someone earning K2,000 but living on K1,800.

It Can Be Both — And That’s the Trap

Many people are both broke and bad with money. They make too little and mismanage the little they have. It becomes a vicious cycle: you're always behind, always reacting, never planning.

Example:

• You earn K3,000.
• Your rent is K1,500.
• You spend K1,200 on eating out, data, clothes, and unnecessary subscriptions.
• You borrow K300 to make it to the next payday.
• Next month, you’re starting in debt.

Repeat that 12 times a year and you're stuck.

How to Know Which One You Are

You’re Broke If:

• Even after cutting all non-essentials, you still can’t afford basics.
• Your income is stagnant but prices keep rising.
• You’re forced to make trade-offs like skipping meals or meds.

You’re Bad With Money If:

• You can’t account for where your money goes.
• You refuse to budget because “it’s boring.”
• You keep increasing your lifestyle every time your income rises.
• You know you have a money problem but keep postponing fixing it.

So, What Now?

Whether you're broke, bad with money, or both — here’s what you can start doing:

A. Track Every Kwacha

Use an app, a notebook, or even WhatsApp messages to yourself. You can’t fix what you don’t know.

B. Cut Ruthlessly

If it’s not essential, it needs to go. Data bundles, fast food, drinks, subscriptions — slash them until your finances breathe again.

C. Set a Hard Budget

Your income minus your non-negotiable expenses is your real spending money. Not your full paycheck.

D. Increase Income

It’s not always quick, but it’s necessary. Sell something. Offer a service. Upskill. Join a legitimate side hustle.

E. Start Saving — Even If It’s K1

Saving is not about the amount. It’s about building the habit. Start small and build momentum.

Final Thought

Being broke is often outside your control. Being bad with money isn’t.

If you're in both boats, take control of what you can change. It’s hard, slow, and not glamorous — but it’s possible.

Ask yourself honestly: Am I broke, or just bad with money?

Then fix it.