shellworker:
This analysis of the financial life style of people living in the US or other countries overseas is not true. I presently stay in the US.

It is not tied on anybody to buy things on credit; it's not compulsory. However, buying things on credit is a way that the government has resorted to helping people especially the low income earners. In Nigeria for instance, a young university graduate who just got a low paying job of say #80,000 who is in need of renting an apartment and at the same time in need of a car to be shuttling to work may find it difficult to do so because of his income. Assuming that the Nigerian government establishes a law to car dealerships, banks and other financial institutions to grant the requests of persons that wish to buy cars from them on lease and pay over a period of term, you will see that that young school graduate will be able to own a car and better his life.

The money will be split for him to be paying in bits for a period of say 12, 24, 36, 48 or 72 months etc., depending on the terms and the cost of the car. Now let's say he bought a car of #1.5m. Divide the money into the number of months and add a little interest. After dividing you will see that this young employee may be paying as little as #41.6 for a 36 months term over a car he bought on credit. With this life is a little worth easier isn't it. But note that before such a credit sale you will have to enter into contract agreement with the loaning firm. Where in if you discontinue with the payment at any time without haven reached the complete amount, the car will be seized and all the money you have paid earlier will be lost.

The OP also made an analogy with Samsung Galaxy S8 and a lower brand. I will like to clarify him. In US if you are paying for a car you bought on credit and want a newer model, you can always go to a dealership and do what is called a trade-in with your car. In this case you will have to give the dealer your car and the previous credit payment you are yet to clear will be locked in the payment of the newer model car you want to pick. However, your monthly agreed payment might increase. Similar case applies to phone and many other items. This is the one reason there are so much clean cars here and also available for exports; they don't use their cars much before disposing of it.

Contrary to what the OP said about getting credit to come back hom, I come back to Nigeria every year and I pay cash for my flight tickets, I pay cash for all the things I buy for my journey, I bought my car here in the US cash, all my house properties are bought cash. The only thing I bought in credit which I have almost completed the payment is my house.

Here in the US you have to be serious minded in all you do. Once you come to the country be focused and know what you want; don't be carried away with the goodies here. I am not saying that there are no Nigerians here living the kind of credit life the OP narrated but it's few and I don't think it's a bad thing because it reduces financial load on an individual. It enhances fast achievement. It enables one to achieve in a short time what he would achieve in a long period of time.

So OP please don't genaralise. US is always better than Nigeria. Nairalanders don't let anybody deceive you.

Credit card purchases makes life easier here in the US if you can handle the terms.

What about bad credit... I personally hate that credit card. I don't have it.. it's an institution that is against poor people. Many people here have no savings but are thousands of dollars in credit card debt.

Arondizuogu:


If you think it's easy, travel out. You guys d9nt even pat taxes in Nigeria. After you have paid Federal, state and county taxes here ehh... you will know...then if you are in the USA with no universal health care, just pray you don't get sick. A friend just got billed 35k because of sickness, insurance paid 28k. Working day in, day out... not calling in sick, institutional racism and coworkers looking at every opportunity to report you. Brother it's not easy ooo

then bros will u come home,?

Follygunners:


I beg to differ, Sir. Credit cards are NEVER, I repeat NEVER for low earners. It's basically a financial debt used as a means of leverage. The interest rates, fees et al... on this cards are where they generate their revenue (Now do the maths).

They rather issue it to average or big earners NEVER low ones. They mostly need a credit history for the issuance.

Bros, if you know.. you know! Just an FYI.. Thanks!

Leave that guy abeg. Imagine it's the first time I'm seeing gnome one bragging about credit card. Even White people hate that stuff and a Nigerian is happy about it. I think he's one of those who bought cards and stuffs with credit card and now he's deep in debt. He's a joker..

Greatzeus:

See your mouth like free internet, America is a capitalists economy, every thing is privatized except for those that has to do with security. So owners of broadband internet will share it free right? Who will bear the cost?
Internet is far more expensive in America and Europe than in Nigeria. The only difference is they enjoy unlimited broadband access and high data speed.

How is it then more expensive? 20€/month with umlimited, multiple access?...

And Minimum wage is Not 18k/month o

Nowhere is Eldorado but some places are better than the other

tosyne2much:
I really learnt a lot on this thread.

