The festive season is becoming a bittersweet memory as we settle into the new year, and January realities hit hard.

School is back in session, and so is work, with employers and businesses back in full swing.

And almost on queue, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced an increase in fuel prices in its latest review, with costs surpassing KES 200 per litre for the first time in months.

The new prices, effective from January 15 to February 14, 2025, are set to impact households, businesses, and the economy at large. Source; https://theafricalogistics.com/fuel-prices-in-kenya-rise-in-latest-epra-review/

So, the heat is on, and your wallet is hurting. Therefore, here are some hacks to help you get to the other side of the toughest month of the year.

  1. Declutter, Recycle, and Repurpose

The holiday season is engineered to encourage us to consume, spend and indulge in purchases with alluring deals that are irresistible.

Online purchases, deals on Christmas shopping, gifts for family and friends and eating out are some of the ways you end up buying more than you need.

Come January, you realise you have more than you need. Decluttering in January can be a great way to make some extra money and also reorganise yourself.

Evaluating what you can sell off or donate can be a daunting task, but if you find some items in your closet, kitchen or house that you have outgrown or not replaced, it’s advisable to get rid of them.

Several online businesses offer decluttering services, allowing you to sell off such items from the comfort of your home by connecting you directly with the seller.

This is a win-win option for you as you can make money and create room for your new items at no extra cost to you.

Consider recycling items around the house, such as old food containers and bottles, old clothing and electronics.

Donating unused items from your home in January would also be a great way to ease the clutter accumulated during the holiday season.

  • Use your Christmas vouchers for January expenses

Another hack to survive the January blues would be to spend most of your Christmas shopping vouchers towards essentials needed in January.

January is often cash-strapped, and finding ways to get key items without spending can really help ease the burden. Vouchers offer the flexibility of buying back-to-school shopping or even household essentials without going out of pocket.

While their purpose is to splurge on Christmas gifts, consider setting aside some of the amount towards these needs as well.

  • Delay spending your December Salary for as long as possible

When that December salary hits your account, it’s very tempting to YOLO your way into oblivion because, after all, it’s party time.

However, set aside the money towards your January bills and utilities, pay your rent and save some towards your expenses.

It is always tempting to be indulgent when the peer pressure to have a good time is at its peak; however, once the hangover is over, January responsibilities come calling, and often they are a solo experience.

  • Consider shopping in bulk in December for January

Another hack is to buy items in bulk for both months; this might seem counterproductive but can save you the hustle of worrying about running out of tissue paper on January 18th.

Deal hunting from wholesale stores towards the end of November can make a difference in easing the burden on the December paycheck.

  • Suspend services for when you are out of town

Most people spend half of December upcountry, which means services such as internet, water, and even electricity are underutilised. To save money, consider suspending these services until you come back home after the festivities.

For instance, ask your Internet Service Provider if they can suspend your subscription until your return.

An example is Safaricom Home Fibre, which offers the option of suspending your service temporarily and transferring the balance to the next month.

Call 400 to discuss this option with the ISP.

With these few hacks in the bag, you can breeze through to January.