Growing up, December was one of the best months. It spoke of family wealth and abundance. It was the highlight of our year! What we didn’t understand then was that most families were living hand to mouth. Our parents really tried — spending so much on festivities just to make us happy.
Now we are grown, and the lavish lifestyle we got used to is weighing heavily on us. We finally understand what was really happening. Back then, the economy was not as tough as it is today. Now it’s our turn to “adult,” and we have to do it right.
2025 had us all on a chokehold, and it’s time to release ourselves from that grip. How? That’s exactly why I’m here. If you take this advice, your 2026 will be better when it comes to personal finance. We’re not performing miracles, just making what we have work smarter.
Read also: Nigerians prefer friends, family, loan apps to banks for debt
Festivities don’t have to mean financial recklessness
Swap expensive outings for family house parties, potluck dinners, or church/community events. No Oblee this season, please! If you want loud music, go to your neighbourhood church — no need to spend exorbitant sums on transportation. Craving company? Be a good neighbour, visit friends nearby, or organise simple dinners. If you must go out, keep it small: picnics at the park, fruit juice, home-cooked meals.
Do you know the money you spend daily on two Gala and one soft drink, if saved for four weeks, adds up to over N20,000? Every naira saved is a naira that can go toward clearing debt.
Step One: List your debts
Write everything down — loans, cooperative society contributions (Ajo, Akao), even the “borrow me 2k or 5k” from friends. It may shock you at first, but don’t worry. We’re working toward clearing them little by little.
Rank them by urgency or interest rate. Focus on the most pressing ones first — the debts that grow fastest.
Step Two: Choose a payment strategy
you can either…
Pay off the smallest debts first to build momentum, or attack the debts with the highest interest rates to save money long-term.
Read also: How you can live a debt free life
Practice contentment
December is not a competition. Resist the temptation of “Buy Now, Pay Later.” That phone may look cheap if you pay small-small, but is it important? Is the interest rate high?
Yes, chicken is for Christmas, but have you considered its child — the egg? Eggs can be scrambled, toasted, boiled, sunny side up, fried, or turned into frittata. There’s a lot you can do with eggs.
And yes, Sister Nkechi bought a December wig. Be happy for her, but don’t rush to buy yours if you haven’t paid your debts. As my mum would say, “Hold your long throat.” Use the one you have or wrap a scarf — they’re the new rave. Remember: debt is not cancelled by vibes.
Cancel subscriptions you don’t use. The money you spend servicing unused apps? Go to your Play Store or App Store and cancel them.
Earn instead of spend
This season, make moves to earn. The IJGBs (I Just Got Backs) are around, and they have needs. You can give them value and earn extra cash.
What are you good at? Turn it into a solution and a service:
Know all the Oblee spots? Be a guide.
Know traffic shortcuts (“koro”) and have a car? Drive them.
Good at makeup or laying wigs? Offer your services.
Know how to wash and iron? Laundry business is good business.
Can you shoot and edit good videos using your phone? Social media content creator is in high demand.
Make this money and repay your debts. The money is not for outings. December should be about joy, not financial recklessness. End the year debt-free, and step into 2026 lighter, freer, and ready to build wealth.
