Budget Friendly Ways to Enjoy a Cozy Christmas

by DiscountsOpportunitiesSavings

The festive period is around the corner, meaning a lot of expenses and spending will rise. It is important to remember that we are to spend on our needs and not our wants.
A recent study conducted by the cross-border payment company WorldRemit has revealed that Nigerians spend a staggering 196% of their monthly income towards Christmas celebrations. These statistics indicate financial strain or imprudent budgeting, and such high expenditure could lead to financial instability and potentially contribute to debt accumulation among the surveyed population. Additionally, it raises concerns about the overall financial well-being and savings culture of individuals in relation to their discretionary spending during festive seasons.
It is therefore important to be mindful of spending during the festive period. Furthermore, due to the rise in the exchange rate in Nigeria, inflation in the prices of commodities has skyrocketed and is still expected to increase. Therefore, we must spend on what is necessary during the festive period.

There are various ways to minimize costs during the festive period these include:

Establish a budget:

Create a planned spending outline by listing intended purchases. Avoid impulsive shopping by sticking to the list during the festive rush.
Purchase of decorative pieces during the holiday season should also be in moderation. It is important to have a list so as not to be impulsive when purchasing the items. Also, the use of previously purchased decorative items can save you money.
The festive period is also a time of gift-giving. It is also important we have a list of the gifts we wish to give out and have a budget as buying a gift that is not needed leads to a waste of money.
For instance: If you have a budget of ₦150,000 which is a fraction (50%) of your income, 30% can go to feeding, 40% can go to outfit purchase, 20% to gifts and 10% to miscellaneous.

Bulk buying:

It is advisable to purchase food items before the rush of the festive period begins as the prices are expected to increase due to inflation and the festive season. Purchase of food items that appear on your list as stated above should be strictly adhered to so as not to purchase what is not needed. Having a list of food items that are needed should be made to guide you during shopping. When buying food items, the purchase of unperishable can be done in bulk to save money than buying individually. Purchase of perishable food items should be done at intervals when needed to reduce waste of food items and money. For instance: Purchasing a carton of noodles can save you ₦20-₦30 on each pack of noodles if bought individually.
Another way to minimize cost is by purchasing an item with a group of individuals and sharing. For instance: if you cannot afford to get a full goat, or you just need a small chunk of it, you can contribute with a couple of your friends or work colleagues and share amongst yourself. This can minimize cost; prevent wastage and you can also get a moderate size of the product.

Minimize outings:

Many parties and events such as concerts, gatherings, and outings are expected to happen during the festive period. They might not seem to be a lot of expense, but a little bit here and there can lead to a high sum so it’s important to be intentional about our outing during the festive period.

Have a budget targeted towards outings and stick to the budget. A way to minimize spending on outings is by spending quality time indoors with family and friends. Also engaging in activities that require little to no fee can be a way to minimize cost during the festive period such as going to the park and recreational centers.


It is essential to express a word of caution regarding the upcoming 2023 Christmas celebration among Nigerians, especially in the current economic challenges. While individuals participate in extensive spending to acquire everything necessary for the celebration, it is important to remember that life continues after the Christmas celebration. As we enter January 2024, expenditures and personal investments do not vanish into thin air. The funds spent during the festive period do not yield a return on investment. Therefore, it is important for individuals to be mindful of upcoming obligations and potential emergency crises. This is particularly pertinent now, given that the healthcare sector, including over-the-counter drugs, is currently facing the highest inflation in the history of Nigeria.

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Breastmilk Money: The first bank account that provides interest on breastfeeding

by Savings

Breastmilk Money: The first bank account that provides interest on breastfeeding.

Did you know that only 34% of Nigerian mothers exclusively breastfeed, despite the countless healthbenefits for both mom and baby? According to UNICEF, many mothers face not only medical barriers butalso societal pressures, family hierarchies, and superstitions that make them doubt their milk’s sufficiency.

These outdated beliefs often rob women of the freedom to choose what’s best for their bodies, theirchildren, and their finances.

Here’s a reality: Nigerian families who rely on formula spend over 30% of their household income on it —money that could be invested in their future. But Herconomy is here to change that. Introducing

Breastmilk Money, a groundbreaking financial product designed to turn breastfeeding into an opportunity for long-term savings. Breastmilk Money was launched on March 28, 2025, at Nigeria’s largest women-focused finance conference, the Herconomy Summit — just two days before Nigerian Mother’s Day.

