You’ve been eyeing that event for weeks; the speakers, the music, the networking, the jollof rice… everything is calling your name. You can already picture your outfit, the selfies, the Instagram story updates… there’s just one small problem: your account balance is giving “try again next month…”
You’ve checked your wallet, your bank app, and even under your pillow. Nothing. Sapa is not just knocking, it has moved in, turned on your fan, and asked what’s for dinner. But are you going to let that stop you? Absolutely not.
Because where there’s a will, there’s a way, and sometimes that way includes begging, finessing, and pulling small stunts that would make your ancestors proud.
I’m giving you 6 ways to still attend that event even when your bank balance is rough-handling you.
Let’s fight this battle together.
1. Budget Like Your Life Depends On It
Because it actually does. Unless you live on vibes and Insha Allah, it’ll be a struggle after attending the event if you don’t budget. Making prior plans and budgeting are your best bet.
Remember debit goes hand in hand with being outside, so understand the event. Figure out whether you’ll be spending a lot there or not.
Have a cost estimate in mind then plan your movement from when you leave your house, and how you’ll spend money. Stick to your budget because the goal is to attend the event and get back home safely and you can’t allow Sapa to win this round.
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2. Leverage Free Opportunities
Any free opportunity you see or hear grab it, make inquiries early, and ask questions. Target that neighbor who owns a car or bike and ask for a ride, jokingly say things like “Abeg even if it’s in the boot put me” or “Your fuel will multiply if you give me a ride” to lighten the mood, but if they open the boot for you don’t enter oo.
If it’s a paid event that you can’t afford to pay for, then a free opportunity that almost always works is gate-crashing. Find your way to the venue and walk in like you’re the special guest of honour or the PA to the organizer. If they bounce you, don’t call my name o.
3. Call For Backup
Remember your ride-or-die friends? This is one of those times you need to tax them. After all, what do we have Black tax for? Call a friend that you think can support you and ask for some financial support. Let them know how much the event means to you, and hope that they’ll reason your matter.
If that doesn’t work, call that one friend that you think will also be interested in the event and hype the event as much as you can, make sure your hyping makes them also not want to miss the event.
Bombard them until they’re enveloped in FOMO. Then drop the bombshell that you’re currently unable to dispense cash but would love to go with them.
ALSO READ: Group Trip 101: How to Convince Your Friends to Pay (Without Sounding Desperate)
4. Fusion is Always There For You
Why hustle hard before you can attend that event when you can finesse your way with Fusion? It’s all about strategy and you wouldn’t have to stress.
All you have to do is make relevant posts in their respective communities and earn rewards, as in cash rewards that you can use to pay for the event. The best part is Fusion offers event tickets at a discounted price for Fusion users and creators.
You can also join a community of people interested in that same event where you get to share helpful tips for rewards or just let them know your financial situation since they can already relate to your interest you might get a free ticket from someone also going
5. Volunteer at The Event
One scope that also works well is volunteering. You don’t have to be a photographer, videographer, or usher before you can ask to volunteer. Reach out to the organizers with your finest grammar and humble reasons why the event means so much to you and how you would love to volunteer to get a chance to attend.
You can volunteer for them as an event promoter and use a community-building platform like Fusion to build or join a community of event lovers where you hype the event up. The best part? You can create sub-events and sell tickets for them. Voila, you get to be the boss.
6. Watch From Home
Who says you can’t attend from home? When we have Instagram, YouTube, Fusion Events community, and Facebook where the people who attended will share their POV. All you need is a good network and data.
After all, you’ve tried all the above tips, and there still isn’t a chance to attend. No wahala, this one is the most cost-effective. You just have to strategize by knowing the right channels or accounts to watch from, then grab your popcorn, and your headset so it feels like you’re in the venue with them. No money, No stress.
ALSO READ: Events Corner: How to Dress for Social Events Without Looking Like You Tried Too Hard
The pain of missing out on that event you would’ve loved to attend is sometimes more painful than the network failing you when transferring money. Creating a strict budget, and sticking to it, will help you find free opportunities that’ll enable you to attend the event.
Some of these include volunteering and using the event and community features on Fusion. And if all fails, you can always watch highlights of the event on social media. We all did it for #JP2025, AMVCA, the Met Gala and we didn’t die.
Join us in the Fusion events community to explore interesting events with like minds and also share event tips to get cash rewards from fellow community members.
