Finance and investment expert Desmond Bredu has advised Ghanaians to prepare financially for the festive season well in advance, warning that failing to budget could leave people facing financial pressure after the celebrations.
Speaking on TV3’s The Afternoon Show on Monday October 26 2026, Bredu said attending several events featuring the same artistes and performances was a common reason people overspent during the festive period.
He encouraged young people to be more selective about the shows they attend, suggesting they focus on events they genuinely want to experience rather than trying to participate in every entertainment activity available.
“Don’t be outside too much, especially in this December,” he cautioned.
Bredu said festive spending should be considered alongside financial commitments that continue beyond the celebrations. He specifically mentioned school fees and other essential expenses, which he said should not be overlooked when people make plans for December.
He also stressed that early preparation gives individuals more time to save for the activities they want to enjoy. His preferred approach was to begin setting money aside from January, although he said saving between three and six months before December could also help people manage the financial burden.
For people paid a fixed salary who have not yet saved for the festivities, Bredu recommended deciding which events they intend to attend and calculating the likely overall cost. That amount can then be divided by the number of months remaining before December to establish how much should be saved regularly.
“Another reason why we overspend is because we don’t plan,” he said.
The finance expert also proposed lower-cost ways of marking the festive season. These included staying at home or arranging group cookouts, with friends contributing towards the cost.
He said celebrations should reflect each person’s financial situation and warned against borrowing money simply to fund entertainment or enjoyment during the festive period.
