How to enjoy Detty December without being broke

Detty December is almost here! The time when the streets are alive, the vibes are unmatched, and your bank account starts to give you side-eye. Between endless concerts, weddings, owambes, and weekend getaways, it’s easy to blow through your savings faster than you can say “Shayo for everybody!”

But who says you can’t enjoy Detty December without chopping financial breakfast in January? Stay glued and let Guardian Life show you how to keep the fun rolling without slaying your wallet:

1. Budget like a boss

Before the Detty December buzz gets you, sit down and calculate how much you can actually spend. Start by listing essentials—like transport and bills—then set a fun budget for concerts, parties, and hangouts. Don’t let FOMO make you overdo it. Remember, January comes with rent, school fees, and that gym membership you swear you’ll use this time. Stick to your plan like super glue.

READ ALSO: Ten exciting DJs to watch out for in Lagos this Detty December

2. Select your events

You don’t have to attend every Detty December event. Pick the ones that mean the most to you and skip the rest. Prioritise free events or affordable hangouts with good vibes. Not every show requires a table for ten; sometimes, balcony tickets will do. As we say, “cut your coat according to your material.

3. Rock affordable looks

Slay, but do it wisely. Hit up thrift stores for stylish fits that won’t drain your wallet. Mix and match old outfits with new accessories to create fresh looks. Nigerians love to pepper dem, but you can pepper dem on a budget. Trust me, confidence wears better than Gucci (Who’s going to know whether it’s thrift you are wearing or designer?)

4. Pre-game like a pro

Drinks at events can slap your wallet harder than Lagos traffic slaps your patience. So, drink responsibly at home before stepping out. You’ll save cash and still have just enough ginger to vibe when you arrive. But in all you drink, drink responsibly.

5. Use the power of squad goals

Roll with friends who understand the broke-but-boujee lifestyle. Splitting costs for rides, tables, or even food makes December outings much cheaper. Avoid that one friend who always says “don’t worry, I’ll sort you out” but disappears when the bill lands.

6. Stick to cash, not card

Limit your spending by carrying only the cash you need. When the money finishes, the fun ends—no awkward alerts or overdraft tears. Hide your card like first borns hide the TV remote when it’s time for chores.

7. Recharge with free fun

Enjoy free Detty December experiences. Go for beach hangouts, karaoke nights, or neighborhood Christmas carols. Sometimes, the best memories cost nothing but good company. I mean, get to know who’s living in the next block. Stop doing hide and seek!

8. Avoid impulse spending

From Black Friday to Christmas sales, the temptation to buy everything is real. Ask yourself: “Do I need this, or will it join my pile of regret?” Learn to scroll past those online vendors ads and if you keep seeing them in every scroll, give a bombastic-side-eye to them, literally!

9. Cook before you eat

Instead of buying overpriced shawarma at 2 a.m., prep snacks or meals at home before going out. Your stomach will thank you, and your wallet will stay intact. Even a quick indomie + egg combo beats wasting thousands at an overhyped food truck. Okay, I get! The temptation to eat out is high when salary alert has dropped but January has a whole year in it, my friend.

READ ALSO: Detty December Fiesta: FiberOne partners with Giwa Gardens for Dubai-style family fiesta

10. Remember January is coming

No matter how Detty December gets, remember January has 31 days. Plan ahead for bills and unexpected expenses. Detty fun today is sweet, but Detty tears tomorrow? Not so much. Merry Christmas in advance!