Normally I'm used to writing detailed post about most weekly prompts I engaged in but this edition of weekly prompt got me thinking about the reality of my present financial status and all I could do is Laugh. as a result of this it might make this write up sound like a comedy😅. the truth is I have a lot going on in my life presently, due to some activities I find myself doing this December, there might not be availablity of funds that might prompt me to over spend.
we all know how December could be monetarily demanding due to the holidays benefits attached to it, we all feel the need to get necessary stuff for Christmas and New year celebration which seems like a normal thing around here. though I might have done the same if I had less expenses to sort out. you know the funny thing about usage of money and over spending is that, you can't over spend the money you don't have 😂. Right now it will be illogical for me to add more financial burden to what I have already just for the sake of looking good and expensive for the holidays.
Earlier this month I got a notification from my school that we can now start our clearance process and documentation for NYSC mobilisation. it was something I couldn't even afford to postpone despite the fact that I knew it will reduce by December budget but I had no choice. I have been awaiting this announcement since February this year but unfortunately due to reasons best known to my school management, our final year second semester result was delayed for almost a year. As a result of this I had no choice but to await their announcement for me to proceed.
immediately I got the notification, I head straight to school and I was aware of how costly clearance process is because I have been through it during my national diploma. I took some money which I had already prepared for clearance. I got to school made the necessary payment and proceeded to documentation, everything was going has planned till the unexpected happened which took every student by surprise.
Generally the clearance payment total cost is ₦15500 {$21} which seem quite cheap compared to other schools but the thing about this amount is that as of last weeks our school policy doesn't make it mandatory for student to pay for convocation and certificate fee before going for service but every thing took the wrong turn when suddenly this week on Monday, my school management announced that some of the policy regarding clearance payment has been renewed, as a result of this it has now become mandatory for every student to pay for certificate and convocation before proceeding to documentation for mobilisation.
It felt like a joke at first but gradually we realise it wasn't, a memo was circulated through departmental platforms. the most tragic thing about this is that the amount for certificate and convocation is not cheap at all. it cost ₦35000 {$45}, adding to the previous amount which is ₦15500 {$21}. the new total amount for clearance is now ₦55500 {$71}. though I have prepared some cash for emergency but this amount was beyond my expectations. As a result of the raise in the clearance fee I had no choice but to make use of some money I had already planned to use to get some stuff for myself. All I could think of is buying of stuff can wait, let me take care of school stuff first.
it is kind of fascinating how a counter measure for over spending this December already presented itself 😅. right now my budget for December is made up of vibes and grace. probably if my school expenses did not go overboard I would have had some excess cash to lavish for December.
This write-up was inspired by weekly featured content titled "Budgeting in December" in hive learners community.
