It is now official the government is raiding our pay slips further with the proposed revised healthcare charges. For those in formal employment, this would be anything up to about Sh.5,000 per month. If in the informal sector, you’ll still be required to pay a minimum of about Sh.300.
I do not have to explain the negative impacts of pump prices and their consequent effects on the cost of transport. While this is ongoing, many people are still living as if they live in a country of their own where these things do not affect them. This is especially on social events and activities that require fundraising.
If you have such activities lined up, you need to call your mind to a private committee before you start adding people to WhatsApp groups. Here are the rules of survival in hard times:
- The natural law of self-preservation -when in a difficult place, the first human instinct is self-preservation. This in simple terms means taking care of yourself before attempting to help others. People who are employed are feeling the pain most at the point of pay; those not in formal employment can relate to the pain at supermarkets and shops. As everybody gets squeezed, they are bound to cut down on what they give away -no offence, it is the only option left as the government squeezes the breath out of us;
- Lower your expectations -yes, it is true life must move on despite the hard times, but it becomes a duty to adjust your expectations to what is realistic and affordable. You need your head sober to survive these tough times. Do not bring upon yourself unnecessary stress by pushing things that are not possible at this point in time;
- Look for good deals if and where possible – if you find products on offer at the supermarket or in shops, please utilize those opportunities. Many times products are given out on offer not because they are of bad quality, but because the manufacturers want to clear old stock, are nearing the expiry date or simply as part of the marketing budget for the manufacturers. For as long as they are safe and of reasonable quality, take offers if and when you can -any savings you can make in these hard times counts a lot;
- Minimize travel or use cheaper options -it is only in poor countries where people think driving or having a BIG car is a sign of money and wealth. In many developed countries, having a car is simply a means to move from point A to B conveniently. The day you see a car as simply for utility and not a sign of progress, you’ll know you have achieved financial maturity. If you judge people by the car they drive or even where they live, you still have a long way to go in getting your money and finances in order;
- Keep going, however, slow the journey is – if there is one thing you must not cut down, it is your savings. For as long as your income is flowing, keep saving however small it is. In times like things, you seek to grow your earning or spread your sources; your savings is the only means towards this end;
- Look out for great deals -as times lock on us, many folks who won’t listen to money wisdom will be auctioned. That’s a fact! Just ensure you are not among the victims of the auction -it is a sacred duty for each one of us. But ‘fools’ still live among us -if you have savings, you may buy their property for peanuts in an auction if you shall be ready;
- A bonus point, we are entering the holiday season, play safe but enjoy within what your budget can support.