1. *Track your spending* . Financial independence is an important part of being an independent woman. The first step to successfully manage your money is to figure out how much you are spending each month. 

Keep track of your spending for at least two months to get a clear idea of your output.

Keep track of minor expenses as well as major ones. Look at how much you spend on rent, clothes, food, and transportation. You'll also want to note how much you spend on entertainment and socializing..

2. *Find motivation* . Figure out why it is so important to you to become independent. Do you want to own your own home? Buy your own car? Be secure as you head into retirement? Write down whatever your financial priorities are. Visualizing your motivation will help you find the enthusiasm to start a steady financial regimen.

If you're not sure what motivates you, commit to spending 1 week where you notice everything that makes you feel excited, engaged, or lit up. Write each of those things down, no matter how small. Then, you can go back and look at that list to see the things that really make you feel happy and motivated.

3. *Make a budget* . Allocate yourself a certain amount of money to spend in each area of your life. For example, factor it in if you know you like to buy clothes or shoes. Figure out a comfortable amount of money to both spend and save each week or month.

Build some flexibility into your budget. This way you won't find yourself completely derailed if gas prices go up or there's an emergency.

4. *Learn about investing* . In order to be truly financially independent, you need to do some research and planning. Learn about investment and savings opportunities. If you feel it would help, seek the help of a professional financial planner or advisor.

5. *Increase your income* . Women typically (not in all cases) make less money than men for doing the same job. Evaluate your professional value and determine whether it is an appropriate time to ask for a raise. There is a good chance, then you deserve one.

Make a plan. Schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your career goals and compensation. Be very clear about what you are asking for, be polite and cautious and be open to negotiations.

Remain calm and confident during the meeting.

Remember to do this prayerfully and God will favour you.

As part of Federal Government’s post-Covid-19 Pandemic survival intervention to support micro and small businesses to formalise their businesses, the Federal Government has approved the free registration of 6,606 Business Names in each of the 34 states while Abia, Lagos and Kano will have 7,906, 9,084 and 8,406 respectively.

Free 250,000 FG/CAC Business Names Registration for MSMES

Consequently, all interested Micro and Small Entrepreneurs, Artisans, Craftsmen/Women (one or more persons) that are yet to formalise their businesses should take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Aggregators have been appointed to receive applications from interested persons in line with CAC requirements.

The names and  contact details of the aggregators can be obtained on the Commission’s Website as follows: www.cac.gov.ng

The free registrations will start on the 19th October 2020.

Don’t be left out! Hurry now to any of the centres with the following documents to register your business:

Three (3) Proposed Names

Two (2) Passport-sized photographs

Valid Means of Identification

Phone Number/Email address