Thrive With Okiemute

Last week, the markets’ performance had some unique twists. Here's what happened: The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both climbed to record highs. And Nigeria’s stock market continued its strong run — delivering an impressive 55.69% return year-to-date. However, Nigeria’s PMI slipped into contraction at 49.4 — the first time in 16 months. At the same time, rising oil prices boosted export earnings but also pushed up fuel costs, putting pressure on businesses. If you’re curious about what this means for your money, get the full insights and my top stock picks in the newsletter. Subscribe with the link below  forms.gle/JP2LYW4K1tj5x4…

I go deeper on this in my consultation sessions. Click on the link below to book a slot. calendly.com/thrivewithokie… 2/2

Happy Workers Day Thrivers!💜 Have you ever wondered why some people earn more than you in the same job? It’s not luck. It's called the power of negotiation. Here's how to negotiate your salary well in Nigerian workplaces. 1. Anchor your request to measurable impact—numbers, cost savings, revenue, or efficiency you’ve improved for the company. 2. Time your conversation right—after a completed project or a measurable win. 3. Present a salary range, not a single figure, and ensure it's backed by market data. Salary negotiation is not confrontation; it's structured communication that rewards your value. 1/2

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Many long-term bond investors in Nigeria lost money between 2023 & 2025. Here's what happened. Chidi, a Lagos-based investor, bought a 10-year bond in early 2023, believing he was playing it safe. But when interest rates rose, the value of his bonds dropped sharply. This is known as duration risk. The longer the bond, the more sensitive it reacts to rate changes.  Dear investor, don't just chase long tenors for “security.” Allocate some funds to shorter-duration investment options, and stay aware of the interest rate cycle before buying the next Government bonds. 1/2

Skipping due diligence isn't smart investing. It's gambling with your future.  Karima lost her life savings on a real estate deal she never verified. No expert. No research. Just urgency and hope. Hamza and Abdul did it differently and built a kind of wealth that lasts. Financial intelligence isn't about cutting costs. It's about spending wisely to protect your peace. Don't be a victim of wrong investment decisions like Karima. Watch the full story on my YouTube channel with the link below  youtu.be/l4O9XufBXbU?si…

Have you ever wondered how some Nigerians pay for big expenses without taking loans? Let me show you how. Last year, Chinwe bought her first car and renovated her apartment—without borrowing money or touching her investments because I introduced her to the Sinking Fund Strategy. Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ List your big-ticket expenses for the year.
2️⃣ Break each into monthly amounts and keep them in separate accounts.
3️⃣ Automate contributions so the money “disappears” monthly. Having done this, by year-end, Chinwe had her funds ready for her big projects. So start today: pick one big expense, break it down monthly, and fund it gradually. Will you be trying this?

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The markets saw some interesting shifts last week. Here's what happened: The NGX All-Share Index jumped 3.95% to 225,724 points, pushing year-to-date returns to 45%. And Treasury bills were in so much demand that the CBN got ₦2.36 trillion in subscriptions on a ₦750 billion offer.  Even the global markets caught a breath as well because the ceasefire news sent the NASDAQ and S&P 500 surging in prices. However, Brent crude, the global oil price benchmark, tumbled over 11% last week.  1/2

Magaji had everything going for him — a great income and a life most people only dream about. But a few years later, he'd lost almost all of it. The painful truth is I see some high income earners making the exact same mistakes he made. In this video, I share 3 things you need to do to avoid ending up in the same position. Click on the link below to watch the full video. youtu.be/XQ4es4rIpsM?fe…

Ada has read every finance book she could find. But nothing changed in her finances until she started reading with an extra level of intentionality. Here's what she did differently: She stopped treating financial books like regular novels but like practical financial guides.  And after each chapter, she asked herself, “What exactly will I do differently now?” Then she does that without merely stacking ideas in her mind. Most people consume a lot of financial books. Only a few translate them into action. Don’t just read more books. Apply one lesson at a time until it shows in your numbers.  If you found this helpful, follow me for more money insights.

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Ebuka thought his financial plan was solid—until one bad quarter exposed the gaps. Here’s how we fixed it for him  First, we separated his income engine from his wealth engine. Salary funds his lifestyle; while investments build his financial freedom. Then we stress-tested his portfolio—not for returns, but for survival during unexpected economic downturns. Next, we aligned every asset to a timeline: short-term assets  for liquidity, mid-term for opportunities, and long-term for financial growth. Finally, we included decision rules in his plan—so emotions don’t control his money moves. A real plan isn’t complex—it’s intentional. 1/2

Markets were on fire this week 🔥 The Naira kept its winning streak (second week straight), equities exploded with a massive 6.55% surge (the best run in months) and a surprise ceasefire between Israel & Lebanon had global investors jumping back in. Then Dangote Refinery dropped the biggest news: planning to list 10% of its shares across Africa with dividends in dollars. Which of the headlines got you excited the most? Comment below👇

POV: A thriver wants to take a financial risk.  Me: I'm not in support 😊...  It is my wishhh for all thrivers to take calculated risks.  Comment 'risk' if you need help taking calculated risks.

Some people aren't underpaid—they just  aren't reading their payslip well. Apart from your net salary, there are some other deductions included in a payslip that you should be aware of. I’ll use Ahmed as an example. Let's say Ahmed earns ₦420k monthly, but only sees ₦301k on payday.  For months, he thought his company was shortchanging him.  Then we sat down and broke the payslip down line by line and the “missing money” started making sense. Gross Pay is not Your Real Money • Your “headline salary” consists of basic + allowances (housing, transport, etc.) • Deductions come AFTER this. Always negotiate your salary based on net pay, not just gross. PAYE Tax – The Silent Chunk • Biggest deduction from your salary • Calculated after reliefs • Higher income = higher effective tax Ask HR for your tax computation to avoid overpaying. Pension (RSA Contribution) • Minimum 8% (you) + 10% (employer) • Goes into your Retirement Savings Account This is not money lost. it’s structured long-term wealth. NHF Deduction–Hidden Opportunity • 2.5% of basic salary • Gives access to low-interest home loans. Many never use it. Confirm your registration and start leveraging it. Health Insurance (HMO) • Paid fully or partly by your employer • Covers medical expenses Most employees don’t know what’s covered. Request your benefit schedule and start using it. Other Deductions – The Red Flag Zone 🚩 • Cooperative contributions, loan repayments, unclear charges. If a line item isn’t clear, ask your HR. Errors often hide here, and it’s your money. Clarity  gives you control Before your next payday: ✅ Audit your payslip line by line ✅ Ask questions if you don’t understand ✅ Use deductions to your advantage If you don't understand your payslip, you can’t optimize your salary. Repost this to other salary earners you know, and follow me for more practical money insights.

I got tired of watching my money sit still while everything around me got more expensive. So I made a decision — every naira or dollar I earn must earn too. These are the 4 places I put my money now. (Treasury Bills, Mutual Funds, FGN Bonds and stocks) Which of them do you currently use?

Don’t leave money on the table. Start reducing your tax legally today.   Save this thread & tag someone who needs it.   Get more money management tips like this in my community  forms.gle/JP2LYW4K1tj5x4… 8/8

How to File Your Personal Tax Returns:   • Check/get your TIN   • Gather payslips, receipts, pension & expense proofs   • Visit your state tax portal (e.g. LIRS for Lagos)   • Declare income, claim reliefs & submit   File every year. 7/8

Most Nigerian employees and business owners may end up overpaying tax this year simply because they miss the reliefs allowed by the new tax act.  Do you know that you can legally lower your taxable income using rent, pension, and other  allowable expenses?  Here's how 🧵 1/8