There is a phrase we know all too well: “Cash or transfer?” Another is “Savings or current?” They remind you that money is leaving your pocket, and your heart skips at the thought of the debit alert you are about to get.
This December, avoid these phrases. Borrowing from the Bible, flee from all appearance of these statements. If you don’t need it, don’t get it. If it won’t matter in January, don’t spend on it in December.
Now the question you might be asking is; What can we do this December to manage our finances practically? And what habits can we start cultivating for a stronger 2026?
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Budget Before You Spend
First things first: always budget before you spend. Write down what you can afford for food, transportation (to important places only — sit at home if it isn’t needed this season, there is traffic outside), clothes (cease and desist from that Christmas cloth idea, use what you already have), travel, and gifts. Stick to it.
If it is more than your budget, ask yourself if it is really necessary. Most times, it isn’t.
Needs Over Wants
Food is a priority, but always remind yourself that there is food at home. If there isn’t, make it available. It is cheaper to cook and carry meals to work or school.
Think about all the biscuits (N500 now, hardly N50), soft drinks, and N200 plantain chips you have bought in traffic this year. Add them up — it is probably worth half a bag of rice, a bottle of groundnut oil, and half a basket of tomatoes and peppers. Choose wisely.
Aso-ebi or another pair of sneakers are definitely wants. Leave them be.
Use Cash Wisely
Withdraw only what you have planned to spend. Banking apps are a blessing, but transfers make overspending too easy. Archive your bank app for now if you must.
Track Every Expense
Jotting down daily spending in a notebook helps you see where money leaks. Everything you spend money on — even chewing gum — track it.
Better still, get apps that help you track your spending. Remember, you must do the work. These apps don’t function on their own accord.
Apps That Help You Track Spending
Cowrywise – helps with savings and investment tracking
PiggyVest – popular for disciplined savings and expense monitoring
Mint – global app that categorizes spending automatically
Expensify – great for tracking receipts and daily expenses
Money Manager – simple interface for budgeting and expense logging
These apps won’t work on their own — you must commit to inputting your expenses and reviewing them regularly.
Learn to Enjoy Life Without an Audience
You must learn to enjoy life without needing any audience. You must have seen the list of over 40 events and concerts happening in Lagos alone. There is no pride in saying you attended all or some, while you can’t afford to buy gari in January. Delete that list of events and sit at home.
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This is the season to learn to say NO. Practise saying no regularly — it will save you money. January has way more than 30 days; it feels like 70 when you have no money and the economy bites harder than your neighbour’s dog. Peer pressure is even worse as an adult. Always remember: the Oblee of today is “God abeg” of tomorrow.
This month, people will be outside spending money. That should not be you. If you are outside, you should be making money.
Personal finance may not be a phrase you use often, but with me, we will do better together — using it, living it, and building stronger financial habits for 2026.