Undeniably, the fast-approaching twin festivities of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day come with heightened hype among individuals and businesses alike.
Christmas Day falls on December 25 when Christians around the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, regarded as their Lord and Saviour while New Year’s Day is commemorated on January 1 to usher in a brand new calendar year.
It is generally a season of merry and reflection that spending is inevitable. I must say from the onset that there is nothing wrong with shopping or making merry as long as you can afford and save some “reserves” for the rainy day. Indeed, if you can afford, don’t feel guilty to spoil yourself after a year of sweat and tears as they say YOLO (You only live once) or in Chichewa osamazimana, zipepeseni (give yourself a treat).
Problems start when impulse buying or spending takes over control because one can end up blowing their budget on things they realise later that they did not need in the first place.
The countdown shows that it is 14 days to Christmas today. Promotions for Christmas offers have started while some corporations have already started hosting end-of-year parties for either staff or customers.
However manner you decide to celebrate Christmas and New Year festivities, be on our guard and avoid getting carried away by the euphoria because many who have previously drowned in the festive mood have paid dearly financially in January and beyond.
Budgeting and the discipline to follow your plan are critical towards a wise spend during the festive season. Take time to write down a detailed budget for food, fun, travel, shopping and where necessary gifts and stick to the same by ensuring that you stock-up early.
In budgeting, ensure that the plan is realistic and also keep tab of the expenditures you make.
They say an early bird catches the fattest worm and the same goes with festive shopping. If you leave it late you will be caught in a panic mode that will throw your budget into disarray while early shopping gives you time to look for bargains and assess what to buy.
The dawn of social media has brought with it peer pressure, especially where one sees their colleagues posting good moments from holiday destinations or family Christmas feasts. Many times the temptation is to follow suit or, as it were, to play catch up. This is a financial suicide because in the first place you are not sure how your peers planned or paid for the holidays and feasts. The rule is simple: If you did not save, do not borrow to spend.
During festivities security can also be compromised so you must ensure that your home and environment in general is secure. If you are driving, ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and has valid permits.
Buckle up! It is primitive to wait for the sight of a traffic police officer to buckle up. Please encourage your passengers to wear seat/ safety belts where there is one.
Where you are a passenger on public transport such as minibuses keep an eye on drivers as your safety is entrusted in them so do not let them text or consume alcoholic beverages while driving.
Be careful when using the scores of automated teller machines (ATM) by assessing your environment and making it a point to transact at ATMs located in busy points such as shopping centres and service stations, especially when it is dark.
This will not be the first or last Christmas and New Year festivities. They will always come and go so exercise some level of responsibility in your celebrations to avoid a bad aftertaste come January. When in doubt, remember the cardinal rule: If you can’t afford, avoid.
With AUBREY
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