How To Avoid Unnecessary Billings in December.

Growing up, the holidays used to be the highlight of the year.?

And it still is, except that what used to be all about new clothes, gifts, and free food hasn't changed much, except that you now have to pay for the new clothes, gifts, and free food.?

Don’t get me wrong, the holidays are indeed a time of love and sharing, but how do you do it in a controlled way? one that doesn't leave you financially exhausted or worse... Stranded in the 100-day month that is January?

Here is how you can have a great December with family and loved ones without wrecking your finances or wondering where all your money went.

1. Start Early!

It’s not too late to start your Christmas shopping,

There is a spirit in this part of the world that causes prices to skyrocket during holiday seasons; this pattern has existed for eons, and while there isn't much we can do to change it, there is something we can do about it.

?

By taking note of things you’ll actually need in December, you can start getting them now (not things like pepper and tomato, of course), but things like rice and other vital Nigerian Christmas must-haves.

?

Psst! We heard there are ongoing discounted sales for household items and groceries at the TomX Mart; you should definitely check out their Instagram.

2. Start early, promax!?

We know we've said it before, but repetition breeds mastery.?

And this touches another area: if you are going to be traveling by air for the holidays, you are not the only one, so you know it’s going to be super-choked, and let’s not forget that we have the spirit of x10 prices we spoke about earlier,

so book your flight tickets today, in fact now! Not tomorrow,

because these flight tickets are getting pricier by the second.

3. Learn to say no!

We heard oxygen is now expensive because it’s almost impossible to go out these days without a debit alert or

?

So if you are looking to watch your spending this December, it’s not all invitations you will honor.

While we can't tell you which events to attend or avoid, if you're having to buy new shoes or Aso ebi for Christmas parties, that's a red flag because who do you want to impress?

4. Create a flexing budget.

To be very honest, in some way, billing cannot be avoided,? not to mention the ones that we do not see coming.

One way to stay ahead this December is to create a separate budget for gifts, spending on loved ones, and unforeseen expenses (use this as a safety net for all the outings you can't afford to miss)?

Actionable ways to work towards this are to start saving towards this budget, and as the holidays draw closer, the RAPAID app's flexible savings plan makes it all easier to keep and grow your money while counting down to the holidays.

In conclusion, the years where the holidays were sweet and delightful are not behind us, and with these four practical steps, we can work towards them.How