Sheila Mwanyigha’s Money Tips on How To Survive ‘Njaanuary’

We are less than two weeks away from the new year and the most dreaded month of January when money is scarce. This is usually as a result of overspending during the festivities.

However, it is possible to manage your finances to avoid running broke come ‘Njaanuary.’

Media personality Sheila Mwanyigha outlines the five tips on how to survive January.

1. Pay most of your January bills now

In January, you will still have school fees to pay and rent among other bills. And you will need to fuel your car or bus fare to work.

How about you get a head start now? That way, come 2018, even if your bank account is empty, you will have your bases covered.

2.  Skip the supermarket shopping, go to a wholesale shop instead

Preparing to cook up a feast? Don’t make your beeline to the supermarkets. Instead, look out for a nearby wholesale shop and buy the essentials.

You may have to get it in bulk, say 20 kg bag of rice (about Sh2000 depending on brand) instead of buying the 5 kg you need that will cost you Sh200 less.

The great thing is you will be left with enough foodstuff to last you through January and February even after cooking up a storm.

3. Hosting friends and family? Try potluck

If you have a large group of people coming over, identify three or four people who wouldn’t mind bringing over a dish.

You can get Jane, who makes fabulous cakes to bring one over. Dessert covered. Christine who makes wonderful samosas can bring some over.

Tea time covered. The trick is in asking nicely, especially if you had committed to hosting.

4. Forget the local grocery, go to the big markets

As convenient as it is to leave the grocery shopping to the last day, you will save a few coins by taking two hours of your weekend top scout the market.

Buy lots of the vegetables that don’t spoil easily in larger quantities. These are the carrots, beets, onions, garlic, peas etc.

Package them well and store as recommended.

Tip: Buy tomatoes and avocados of different ripeness scale.

5. Skip the butchery, go to the farmer

If you can get your chicken or goat for your Christmas feast from a farmer, your wallet will thank you.

The downside is having to do the actual slaughtering, but this is how I bond with my children. My 8-year-old daughter can slaughter chicken like a pro.

Ⓒ 2014 Nairobi Wire