For many Nigerians, December—fondly called Detty December—is a month of indulgence: festive outings, gifts, food, travel, and concerts all add up. By the time January arrives, wallets are often empty, routines disrupted, and financial stress sets in.

The good news: recovering doesn’t have to be painful. With intentional steps, you can regain control of your finances and start the year strong. Here are six practical ways to bounce back:

1. Create a January budget
Plan your spending for the month. Allocate money for essentials like food, bills, and transport, set aside savings, and include a small allowance for treats. A clear budget prevents holiday overspending from spilling into January.

2. Take stock of your finances
Review bank balances, credit cards, and outstanding bills. Knowing exactly how much you spent and what you owe is the first step toward recovery—you can’t fix what you haven’t assessed.

3. Prioritise essentials
Separate needs from wants. Focus on rent, utilities, food, and transportation first. Delay non-essential purchases until your finances stabilise.

4. Limit credit use
Avoid relying on loans or credit cards to cover overspending. Concentrate on reducing existing debt and use credit only when absolutely necessary.

5. Find ways to earn extra cash
Boost your income through freelance work, selling unused items, or monetising a skill. Even small amounts can make a big difference during financial recovery.

6. Start a future December fund
Once finances stabilise, begin saving a small monthly amount for future high-spending periods. Building a buffer now can prevent next year’s Detty December from causing stress.

With discipline, planning, and small, consistent actions, you can recover from the holiday spending frenzy and set yourself up for a financially stronger year.