Just as every Nigerian student will claim that his own school is the hardest, is the same way those who live abroad claim it's very hard to make money.. Buh tell them to return back to Nigeria and it will seem like you actually wish them bad luck

There's nothing anybody will say to convince me that it's easier to become rich in Nigeria than abroad

The suffering in Nigeria is more than the tax all rant about

You're very correct! Nigerians aren't lazy at all. We're very hardworking and very respected by other nationalities abroad. Nigerians don't go abroad and not make it except the ones wey village pple don follow waka go... Everything is in place to ginger the hustle.

All things being equal... any 9ja folk that can't do fine in any developed nation surely get problem(s), big problem(s) indeed. All the 'e no easy' yan na balderdash as we're too used to the indiscipline way of life in 9ja hence, we cry foul at every opportunity to.

The ones abroad are simply opportunistic NOT necessarily merited

Arondizuogu:


If you think it's easy, travel out. You guys d9nt even pat taxes in Nigeria. After you have paid Federal, state and county taxes here ehh... you will know...then if you are in the USA with no universal health care, just pray you don't get sick. A friend just got billed 35k because of sickness, insurance paid 28k. Working day in, day out... not calling in sick, institutional racism and coworkers looking at every opportunity to report you. Brother it's not easy ooo

It can be living hell.
I should know the best.

Follygunners:


You're very correct! Nigerians aren't lazy at all. We're very hardworking and very respected by other nationalities abroad. Nigerians don't go abroad and not make it except the ones wey village pple don follow waka go... Everything is in place to ginger the hustle.

All things being equal... any 9ja folk that can't do fine in any developed nation surely get problem(s), big problem(s) indeed. All the 'e no easy' yan na balderdash as we're too used to the indiscipline way of life in 9ja hence, we cry foul at every opportunity to.

The ones abroad are simply opportunistic NOT necessarily merited

That's true bro

dancok:
then bros will u come home,?

When I'm ready.. and I'm not saying that if you work hard you won't make it here, I'm saying that it's not as easy as people think. Those factors I listed and many more will make it hard for you to make it. Have you worked a nine hour shift twice? Then getting 4 hours of sleep only. People I know go home to flex and then come back here to pick up extra time... it's not a silky road as people think it to be. Before someone in the US gives you $1 ehh.... you will have done something extra ordinary for him or her.

Follygunners:

My Bros... na true true ooo.

Na truth you yarn baba

shellworker:
This analysis of the financial life style of people living in the US or other countries overseas is not true. I presently stay in the US.

It is not tied on anybody to buy things on credit; it's not compulsory. However, buying things on credit is a way that the government has resorted to helping people especially the low income earners. In Nigeria for instance, a young university graduate who just got a low paying job of say #80,000 who is in need of renting an apartment and at the same time in need of a car to be shuttling to work may find it difficult to do so because of his income. Assuming that the Nigerian government establishes a law to car dealerships, banks and other financial institutions to grant the requests of persons that wish to buy cars from them on lease and pay over a period of term, you will see that that young school graduate will be able to own a car and better his life.

The money will be split for him to be paying in bits for a period of say 12, 24, 36, 48 or 72 months etc., depending on the terms and the cost of the car. Now let's say he bought a car of #1.5m. Divide the money into the number of months and add a little interest. After dividing you will see that this young employee may be paying as little as #41.6 for a 36 months term over a car he bought on credit. With this life is a little worth easier isn't it. But note that before such a credit sale you will have to enter into contract agreement with the loaning firm. Where in if you discontinue with the payment at any time without haven reached the complete amount, the car will be seized and all the money you have paid earlier will be lost.

The OP also made an analogy with Samsung Galaxy S8 and a lower brand. I will like to clarify him. In US if you are paying for a car you bought on credit and want a newer model, you can always go to a dealership and do what is called a trade-in with your car. In this case you will have to give the dealer your car and the previous credit payment you are yet to clear will be locked in the payment of the newer model car you want to pick. However, your monthly agreed payment might increase. Similar case applies to phone and many other items. This is the one reason there are so much clean cars here and also available for exports; they don't use their cars much before disposing of it.

Contrary to what the OP said about getting credit to come back hom, I come back to Nigeria every year and I pay cash for my flight tickets, I pay cash for all the things I buy for my journey, I bought my car here in the US cash, all my house properties are bought cash. The only thing I bought in credit which I have almost completed the payment is my house.

