It is very tempting to live a lavish life, swiping and withdrawing money during the festive season without thinking twice.
Whether you received a 13th cheque, annual bonus or your normal salary or wage it is considered wise to stick to your normal budget and prioritise your spending.
During this time of the year people are often very generous and free with their money.
Though this is your hard-earned money, be sure to cover your bases first.
First things first:
- Make sure you stay on top of your debts. Pay all your creditors.
- If you have children who are still in school, make sure that stationery is among the items at the top of the budget for this month. Don’t procrastinate and leave it for next year, buy stationery now and tick it off your list. This will mean less stress and you will find that stationery is cheaper now than it will be in January, next year.
- A school uniform is also key. Check if your child’s uniform is still in a good condition for the following year, if not, go and buy now.
- There is life after the festive season. Most companies and institutions pay their employees early in the month of December which means you probably have been paid already. Don’t forget that you have to make that salary last until the next pay day which is usually only at the end of January, next year. To avoid making unnecessary loans early in the year, put money aside, now, for groceries and transport for January.
- Assign money for entertainment, this will help you stay within your limits and keep track of your spending.
- If you received an annual bonus, why not use it to fix that leaking pipe, buy new tyres to replace the current worn-out ones, or pay off that little loan. Use that extra money on something important.
To avoid financial regrets and stresses in the New Year, make sure you take care of important things first, now, then maybe you can splurge a bit with what is left.
Although investing and saving it wouldn’t be a bad idea, whatever you choose to do let it be on a stress-free mind knowing that essential things are covered.
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