As far as I can remember, I haven't gone home for the Christmas period and later struggling to travel back to base due to insufficient fund or feeling heavy financial hardship in the month of January as a result of reckless spending habit during the festive season. I have some developed ways to avoid this situation, and they are as follows:
The Festive Season Is Never a Show-Off Period
This is how it’s supposed to be: doing things in an easy and practical way, without turning the period into an opportunity for showing off. However, in today’s world, showing off has become the norm for many people. I don’t blame them because that’s how society operates now—people do things to get acknowledged or to impress others.
For me, I have never viewed this period as a show-off season. I plan and make my budget based on what I have. As it stands, the only place that truly matters when it comes to allocating funds is my family. My parents and siblings are the kind of people who wholeheartedly appreciate whatever I send to support the festive period. That’s my main priority: allocating my budget to consider home first. Once that’s done, every other expenditure comes down to preference—whether I decide to indulge or not.
Traveling Home
For a couple of years now, I’ve adopted the habit of traveling home between Christmas and New Year. In other words, I travel after Christmas has already been celebrated. While this is largely due to work demands, it’s also a strategic decision. Going home for both Christmas and New Year can drain one’s pocket significantly. That’s why I prefer to attend just one of the celebrations.
Here’s how it works: before Christmas, I would have sent money home. Even with that, life demands that I can’t show up at home empty-handed. There’s no way I wouldn’t have visitors to entertain, which means I’ll need to buy drinks or have pocket money for moving around. Hanging out with friends, paying for transport, giving offerings at church, or tipping little children who call me “Uncle” all add up.
If I were to stay home for a whole two weeks, doing these things would take a heavy toll on my finances. Money, when it’s readily available, can be hard to control. It’s only when the pocket starts running dry that the brain kicks in to start making mathematical calculations before spending or giving out money.
Spending just one week or less has become a personal hack that saves me from overspending and helps me stick to my budget. With this strategy, I don’t have to struggle through January because I avoid dipping into the budget I’ve set aside to sustain me throughout the month, even as money begins to flow in gradually.
Thanks for reading.
This is my entry to Hivenaija prompt of the week
Photos used are mine
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Lol,this festive season has been turned into a season of competition here and there. Some families get divided at this season and it is just a pity.
Hehehe 😃..wise approach to spending lesser and still enjoy the season
All these tactics, you must do Christmas for me oo 😌😌
There is always a price to poay when you overspend during festive periods. Fact is that some folks will lure you through their spending but don't be moved.
If you move, you will bear the consequences.
Like my friend will always warn me, December's salary is meant to be spent in January and not December.
Most people forget that, thereby spending all funds on the festive season. One needs to be financially prepared when it comes to this season of celebrations.
Show off here, show off there. That little children calling “uncle” “aunty” is so real. How can you even say no to their innocent faces. I have done that demand shopping spree every Christmas when they gone down from Lagos 😭.
So full of wisdom, thank you for sharing this!