You are worried that, even after following your financial plan and sticking to your budget, you will not be able to support yourself financially during the Microverse course. Sometimes, even if you have a financial plan and a budget, you will see that you cannot support yourself financially during the Microverse course. An emergency happened that was above your savings, or maybe you planned for the unexpected, but something else happened that you couldn't keep your finances in order. Because of this, you should always seek additional sources of financial support.
That situation is much more common than you'd think, and we don't want this to keep you from studying at Microverse. Asking for help when you need it is a very mature decision, and nobody should be ashamed of it, so think: do you have friends or family that could help you get through this?
Step 1: Understand your situation
In this step, you will ask yourself what kind of help you need to ask from family and friends. Is it something temporary? Or do you need an allowance until the end of the program? Do you plan to pay them back once you get a job? Are you supporting someone else in any way that might affect your current situation?
After you've gathered this information, think about who from friends or family members can provide the type of support you need.
Step 2: Practice the conversation
Set a goal, but be realistic about it. Perhaps that uncle cannot contribute $100 a month, but maybe one uncle can help with $60, and an elder sibling can contribute the rest. Put yourself in their shoes - ask them how you can help them in the meantime that isn't money-related. Can you watch their kids for some hours during the weekends? Can you mow their lawn? Can you help in any other way?
Important: acknowledge how you feel using I statements, and ask how they are feeling about the request too. Example: When I ask you for money to help cover expenses, I feel guilty that I can’t do this alone. I also worry that I am putting a burden on you. I understand that you have to sacrifice a lot to help me. I want to be helpful to you too. Would you help me think of ways I can help you in return?
Step 3: Set expectations and come to an agreement
After the conversation, you can take notes together of what will happen in the most detailed way you think is necessary. Answer these questions:
Who will provide the financial support? (One uncle, two friends)
How much money is being provided in total? ($300, $500, etc.)
In what way is this help being provided? (They will pay for the cell phone bill or provide money for food)
How often will this help be needed? (monthly for six months, one time only)
Will the financial help be repaid? (Yes, partially, no)
What will be the amount to be repaid? ($300, $500, etc.)
How will this be repaid? (Monthly payments of $50, babysitting their kids)
When will this be repaid? (Set a date accordingly)
What will happen if this cannot be paid back as planned? (We will talk about this again and set up a plan, we will extend the payment date, etc.)
When will we follow up on this conversation? (So that there are no surprises and we confirm nothing has changed on the arrangement)
Example 1: I, Sandra, will make a monthly $50 USD transfer to my daughter, Amanda, to cover her average monthly expenses, including rent, food, and electricity. The monthly payments will run for 12 months in total.
Example 2: I, Otieno, will borrow $350 from my uncle, Uzi, to help me pay for a new laptop. I will pay him back over the next five months, $70 each month. We will discuss this again after two months and agree to consider alternatives at that time if I cannot afford these payments.
Asking for money is not an easy task, but with these tips, we hope it's a bit clearer to plan how you can pay them back or set the tone if it's not necessary to pay them back. Remember that although not everyone can help, people are rooting for your success at Microverse!