Let’s be real, the festive season in Nigeria comes with an exciting vibe but a whole lot of spending! Detty December is full of concerts, parties, festivals or owambe invitations, gifts for family and friends, and miscellaneous costs that come from one thing or the other. Before you know it, January is knocking, and you’re looking at your bank account like, “Ah ah, who spent all this money?” 

As we count down the days to the season again, I’ve been reflecting with Tricia, a close friend and colleague, who shared her 2023 holiday spending experience with me. Our conversations feel so relatable because she also indulges in a lot from hosting impromptu family gatherings to going to shows almost every other week to avoid FOMO and buying random things for a temporary thrill. January this year for her was tough as she was broke and full of regret. In so many ways, this mirrored my recurrent financial mistakes during the festive season, and it made me realise we both need to do better. So, inspired by Tricia’s experience and my own financial mistakes, here are five hacks to help you enjoy the holidays and avoid the new year, old me wahala!

1. Plan your spending and stick to It 

First things first: have a plan. I know planning sounds boring, but trust me, it works. Write down everything you’ll need—new clothes, tickets, gifts, food, activities—and set a budget for each. Last Christmas, I used gomoney’s goStash feature to save funds for my expenses. Once I hit my budget in a category, that was it—no last-minute impulse buys. Digital banking tools like this make it easier to stay disciplined. 

2. Stock up early 

If you’re waiting until the 24th of December to start shopping, you’re playing yourself. This year, I bought bulk items in November and saved a lot, avoiding unnecessary costs. Plus, there’s something satisfying about beating inflation at its own game.

3. Use spending and tracking tools  

The easiest way to manage your money this season is by keeping track of what you’re spending. Set clear limits for different categories like food, gifts, and entertainment. I once realized I was spending more on snacks than on transportation, and that was a wake-up call! Once you’re aware of where your money is going, it’s easier to stick to your budget.

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4. Limit group outings

Hanging out with friends during the holidays is always fun, but it can get expensive fast. Instead of constantly going out for dinners, concerts, or events, suggest more budget-friendly alternatives like a movie night at home, a picnic, or a potluck. These low-cost options can be just as enjoyable and help you avoid overspending while still making great memories.

Ultimately, the holidays are about creating memories, not stressing over your finances. Enjoy simple experiences like game nights, beach outings, potluck dinners, or goPlay cards with friends and family. These moments are priceless—and they don’t cost much. Trust me, starting January with money in your account feels way better than overspending just for the gram.

Happy holidays!

This December, Hollandia is making your holidays brighter with the 24 Days of Blue Christmas campaign! Our Blue Santa is spreading festive joy all over Lagos with amazing goodies and prizes for everyone.

Here’s how you can join the fun:

1. Visit the hotspots:

Look out for Blue Santa at these malls in Lagos: Spar Opebi, Tamberma VI, Shoprite Circle Mall Lekki, Ebeano Admiralty Way Lekki, Ebeano Ikeja, Blenco Ikate, Spar Ilupeju, Spar Lekki, Shoprite ICM, Shoprite The Palms Lekki, Jendol Abulegba.

2. Buy and win

Purchase any of your favourite Hollandia products for a chance to win exciting prizes.

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3. Follow us online

Don’t miss updates; stay connected on Hollandia’s social media platforms! This could be your chance to win big and make this holiday season unforgettable! Let’s toast to a season of love, fun, and the drive to #StayAheadWithDairyPower #HollandiaBlueChristmas!

FairMoney is transforming access to quick and easy loans, whether you need funds for a big expense or a quick top-up on an existing loan. Designed with convenience in mind, FairMoney ensures that its process is straightforward and accessible to all.

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Transparency is at the core of FairMoney’s mission. The app and website offer user-friendly tools, including a loan calculator, so you can preview repayment amounts before applying. Inside the app, all loan details are readily available, including what to expect if a payment is missed.

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In an increasingly digital world, safeguarding personal data has become a critical necessity. Recognizing this, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is spearheading a nationwide initiative to educate Nigerians about their data privacy rights. This effort aims to ensure that citizens are informed about how their personal information is collected, processed, and protected by organizations.

The importance of data privacy cannot be overstated. Personal information—such as names, addresses, financial details, health records, and more—is often collected by businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. If mishandled, this data can lead to devastating consequences, including financial loss, identity theft, and in extreme cases, severe physical harm such as loss of body parts or even death.

What the NDPC is Doing

The NDPC has set forth robust measures to regulate how organizations handle personal data. Central to these efforts is a mandate requiring all organizations that collect and process the personal information of Nigerians to register with the Commission. This registration ensures that such entities adopt adequate safeguards to protect data from misuse or breaches.

The Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023 explicitly prohibits the processing of personal data without proper registration. Non-compliance with this requirement is considered a criminal offense and is subject to legal penalties.

Why Awareness Matters

Many Nigerians are unaware of their rights under the law, which leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and data abuse. The NDPC’s awareness campaign is designed to bridge this knowledge gap, empowering individuals to take control of their personal information and hold organizations accountable for its protection.

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By promoting transparency and accountability, the NDPC not only protects individuals but also fosters trust in the digital economy. This is crucial for enabling innovation and growth while safeguarding the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

How to Comply and Learn More

For organizations, compliance with the law is straightforward. The NDPC provides guidance on the registration process and other regulatory requirements. To learn more, visit their official website at www.ndpc.gov.ng or send inquiries to registration@ndpc.gov.ng.

A Call to Action

Data privacy is a shared responsibility. As the NDPC leads the charge, it is vital for all Nigerians—individuals and organizations alike—to prioritize data protection. By understanding your rights and obligations, you contribute to a safer and more secure digital environment for everyone.

Stay informed, stay protected. Together, we can build a future where data privacy is not a privilege but a standard.