Here in the US you have to be serious minded in all you do. Once you come to the country be focused and know what you want; don't be carried away with the goodies here. I am not saying that there are no Nigerians here living the kind of credit life the OP narrated but it's few and I don't think it's a bad thing because it reduces financial load on an individual. It enhances fast achievement. It enables one to achieve in a short time what he would achieve in a long period of time.

So OP please don't genaralise. US is always better than Nigeria. Nairalanders don't let anybody deceive you.

Credit card purchases makes life easier here in the US if you can handle the terms.

please I have a question permit me please

Arondizuogu:


So will you do a chemistry home work in a train? Or an anatomy work in a shopping mall? So paying for your own Internet is vital. Libraries close by 12 am. WHAT you going to do then?

Uni libraries are open 24/7/365.

What's your point?

revontuli:


Start saving money if you want to go on the husky safari! And snowmobile rentals

What we looking at roughly for 4nights?

picture man

shogotermies:


lol... this man is funny... you don't need to tell people you are a grown up.. guess you just clocked 30, which is making u feel u are old.. lol... grown up act like one, but u don't... so I will leave u alone...

xynerise:


I hope you know the meaning of the word "HOBO"?

You will find them in America. Don't think we don't have downtroddens and those living in penury in the US.

I made a thread about homelessness in LA and the despicable tent cities, with video.
They can go look there.
It's in the Politics/Foreign Affairs section, they drive through the endless tent city, it's just like the impoverished slums in Nigeria.
Mentally ill and disabled people are living on the street and not living too long.

brunofarad:
All these tales ain't true


You can't compare life abroad to Nigeria
For example, something as little as steady and free internet in America or Europe is enough to change your life for good if you know how to harness the opportunity internet offers.


When they said there is money in the streets of America, they actually meant it.

But it comes as opportunities which you have to harness.

As for these ones quoting me and spewing trash high up in the air.

I have nothing to tell y'all

Just travel and see

no mind them, my sisters friend went there barely 6 month she got her self a car and a comfortable place to stay with her four children, they will be telling us is not easy just to scare us from coming, well God dey.

Arondizuogu:


When I'm ready.. and I'm not saying that if you work hard you won't make it here, I'm saying that it's not as easy as people think. Those factors I listed and many more will make it hard for you to make it. Have you worked a nine hour shift twice? Then getting 4 hours of sleep only. People I know go home to flex and then come back here to pick up extra time... it's not a silky road as people think it to be. Before someone in the US gives you $1 ehh.... you will have done something extra ordinary for him or her.

bro i go like jand o, se u fit help, not financially o, just a place a go land and how to go about it,

sonnie10:

You don't have to push truck to make it. I know of someone who started with just 2x 2 shop in Nigeria before I left, now he has a couple of houses in Lagos. Before you think otherwise, he is into honest business

There are Many Others still doing the 2x2 or even worse.. Una Like miracle eh

shaybebaby:

Uni libraries are open 24/7/365.

What's your point?

Well mine isn't. And you can't sleep at the library.

sKeetz:
This are the kind of tales this abroad people tell to persuade us to remain in this shithole but tell them to relocate to Nigeria and they will cuss you out.

You'll see some of them that has lived in America for 30 years without stepping foot in Nigeria. Who are you guys deceiving?

Don't mind them jare, they are selfish. my guy, try as much as possible to go there and pack your own money on the streets too ( you might be lucky to get employed at McDonald or Wal-Mart) just don't go there with the mentality that you're going to hammer in your first 3 years ooo cos that will lead you to illegal activities and we already have enough bad image there. .. trash talk. Yes there are thousands who have spent 30 yrs there , most of them can't come home because of the shame and backlash they will receive in Nigeria ( how will you feel to work for 30 yrs and have nothing tangible to show for it except maybe your house in Nigeria) . most of them are on 30yr mortgage plan and they are hoping to atleast pay everything off and sell it and use the proceeds to come retire in naija. Do not blame until you find yourself in their shoes.

dancok:
no mind them, my sisters friend went there barely 6 month she got her self a car and a comfortable place to stay with her four children, they will be telling us is not easy just to scare us from coming, well God dey.

It's always someone's sister's friend or brother uncle sister...
So you want to tell me that the person went to the place without a penny?
Worked for 6 months? Where was she living while working? Wasn't she paying rent? Does she have insurance? How was she paying her bills? Minus the tax?
Lemme not talk about food cos that's not what will eat up your cash the most but feeding 5 mouths

Where did she drop her kids when she goes out to work? Neighbors? Not possible, it doesn't work that way..
Which means she has to pay for school and may be a day care for the younger children...

