So, Black Friday and Cyber Week are almost here, and if you’re like us, the thrill of a good deal is both exciting and a bit of a budget trap. You’ve probably been hearing about these “once-a-year” discounts for weeks now, and suddenly, there’s all this pressure to click “buy”. But if you want to make it through this season without buyer’s remorse and with your finances intact, a little prep and perspective go a long way.
Let’s dive into how you can navigate the sales season with confidence—sticking to a budget, shopping only for what adds real value, and saying “no!” to the FOMO.
Start With a Realistic Holiday Budget
Budgets don’t have to be boring! Think of it as your personal shopping guardrail that helps you get exactly what you want without going overboard. Look at what you’ve got coming in, subtract any monthly bills, and figure out what you can realistically spend on holiday shopping without dipping into your savings.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Tool: Try a budgeting app like YNAB (You Need A Budget), Mint, or Goodbudget to set a holiday shopping category. Mint is great if you’re looking for an all-in-one free tool, while YNAB gives you a more hands-on approach if you’re serious about building budgeting skills.
Challenge: If you’re setting aside $200 for Black Friday, set up a daily check-in during the week. Even jotting down your running total in your Notes app can help keep you on track!
Have a Game Plan for What You Actually Need
We all know how easy it is to get lost in the “OMG, 50% off!” moment and buy a bunch of stuff we don’t need. Planning keeps you focused—and helps you avoid last-minute splurges on things that’ll just gather dust.
Tip: Make a shopping list. Literally! Try using Google Keep or Trello to organize your list by category (e.g., “Home,” “Gifts,” “Work Essentials”). That way, when you start browsing, you’re not just grabbing random things.
Tool: For price comparisons, Honey and CamelCamelCamel can help you spot the best deals. Honey works on most major shopping sites, while CamelCamelCamel tracks Amazon prices to ensure the “deal” is really worth it.
Shift Your Mindset Away from Overconsumption
Ask yourself, “Will this purchase actually add value to my life?”. We’re often bombarded with ads and “must have” gift guides designed to influence us to spend. Don’t buy it just because it’s on sale; buy it because it’s something you truly need. Switching from “What can I get on sale?” to “What do I actually need?” can help prevent regret later.
Photo by cottonbro studio
Challenge: Try the 24-hour rule. If you find something you’re itching to buy, give it 24 hours before adding it to your cart. Often, this pause makes you realize it wasn’t as essential as it seemed.
Tool: Try using Habitica, an app that gamifies goal-setting. Set up a “Don’t Buy Unnecessary Stuff” challenge to help you resist the urge!
Use Tech to Track and Control Your Spending
This sounds intense, but it’s a lifesaver when you’re out in the wild of Black Friday deals. Apps like PocketGuard and Empower give you a quick look at your current spending, helping you stay within your limit. It’s a lot easier to stick to a budget when you see the numbers right in front of you.
Tip: Set a spending alert with your bank or budgeting app. This way, you’ll get a reminder every time you’re close to hitting your cap.
Tool: Check out PocketGuard for a quick snapshot of your “safe to spend” balance, or use Empower if you want more control over your financial picture.
Set Boundaries with Family and Friends
Let’s face it, holiday spending pressure often comes from the people around us. Your cousin might be going all-in on gifts or your friends might want to do a Secret Santa—but if that doesn’t fit your budget, it’s okay to set boundaries. People who care about you will understand.
Photo by Nicole Michalou
Tip: Be honest about your goals. A simple “Hey, I’m working on my financial goals this year, so I’m keeping holiday spending low” is all it takes.
Tool: If you’re coordinating gifts with a group, try using Giftster or Elfster for a budget-friendly Secret Santa. These tools set price limits, so everyone’s on the same page!
Build Financial Resilience—Match What You Save with Savings
Finally, let’s think long-term. For every dollar you “save” by getting a deal, try putting the same amount in a savings or investment account. It’s a great way to build up funds for something you’re truly excited about, like a vacation, an emergency fund, or even an investment in yourself.
Challenge: Set up an automatic transfer with your bank. Every time you save on a deal, move that “saved” money into your savings or investment account.
Tool: If you’re new to investing, check out Acorns or Robinhood for beginner-friendly options. Acorns rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change—easy and almost painless!
Now, go get some deals. But don’t forget, saving big can mean spending big. So go in with a game plan and celebrate the holidays without boxes of orders you regret piling up on your front step!
