Your Black Friday Survival Guide

Doesn't ‘Black Friday’ sound a little scary? For our bank accounts, it can be! The sense of urgency, scarcity, and exclusivity of sales can seriously stack up the pressure to purchase. Ever bought something on sale, and once it arrives you wonder WTF you were thinking? We’ve been there. 

Knowledge and preparation will be your best friends this sale shopping season Take a deep dive into how your shopping behaviour may be manipulated, and how you can set yourself up for financial success. 

What Even Is Black Friday?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are sale events which mark the beginning of the holiday shopping madness. But heads up – some retailers intentionally cause panic, and manipulate you into thinking you're getting a better deal than you really are.

Dopamine Domination

Let’s be real: nothing beats the rush of snagging a bargain or waiting for your new purchase to arrive. Retailers know this and use clever marketing to push you towards impulsive buys. But watch out – that quick thrill can turn into regret or anxiety if you're not careful.

Feeling FOMO?

Countdown timers, “only a few left” messages, and free shipping if you spend more – sound familiar? Retailers use these tricks to create urgency and make you feel like you’re missing out. But don't let them pressure you into buying something you don’t really need.

Buy Now, Pay Later

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is booming, with a 43% increase last Black Friday. It’s great for spreading out payments, but tread carefully – it can lead to spending more than you can afford, and that can pile up into unmanageable debt.

So, how can we shop smarter?

With the right prep, you can snag deals without blowing your budget. Let’s break it down:

1. Set a Budget You Can Actually Stick To

Before diving into the deals, get real with your budget. Check your income, expenses, and savings goals. Black Friday is fun, but it shouldn’t wreck your financial security. Know what you can comfortably spend – and stick to it.

2. Prioritise Your Wish List

Got items you've been eyeing for ages? Focus on those first! Has your fridge been playing up? Plan your purchases by importance and remember, the best buy is something you actually need.

3. Do Your Homework

Found something you love? Read up! Compare features, check out customer reviews, and choose reliable retailers. Oh, and make sure you know the returns policy – no one wants to be stuck with something they can’t send back!

4. Embrace Online Shopping (Smartly!)

Shopping online gives you all the power to compare deals without the stress of queues. Pro tip: Google the product name and hit the ‘Products’ tab to see all the prices and shipping options in one spot. Easy win.

5. Clean Up Your Inbox

Already getting a flood of sale emails? Time to Marie Kondo your inbox. Unsubscribe from the brands you're only kind of into – no point being tempted by stuff you don’t need.

The last thing you need is a slow website or sold-out item when you’re ready to check out. Set up your account, add your must-haves to your wishlist, and be ready to pounce when the sale drops.

7. Stack Savings with Cashback

Make your money go even further with cashback sites. Just shop through their links and get a percentage of your spend back – more savings in your pocket!

8. Click & Collect to Save on Shipping

Avoid sneaky shipping fees by opting for Click & Collect wherever possible. It’s easy, fast, and free!

9. Pay Safe & Stay Secure

Always use secure payment options like your credit card or PayPal. These come with added fraud protection. And remember to keep an eye on your bank account for any unauthorised transactions.

10. Take a Breather Before Buying

Impulse buys are tempting, but if you didn’t plan on getting it, take a 20-minute break. If you still really want it after that, go for it – but only from a store with a solid returns policy!

Stay savvy in the shops, and good luck out there... x