Whenever I return from the market, I become aggressive, sad, and frustrated, not at anyone, but at how inflation has eaten so deep in our country and has become something fixed and not see the hope of it going down, and this is extremely alarming. I remembered when I would take five thousand naira (#5,000) which is like $6.70 to the market to get foodstuffs and will be difficult to carry two Bagco bags, but now, I don't feel like I carry anything inside one Bagco bag. This is so crazy and inconsiderate move from our government which chose not to have concerns for us in the country.
The issue of inflation is the talk of the town among everyone and we still discussed this matter some days ago with my friends when one of us went to the market and was murmuring about the price of goods she bought. I was like, "You shouldn't be complaining again because it's not new anymore". Sincerely, things keep going up with the prices of goods and even food. Hardly would you see a family eating 2 square meals in a day because everyone has been affected by it. I couldn't close my mouth too when I visited the supermarket two months ago and bought Peak Milk Refill for #2500, something I used to get for #1600 before. I had no choice but to buy it because I really needed it for my use. The milk has finished, in fact, it got expired as I had forgotten there was milk in the house. I had to throw the remaining away and do not think I would be getting any for now.
Gone are the days when things were so cheap in the past. There was a time when I was doing my NCE programme in Oyo state, if you take #100 out to get food, like cooked ones, you will be filled, but now, what cooked food can you get for that amount and be okay? The bread I get for #250 is now #500, aside from that, it is as if they blew air into the bread because by the time you take a bite or two, it is finished and you are still not satisfied.
Of course, inflation has happened and one has to find coping mechanisms to survive and keep praying to God for provision. One thing I never fail to do is appreciate God for always coming through despite how hard and difficult it is for everyone. So, the only way is to learn how to cope, manage and adjust, else one might suffer for it eventually. It is also at this period we know the difference between a foolish and reasonable person when it comes to handling money and not minding inflation.
In this post, I would be talking about the personal tips I use to cope with this inflation and still enjoy my life.
Discipline: Since the inflation, I have been able to tame my impulsive spending and exhibit self-control. I prioritise my needs over my wants. I go for what is important, and if there is cash available, I go for my want which only comes once in a while. I don't feel pressured when it comes to getting things. If I have enough, I get them and if not, I have no option but to wait for when there would be more cash for it.
Budgeting: I will not stop saying this. There is an app that has been helpful since I started using it last year. Budgeting is an important financial planning for an individual and one has to stick to it. When I want to get items for myself, I write them down, stick to the available amount I would be spending and must be sure not to go beyond that. Sometimes when I see the price of things is higher than what I already bargained for, I would remove some things I know won't be needed and things I can do without. After making my list, I still go over it again and cut out things I am sure aren't needed urgently.
Buying in Bulks: Aside from learning this from my mom, I became interested in it when I saw how my aunt took buying in bulk seriously. I imbibed this habit and has always helped me till now. Every month, I visit the market to get stuff that would last me for a month or beyond and this would help me work hard for money before another month arrives. Buying in bulk for me saves more money than getting them bit by bit. Though this method isn't for everyone as most people cannot afford it but it is better to adopt this method and see the difference. Most times, food or items bought in bulk are lesser than the other way.
Going for lesser prices: There is a lady in my neighbourhood who sells her provisions at higher prices, whereas the same thing is sold elsewhere for lesser prices and I wonder where she got her goods from. She isn't considerate at all and it is the students that patronizes her more. I stopped buying things from her when I got to know her prices are higher than normal. She confronted me one day and asked why I don't buy things from her, I just smile and left because I wouldn't want to open up to her. Even if one has the money, it is good to negotiate prices instead of going for what has been assumed as the fixed price. This is the reason I visit the cheap market to get all my stuff at lesser prices and still have some money to save for another time.
Cooking my food: It is good to eat out, but it shouldn't be every time. It's been long I bought anything cooked outside as I only prepare my meal myself and also, it is cheaper that way. There is nothing wrong with eating out, but it becomes wrong when you keep visiting the eateries when you could just prepare your meal by yourself which is also hygienic. If you don't know how to cook, you can hire someone to cook for you while they collect their pay which isn't higher than spending out on a meal and that is all for that day.
Manage what you have: My aunt told me one day that a man who has just two shirts and a trouser and manages well by washing and giving them a nice touch is far better than one who has all collections of clothes in his wardrobe and cannot manage them. It is important you manage your stuff rather than throwing them out or giving it out because you feel you want something more, especially when you are copying other people. Don't quote me wrong, I do not say it's wrong to give out your stuff to people, but it should be for a good reason and not to impress someone. When you know something is still useful for you, why not keep and manage them than throwing away? At this moment, if you are not wise, you will always complain and not get any solution.
Above all, it is important for one to have multiple sources of income to help you survive and beat inflation.
Thanks for your time on my blog.
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