Emeka stepped out of the BRT just as the first Harmattan breeze of December brushed past him.
Lagos was already in celebration mode—holiday lights everywhere, music floating from shops, and event posters inviting everyone to have a “Detty December.”
He smiled, but deep down he remembered how the previous year ended: broke, tired, and borrowing money before January 10th. Not again. This December would be different.
That evening, as Emeka settled into his small apartment in Yaba, his phone kept buzzing:
“Bro, we’re hitting that show tonight!”
“Don’t forget your little cousin’s Christmas gifts o!”
“Emeka, ticket is ₦70k… are you coming or not?”
He dropped the phone and sighed. The pressure was already building. Then, while scrolling online, he stumbled on a post titled “Your December Playbook.” Out of curiosity—and mild panic—he clicked.
The story was simple, practical, and exactly what he needed. It spoke about planning before spending, and about “Festive Discipline.” That phrase alone slapped sense into him.
The story explained how creating a small budget could make the entire holiday less chaotic. The next morning, Emeka opened his FirstMobile app, checked his balance, and thankfully December was yet to take its toll. He also did something he had never tried—he moved a small portion of his money into his FirstBank Fixed Deposit account with very attractive rates. It felt like hiding it from December temptations. It was his “January Insurance”. He even set aside a separate expense pot with the Firstmonie wallet app to ensure he wouldn’t mix enjoyment money with essential money and also earn cashback when he spends from his wallet.
By the second week of December, things will intensify. Markets would be crowded, transport fares would have doubled, and events will be popping up faster than he could breathe. But surprisingly, Emeka will not feel overwhelmed this time. When buying groceries, he will simply scan and pay using FirstMobile’s QR option. When going out with friends, he will limit cash on him and make seamless payments with his FirstBank cards so he could track every kobo. Even during the Christmas rush, he will transact with FirstBank’s *894# USSD whenever network becomes congested. Things that used to stress him out suddenly will become smoother.
Any night, when his family decides on a spontaneous trip home to Enugu, he won’t have to panic. Emeka will use his FirstBank card to book affordable seats online before prices surge. If the fare exceeds budget, he can get a quick loan from FirstAdvance to conveniently pay back with his Salary account in 3 months. This way, his December budget is still untampered.
Toward New Year’s Eve, Emeka will have a moment of quiet pride. While friends complain about how “January will be long,” he will realise he still has enough money sitting untouched in fixed deposit. It may not be millions, but it will be peace—real peace with some interest.
By January 2nd, he will remember the last part of the Playbook – the true success of December isn’t surviving it but setting up the year that will follow. So, with a small smile, Emeka opened FirstMobile again and scheduled automatic monthly savings instruction. He does not want December discipline to end in December. He also bookmarked some investment options he plans to explore.
For the first time in years, Emeka will be entering January without the panic mode, as he will be prepared. As he steps into the new year, Emeka will realise something simple but powerful:
December doesn’t have to drain you to be enjoyable. With a little planning, a little discipline, and the right financial tools, the holiday chaos could actually become… peaceful.
Emeka’s December story will not end with regret this time. It will end with control, joy, and a quiet promise that “Next December, I’ll do even better.”
References: Ladybird limited, firstbanknigeria.com, ChatAI
