Envelop The Money

Have you ever spent more than your pocket can carry? I was a victim of my will! By my new calculation I shouldn’t spend, more than 30% of my salary on transportation and other daily necessities like Calls, Food, etc, (to me,) they are miscellaneous needs in actual facts, but most times find their way up on my priority order. So, I deviced a means of forcing them down in order to stay afloat. Your case may be different but if you can look closely, you may find a relation.

Miracle still happens…

One very good Sunday morning, while on youth service in Jos, I discovered that I need to pay my tithe, and that morning, the only cash on me equals to the amount required for the tithe, offering and transportation to and fro; of course I shouldn’t tell you that I have to go a hunger until another credit alert is received. But It was a great battle, and I wan. To cut the story short I met this old family friend at the church gate, and after normal greetings he pulled out an envelop from his suit and forced into my hand the same amount that I gave out in Tithe. I counted it when I reached home any way – it was a miracle! Common, as a corper, you know what it means to give without hope and for that hope to resurrect. It came from a brown envelop. God did it.
After my last financial crisis, I bought a pack of envelops (white in color) and marked the first seven (i.e Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Each day has its value. Then, I discovered that I spend more on weekends than week days.

Working days

Working days has equal content and the leftover (though rare) is place in a “Change Bag”. Food surfer more, while Transportation is well place. Except that one have to wake earlier than before to board a cheaper bus.

Weekends & holiday

Always create room for relaxation and connection with friends. This usually happens on weekend and holidays, so get prepared, otherwise package yourself some where. Make sure your gifts and offerings are well planned – you lend to God when you give and good measure is always expected. On a serious note, entertain your guests and treat them in your best manner, but don’t burn all your money on beer, drink responsibly.

Calculate & Package

Now, having known your needs and calculated your anticipations, align your finances to meet them. Get a pack of envelop, I do suggest, label each according to choice and stuff the fund in the order of necessity or as planed. the Label may read:

1.  Days of the week or Dates in the month (Monday – Sunday , 1st October 30th October or 1st, 2nd, 3rd,....31st) or
2. Title of Names of Need (Transportation, Food, Tithe, Kitchen Utensil, Rent, Bill).

This will help you to use less of your ATM cards and cheque books – since you will be encouraged to leave them at home, while maintaining a good savings or Financial Record. Remember to carry over or strike out (if possible), every need that can not be met.

Finally, note your spending, package your resources in preparation and make use of your wallet where or when necessary.