The D-day is finally here! Merry Christmas to you all. We are in the heart of the season; there are lots of people already slaughtering cows around me since yesterday, the Christmas Eve. Some are killing goats and chickens, while some people can only afford ice fish or even cow skin, all for the season according to everyone's financial capabilities. The most important thing is to celebrate the season with your loved ones in love, sharing nice memories with whatever you can afford.
Having said that, it's vital to check our finances in the midst of the whole celebration. It's quite easy to be carried away with lots of fun in this season, and before you know it, you will spend beyond what you budgeted for those that understand the importance of budgeting. I remember blogging about Christmas and budgeting the other time. The place of budgeting is important as it will serve as a guide prior to swinging into the mood of Christmas. If one is disciplined enough and follows the allotted budget strictly, it will definitely help to a large extent in curtailing excessive spending associated with the spirit of Christmas.
I have heard stories of people having a rough start to the new year due to unplanned expenses during the festive season. This season is indeed the season of giving, sharing, and extending a helping hand to different people. However, it's important to watch your pocket and bills or project ahead prior to spending. I am not saying that we shouldn't spend this season; in fact, we can't escape it, but it's easier to spend with caution if you have a laid-out budget and follow it.
As for me, I sat down with my husband prior to traveling home for Christmas to plan our Christmas expenses. We first planned for my children's school fees and feeding to come next year in January and set it aside, then budget some money for our pending project so it doesn't suffer completion issues, and then budget for Christmas. So far, we have been spending here in our hometown, where we are celebrating the season and watching our budget. There are gifts we bought for in-laws and close relatives, coupled with other immediate family compulsory expenses, and once we reach our limit, we zip up to avoid borrowing come January. I am sure there are people we will say no to; we will attend to you next time, please, and it doesn't mean being stingy or not being generous to those around us. It only means being careful to avoid a tough start to the year in 2025. As long as I know, you can't solve everyone's financial problems, but definitely, it makes sense to put smiles on people's faces.
Wrapping up, the tactics explained above are the steps I have put in place to ensure that I don't go overboard with the celebrations but still make nice memories alongside.
This is my response to the #HiveLearners community contest on the topic titled, Check Your Finances.
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