By TONY OKAFOR
As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us breathe a collective sigh of relief, eager to leave the past behind and start anew.
But for countless individuals, January brings a different kind of feeling – one of dread, anxiety, and financial strain.
Ask anyone, and they will likely tell you that January is the longest month of the year.
But it is not because of its 31 days; its because of the copious spending during yuletide that empties people’s pockets, leaving them feeling drained and depleted.
For Ndidi, a young professional, January is a month of financial reckoning. “I always try to be responsible with my spending during the Christmas, but somehow I always end up overspending,” she confesses.
“By the time January rolls around, I’m left with a dwindling bank account and a long list of unpaid bills.”
Ndidi’s story is not unique. Many people struggle to make ends meet in January, as the financial hangover of the Christmas season spending sets in.
The festive season, with its lavish gifts, elaborate meals, and celebratory outings, can be a costly affair. And when the bills start rolling in, many find themselves scrambling to stay afloat.
“I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water,” says David, a father of four. “The holidays are expensive, and by the time January comes around, I’m struggling to pay rent, school fees and sundry expenses, let alone put food on the table.”
The financial strain of January can take a toll on mental health, too.
The pressure to pay bills, combined with other family pressures, can leave people feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed.
“It’s like the whole world is moving at a normal pace, but I’m stuck in slow motion,” says Sunday, a civil servant..
“I feel like I’m just trying to survive until payday, but it is hard to keep going when it feels like the month is dragging on forever.”
As the days tick by at a glacial pace, it’s easy to feel like January will never end.
But for those who are struggling, there is hope. By prioritizing needs over wants, cutting back on unnecessary expenses, and engaging in productive activities, it is possible to weather the financial storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
As Ndidi so aptly puts it, “January may feel like the longest month, but it’s also a chance to start anew, to reset our finances and our priorities.
“It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our struggles, and that with a little bit of resilience and determination, we can make it through even the toughest of times.”
