What is it about this time of the year where regardless of your good intentions, you somehow still end up with too little to no money left before payday? In Kenya during this time several are broke and when asked they can say “ni January hakuna pesa!” After the doozy that was 2022, 2023 brings a whole new meaning to “new year” doesn’t it? To kick off a much-needed fresh start, we compiled some common New Year’s resolutions and gave them a financial twist to help you get through January without the need to ask for a loan.

• Clothes and shoes are not emergencies they can wait for when you are settled financially. You don’t need to buy those new pairs of shoes or that dress you’ve been eyeing on credit. Put it away and don’t make unnecessary purchases on your store card. If you want to jazz up your outfit without spending a cent, try doing a fashion swap with your friends.

• By January it’s too late to do clever things like paying your bills in December when you get your bonus. If you’ve already paid up for Netflix or Showmax, invite your friends over for low-cost movie nights and eat homemade popcorn and homemade food, which is affordable if you are feeling social. If you really must go out, try going to places where you can hang out for free, pack a picnic bag from whatever you have in your kitchen get a group of friends together and head to a local hiking spot.

• Buy food in bulk, and plan meals ahead of time so you can buy in advance in a local market. Go for meals with cheap and locally available ingredients, that do not use a lot of electricity. Try as much as possible to carry packed food and you will realize you are spending too much more on food than you should.

• The start of a New Year tends to bring with it new year resolutions of getting healthier. With initiatives like dry January and veganuary, now is a good time to fully embrace the opportunities that come with living a healthier lifestyle. Taking on one of these challenges could be just what you need to have a positive impact on your health. But also help to save you some money, giving you a headspace to focus on important things ahead.

• Plan an exciting project over the next few months. This will keep you focused on something else other than spending it will also keep your mind engaged. Sure you might be able to purchase the item now but what’s wrong with looking for inspiration on how you can improve your bedroom or kitchen? We all need something to look forward to and January is a good time to make plans and map your entire year.

The bottom line is to use the lessons you’ve learned this month to make sure this doesn’t happen again next year. Set up a savings account and automatically transfer into it immediately after payday, so that this time next year you and be the smug one whose money situation is totally under control.