You’ve been working as a secretary for the past 5 years. You’ve not received a salary increment since you were employed. When you look around you, everyone you went to school with or brushed shoulders with either owns a house, is driving a big car or has their children in a good school. It’s driving you nuts. You wonder when you’ll make it with your measly earnings. It makes you toss and turn in bed when you think of all the items on your bucket list that may never come through. You want to become rich on a small salary, but it seems impossible. What are you doing wrong? What habits are keeping you tied in the same financial position you were in 5 years ago?

1. Save before you spend

Nearly every person you meet who has a problem saving will tell you that they cannot save because they earn too little, and nothing is left when they’re done spending. There’s the problem, spending before saving! When you get your “little” salary, first deduct the amount you have decided will be your savings, then spend the rest of what’s left. If you earn 30,000 shillings for example, save 3,000 shillings. You are left with 27,000 shillings to spend. Every end month, know that you have only 27,000 shillings coming in. Automatically save the 3,000 shillings.

Must Read: The Most Profitable Business Ideas in 2017

2. Invest wisely

Do not invest blindly. It would be unfortunate to earn that “little” salary and end up investing in projects doomed to fail won’t it? Imagine starting an online store that sells mitumba, so you scrape together what you have saved to get clothes, shoes or bags or whatever it is, only for you to fail updating your page on a regular basis, or fail to market yourself well. You are not going to get any customers and you will lose your money. Before investing, look at the process involved to achieving your goals and possibility of returns.

3. Stay healthy

You may be wondering why, but it is very important to stay healthy. Watch what you eat and exercise regularly. For those who exercise, think of how you feel after that run or aerobics. It always feels like you can start the day all over again. It makes your brain active and your body ready to take on difficult tasks. A fresh mind is a den for creativity. Lack of exercise causes grumpiness and moodiness and general laziness. You’re always tired and sleepy even if you’re not doing much.

4. Get a financial adviser

This should be a person who is in a better financial position than you. Let them give you tips on how to save and where to invest. Understanding what you are doing with your money will help you become rich on a small salary.