Fam…. it appears we have finally entered the pandemic we did not see coming.

 

Yes... the other one. The financial pandemic.

 

After two years of wearing masks, working from home, fighting over tissue rolls and hand sanitizers, no longer fighting over tissue and hand-sanitizers, and being unable to travel, it was with glee that this year, we saw the pandemic seem to roll to a gradual end.

 

Or so we thought.

 

We began to pack our bags, to enjoy all we had missed with being cooped indoors for almost two years.

 

What we did not see coming was the war in Ukraine, or the rapid yet steady climb in interest rates, precipitated by high inflation, precipitated also by a hitherto sky-rocketing housing market, precipitated by a slew of mumbo-jumbo economic things around excess money, demand and supply.

It has not helped that there have been massive rounds of layoffs in the corporate world, with the ensuing drama in Twitterdom giving bad dejavu vibes, of medieval Britain, lords and serfdoms. 

 

(Hand over face)

 

With the skyrocketing daily costs of living, it is a wonder we’re not all holed up under our beds, refusing to come out everyday.

 

The height for me was my salad.

 

Prior to now, I’d get my mix for about $9. Fam, I almost fainted in shock at seeing the same salad bowl for 17 dollars.

 

(At this rate, we may have to go and pluck the grasses ourselves, because what is this???)

 

So… how are you coping? No really, HOW??

 

For me, for starters, my praying has increased o. I PRAYYYYYYYY!!!

 

Because the rising cost of everything, from gas to food, to interest rates is beyond my comprehension, and something bigger than me has to help keep me grounded.

 

Asides this, I’ve implemented a “need only” purchase policy for the time being.

 

Before, I’d go for groceries, and buy all those food items that I never make, and instead, give them out or throw them away.

 

Now I’m conscious of what I am buying, and why I am buying it. 

If I do not absolutely need it, I'm not taking it. (Tsk! Tsk!!)

 

Just like if there are meetings I do not need to have in person, I do them online, or if there are places I do not need to go/people I do not need to see, I abstain.

 

Why?

 

Cutting my coat according to my cloth. Tightening the belt.

 

All the years of being taught practical financial management by my father, I am now putting it to optimal use.

 

Does this mean we will then not live, or enjoy the company of others?

 

Mba kwa!

 

There are times I ignore everything, and have a good time out with myself. (Like the day I splurged at the theatres, while enjoying the premiere of Wakanda Forever). The only thing is the following week, I consciously tighten the belt a little tighter.

 

Also, I still host family and friends. What I do though is budget a little more, and not be shy to say when it is not convenient.

 

So how are you coping? Or are you not feeling it?? If not, are you taking in any adults, because me and all mine are available.

 

(Jk!!)

 

This is to those going through it like the most of us. I want to give you a long motivational quote... but I think I’ve used them all up for myself. 😀

 

So just hang in there. Cut down on costs as much as you can… pick extra shifts where you can, or take a temporary side-gig, if time permits you.

 

Most important of all, hang in there.

 

As other things that have come before, and other things yet to come… this too shall pass.

 

A whattttt??

 

AMEN!!!!

 

Paz,

 

Meg.