How It Works

Breastmilk Money is a sub account within your Herconomy account. It calculates how much you save by breastfeeding instead of using formula, based on your child’s age, typical intake, and current formula prices. The money saved is automatically deposited into your Breastmilk Money account monthly, which then earns 14.3% interest — reflecting the holistic development benefits of breastfeeding.

And after two years — the World Health Organization’s recommended breastfeeding period — you can withdraw your funds, giving both you and your child the chance to grow, physically and financially.

More Than Just a Bank Account

Breastmilk Money is not just a financial tool; it’s part of a larger effort that will continue to unfold through the year, challenging societal norms around breastfeeding. Kicking off with the release of the short film “Milk” by award-winning director Fariba Buchheim, capturing the real-life experiences of Nigerian mothers.

Breastmilk Money will be further promoted through an integrated campaign across Nigeria, featuring out-of-home, radio, social media, partnerships and conference appearances.

Why Breastfeeding Matters

Although there are various reasons why women cannot breastfeed, and the choice should always be the mother’s, scientists agree that breastfeeding has many proven health benefits. For example, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months significantly reduces infant mortality, boosting immunity and lowering the risk of infections, diarrhea and malnutrition. For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and breast and ovarian cancers, and speeds up postpartum recovery. Unfortunately, although there has been progress in recent years, the breastfeeding rate in Nigeria, which has a population of more than 230 million, making it the most populous country in Africa and the sixth largest in the world, remains among the lowest in Africa and well below the global WHO target of 50%. “Breastfeeding is the single most effective tool in preventing childhood malnutrition. Beyond that, it’s great for family bonding, mum’s breast health, and our environment. Every mum deserves an enjoyable breastfeeding journey, and that’s what I’m working toward.”

– Dr. Lope Adejuyigbe, certified lactation consultant

Join the Movement

Breastmilk Money is more than just a bank account — it’s a financial tool, a movement, and a conversation starter. Ready to take control of your breastfeeding journey and your finances? Sign up today!

Anita Ukah Crowned Winner of “Her Money, Her Power” Task in BBNaija Grand Finale

by Savings

Anita Ukah Triumphs in BBNaija’s “Her Money, Her Power” Task, Sparking National Conversation on Gender Equality

Anita Ukah has been crowned the winner of the revolutionary “Her Money, Her Power” task featured on the Big Brother Naija reality show. The task, a vital component of The She Tank and BellaNaija’s campaign to promote women’s economic power, challenged housemates to not only understand the critical distinction between women’s empowerment and economic power but also to deeply explore the issues hindering gender equality in Nigeria.

Broadcast live on the #BBNaija show on September 30th, the “Her Money, Her Power” task ignited a national conversation on social media. The hashtag #HerMoneyHerPower trended at the top of X (formerly Twitter) for 10 hours and dominated Google Trends throughout the day and into the next. The campaign recorded over 300 million impressions across various social media platforms, highlighting the power of entertainment and media to drive social change.

Ukah’s winning performance, marked by a compelling podcast, a thought-provoking drama presentation, and a powerful speech, resonated with audiences. She demonstrated a profound understanding of the multifaceted challenges women face in achieving economic independence and innovative solutions to strengthen their financial influence in the country. 

Not only did she win bragging rights for emerging tops at a major BBNaija challenge, but according to reports, Anita also secured a juicy cash prize and the opportunity to make a real impact in the movement for women’s economic advancement.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the ‘Her Money, Her Power’ campaign and congratulate Anita Ukah on her well-deserved win,” said Blessing Omakwu, Founder of The She Tank. “This task has not only entertained but also educated and inspired millions of viewers about the importance of women’s economic power. We believe this is just the beginning of a much-needed movement towards a more equitable and prosperous future for women in Nigeria.”

The ‘Her Money, Her Power’ campaign, far from being a one-time event, continues to drive conversations and advocate for change. It empowers women to take control of their financial destinies and contribute to a more inclusive and thriving society. This ongoing commitment ensures that the audience remains engaged and involved in the movement for women’s economic advancement.