How did she then save to buy a "good car" that is not on credit? How was she able to obtain a driving licence within a short period?
How then was she able to afford a house that will accommodate 4 children? Note that this is not Nigeria and there are rules.
You people can believe bullshit.... I swear!
According to the article, "you can never understand" no be curse...

Arondizuogu:


Well mine isn't. And you can't sleep at the library.

What uni is that then?

And yes, you can sleep in the library. Bring your supplies, there's a vending machine for snacks and drinks, rooms for quiet study.

xynerise:


It depends on your definition of a decent life

It doesnt depend on His Definition!

Decent Life: steady Power supply, potable water, good Transport system, security, Quality education, etc...

People in developed countries have access to these things

Pius Adesanmi is brilliant btw. Thanks to you guys, if it weren't for Nairaland I'd never have heard about him.

shaybebaby:

What uni is that then?

And yes, you can sleep in the library. Bring your supplies, there's a vending machine for snacks and drinks, rooms for quiet study.

Yours is a very different Uni library. It's kinda personal to tell isn't it?

Arondizuogu:


What about bad credit... I personally hate that credit card. I don't have it.. it's an institution that is against poor people. Many people here have no savings but are thousands of dollars in credit card debt.

It is called debt slavery. People become slaves to debt and work their a$$es off to pay it, for the rest of their lives.

shaybebaby:

What uni is that then?

And yes, you can sleep in the library. Bring your supplies, there's a vending machine for snacks and drinks, rooms for quiet study.

Yours is a different kind of library o.. more like a reading room...

Arondizuogu:


Yours is a very different Uni library. It's kinda personal to tell isn't it?

I imagine it's standard for this country. Ofcourse if you reside in naij, then I totally understand.

Eke40seven:

Yours is a different kind of library o.. more like a reading room...

They were good like that.
My first year, all freshies were given Samsung galaxy tabs with the core text books (e versions) loaded on it.

If you are after a book and its not in the library, you can ask the librarians to order it in.

maestro2000:



Don't mind them jare, they are selfish. my guy, try as much as possible to go there and pack your own money on the streets too ( you might be lucky to get employed at McDonald or Wal-Mart) just don't go there with the mentality that you're going to hammer in your first 3 years ooo cos that will lead you to illegal activities and we already have enough bad image there. .. trash talk. Yes there are thousands who have spent 30 yrs there , most of them can't come home because of the shame and backlash they will receive in Nigeria ( how will you feel to work for 30 yrs and have nothing tangible to show for it except maybe your house in Nigeria) . most of them are on 30yr mortgage plan and they are hoping to atleast pay everything off and sell it and use the proceeds to come retire in naija. Do not blame until you find yourself in their shoes.

This happened to a lot of Middle Eastern immigrants I know.
They couldn't go home for years cause of shame. They told fake stories and fabricated excuses to their folks at home, cause people expect the riches and high life and they have nothing to show for.

It's not only Nigerians, not only Africans, this kind of thing happens to a lot of immigrants who went to richer countries.
If they aren't doctors or engineers, they can hardly even afford the ticket to fly home, if they can afford it at all.

emmanuelpopson:


you remembered one song on TV some Years ago...

eyin oyinbo, e wa fun mi no visa, ilu yii su mi e wa fun mi no visa...kin ma Ku ooo,e wa fun.mi.ni visa...ebi yii poju,e wa fun mi ni visa,iyan yii poju....
the guy received the visa and Jaaa out of naija...maybe if they give you mere 6 months to see USA or Germany, you won't take the leap...

u remember the guy name?

It's pointless trying to explain to people in Naija the situation of things in U. S for some people who face hard times. At least in Naija you have warm weather and family around. I've given up explaining a long time ago. The time I went to Chicago and saw the amount of homeless people on the streets mostly blacks I was so surprised. In Florida a lot of whites are homeless. Those are the kind of things you don't see on TV or CNN. The cab driver who took me to where I was going to and who happens to be a Nigerian told me he is only looking for how to save enough money so that he can relocate to Nigeria. After almost 30 yrs. Make God just dey help person wherever the person dey.

PS:Ofcourse there are those who hammer abroad as well. Abroad is not just heaven.