WE SHOULD ALL HAVE MONEY DATES.

When the pandemic hit most of is had to learn how to oivot.We had to learn ways of sustaining on little income as most of us our income had been slashed or maneuver with the little savings we had.For me it was a wake call.I had never been seriois about money,had never focused on saving or even the basic financial lieracy.I was a hamster on a roll working hard but spending hardr.Aftet much introspection and planning I decided to make aswithc.I decided to learn about money.What exactly is it and what can it do?

Many experts have spoken on the importance of a money date.Aside from the usual monthly periods which cause enough havoc,I know have to sit down and calculate my monthly expwnditure.I have to break down 22 year old habits that are money related.Its a struggle one that I’m willing to umdergoe.No pain no gain,they said.

that time of the month. The period whereby I have to sit back with all my receipts, bank and transaction statements in order to understand my expenditure for the month. To be honest, this period frightenes me,it gives me chills and my forms a knot in my stomach. It pushes me out of comfort zone and no amount of procrastinating keeps me calm. I started having and documenting my money dates two months ago. This is after months of learning about finances and the need to plan ahead when it comes to matters money.

When it comes to financial literacy I’m a juvenile,I’m yet to master the art let alone understand the meaning of an index fund. At the moment my main priority is spending wisely and bulking up my emergency fund.I’m far from my goals but further from where I was when the year began.

This is what 3 months of money dates have taught me.

• Use what’s in your hand.I have learnt to only budget the money that’s already in my account and not any expected outcome .This means that at no point do I factor in a debt that I’m expecting to be paid or even my salary.Oit of site out of mind.
• Live below your means.If you can’t afford it don’t buy it.This lesson has made me focus more on my needs than wants.It has made me intentional when it comes to spending,I not only focus on my needs but also budget for my wants and by doing so ,I’m saving more hence moving closer to my financial goal.
• Learn to say no.In the African context money is a taboo,one that is expected to be present but never discussed.Black tax perpetrates generational poverty in the black community.Setting aside some money for this is important and anything that goes beyond your blacktax budget should be met with a sounding no or else the cycle will continue and nothing much will come out of it.
• Only you have the sole responsibility over your money.

A few decades ago as women we could not own property nor could we handle our own money.Times have changed and in 2020 we are witnessing female C.E.OS and entrepreneurs this being said as a learned woman I need to handle my money in a better way.I need to be able to put my ducks in a row and make sustainable financial goals.As a woman I need to be sound when handling money and no excuse should be tolerated.

I hope that you have learnt a thing or two,let me get back to my receipts.