**From Rags to Debt: The Unlikely Story of a Young Nigerian Woman** Every week, Zikoko gives us a glimpse into how Nigerians navigate their finances. This week, we meet a young woman who thought she had escaped the cycle of low income, only to find herself drowning in debt. For her, memories of money are tied to the rise and fall of her parents' careers. When she was a child, they lived in a boys' quarter, but things improved when her father's architectural firm started to do well. They moved into a two-bedroom apartment, and life seemed more comfortable. Her father would drop her off at school every morning, and she had access to books and other luxuries. But life had other plans. Her father's business partner made some bad decisions, and the firm suffered. Meanwhile, her mother lost her job as a bank manager due to the banking crisis of 2008-2009. Despite the financial struggles, her parents tried to provide for their family. However, the stress of financial uncertainty took a toll on their relationship, and the young woman began to realize the importance of financial independence. Growing up, she felt driven to succeed and make her own money. In senior secondary school, she started a small business selling contraband items like snacks and chocolates to her classmates. She would pool money with friends to buy these items outside school and resell them for a profit. This entrepreneurial spirit stayed with her, and she thought she had escaped the cycle of low income. However, her journey to financial freedom was not without its challenges.