Tim and Tina Chat(7)

Tim and Tina Chat(7)

Giving Money

(Tim and Tina are seated on a bench at the scenic Heritage Park, University of Ibadan)

TIM:Tina, what's up now? You look worried.

TINA:(Frowns)I am not so fine, now. I am just so broke. My new name is Broke Brooke of Brooklyn. 😭

TIM:(Smiles)Broke? How, now? Call your parents. Or did you spend more than you should have this month?

TINA:I don't know sef. All my money flew away. I bought foodstuffs, clothes and one very fine necklace that I saw at the mall. That's all o.

TIM:I don't know what you will do o because we are actually in the same situation. I am super-broke. I have only one thousand naira with me and that would barely sustain me this week. One idiot now said I should borrow him five hundred naira and promised to return it in the next two weeks.

TINA:Ah! If your friend is an idiot, what are you?😜 Well, I think I will do 0-1-0, no breakfast, a small lunch and then no dinner till somebody sends me money. I don't know why my financial IQ is very low.

TIM:But I really do not understand how my money finishes without me doing any tangible thing with it. Even food sef no be everytime. I spend so little on clothes and books. Shey na money wey no even reach me i go dey commot tithe and offering from?

TINA:Hmmm.(Sighs) Me too. The sad thing is, my monthly allowance is twice the salaries of some people. For instance, some primary school teachers and streetsweepers in Nigeria live on half my monthly allowance. These people are often the breadwinners of their families. How on earth do they cope? Yet, I complain that my parents give me very little money.

TIM:Exactly. How? I think I should even stop the unnecessary Father Christmas for my roommate sef. I lend him too much money and he does't pay back on time. I won't give him anymore since I always get broke too early in the month.

TINA:Me, I am very selfish. I don't give people money because that is when they will become parasites, always begging you for money.

TIM:Abi oo. People no won get shame, abi? Meself no go show mercy again make dem no wreck me.

UNCLE GOODSENSE😀:I don't think I have seen a wallet or a chequebook tied to a hearse(tomb, coffin). The most successful people, as regards finances, are givers. Remember that you were created to be a conduit not a reservoir; a flowing river not a stagnant pool; a giver not a hoarder. LEARN TO GIVE! As a matter of fact, a folded palm can't receive anything except it is opened. Giving is a natural principle- a law of the universe. Financial intelligence experts have noted that giving out money is a principle of wealth creation. However, you've got to give with discernment. God can help you give right.😀

©Keziah Laz & Mcilfero(2018)