adminsector workers have set the ball rolling with their private sector counterparts set to get their share in due course as the year winds down.
It is good to see many of the country’s workforce getting a little extra to reward them for their perseverance, dedication and loyalty to their employer, organisations and country through these adverse times.
Many Zimbabweans made of less sterner stuff threw in the towel long ago and joined the trek to other countries in search of better deals.
So it is only right that the workers who have decided to keep their skills and efforts at home be recognised with something to bring a little cheer to the traditional festive season.
Having said that, we feel that a word of caution to those lucky enough to be getting a bonus is mandatory at this point.
Although it is received in a one off payment towards the end of the year, in reality a worker earns bonus from the first day of work. In other words it takes several months of hard work to accumulate a bonus.
This assertion is supported by the fact that most employers, including the Government, pay bonuses on a pro-rata basis calculated on the number of months that one would have worked for the organisation in the given year.
It is, therefore, imprudent for anyone to throw the whole bonus away in a matter of hours on impulse purchases.
It is such reckless behaviour that converts this time of joy into a time of sorrow for the unwise.
Many shops have tempting deals on offer at this time as they would also be capitalising on the prevailing liquidity in the market.
There are many genuinely great offers that anyone with the money would do well to take advantage.
But people should not buy whatever crosses their path just because it appears to be a good buy without considering whether it fits in with their planned purchases.
Unavoidable expenses like food, utility, transport, school fees and medical expenses will not go away just because you frittered your income on non-essentials at a time you had some money to spare.
Just as no one deliberately sets out to catch an illness, no one should walk into a debt trap with their eyes wide open for it is an illness that you may not recover from.
The lack of sound financial prudence during the bonus and festive period is what is euphemistically referred to as the January disease and despite it afflicting many, everyone can avoid it.
Credit has returned in full force to the retail sector and one can now get clothes, groceries, furniture, appliances and even cars on hire purchase.
While this improves the chances for many to own things they would never acquire on a cash basis, there is the danger of the debt trap for the unwary.
With numerous notes of the bonus payment burning a hole in their pockets, many rush to buy things on credit without calculating the implications of the payment terms in months when there will be no 13th cheque cushion to balance things out.
Even in cases where zero deposit accounts are being temptingly put up for grab by whoever has a payslip, it is a good idea to pay a deposit to ensure that the repayment period is shorter or that the monthly figure required is manageable.
Then there are the crooks and con artists who traditionally come out in full force at this time to also get their share of the bonuses of the unwary.
Old tricks like “chadonha” in which victims are tricked into giving up their money and goods in anticipation of sharing in huge “finds” that someone has dropped in the street will be played on many people.
Avoid any strangers who offer you any unearned bounty or report them to the nearest police station.
You cannot reap where you did not sow.
Others will lose their money to pickpockets.
Plastic money is now generally accepted in many shops so keep your money in the bank and use your card for most transactions to avoid moving around with large sums of cash which acts as a magnet for thieves.
Avoiding dark and deserted places will reduce your chances of being mugged.
Wise spending of the bonus will result in a great start to the New Year.
Online Reporter