Tips For Surviving Black Friday On A Budget

It is possible to do Black Friday on a budget! With a few simple steps you’ll be able to shop for Christmas without the guilt.

In just a few weeks it will be Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year! Black Friday is the day after American Thanksgiving, but for the last few years we’ve been having Black Friday sales in Canada as well. It can be a good time to get some Christmas gifts, but can also be a huge budget buster. There’s nothing wrong with getting a good deal, but make sure you do it smartly. Here are my top 4 tips for surviving Black Friday on a budget!

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Is Black Friday Actually Cheaper?

Yes, and no! Some products will go on sale for a similar price all year, but those “door buster” sales meant to get you in the door are usually the lowest price you’ll see all year. You can definitely get some amazing deals with a little planning!

Tips For Black Friday Shopping

Make A List

Luckily most stores will put out flyers in the days and weeks leading up to Black Friday so you can look ahead and make a list. Get an idea of what your family / friends might want as Christmas gifts so that you know what you are looking for. Plus then you won’t be running around stores wasting time!

The biggest budget buster while Black Friday shopping will be those impulse purchases that are “too good of a deal to pass up”. You will have to have a little self control, which can be hard but it will save you from buying things that you don’t need.

The other reason you should make a list ahead of time is that you will know the regular price, and it will help you make a decision on whether or not it is actually a good deal.

Read More: Budget Busters & How To Combat Them!

Make A Budget

Of course you’ll also have to know your budget before you decide what you are getting. Hopefully you have a sinking fund set up for Christmas gifts, which will make budgeting a lot easier. If possible try to go to the stores with cash, as it’s easier to see how much you’ve spent. Make a deal with yourself that once your budget is spent you are done.

Make A Game Plan

Making a plan for where you will go will make a huge impact on your shopping success. Know what you need in each store and make sure you know if each sale is a “door buster” or likely to sell out. Make sure you bring friends with you that won’t tempt you to overspend!

Stay Home

Confession: I’ve never gone out Black Friday shopping, and I’ve only gone Boxing Day shopping once or twice (Boxing Day is December 26th, a big shopping day here in Canada). Staying home will usually help you spend less money because you won’t be as tempted by impulse purchases. This doesn’t mean that you can’t buy anything at all; most stores will have an online sale, often with free shipping, plus you can do it in your PJs! Win-win!

Final Thoughts

Don’t feel like you have to spend money just because things are on sale! Too many times I’ve bought something because it was “cheap” and then ended up not using it. Try to buy things with intention. Before I buy clothing or shoes I ask myself how often I will wear it and in what situations, with home goods I ask where I will put it, how often I’ll use it and where I will store it when not in use.

I’m not against buying things you need / will use and getting a good deal, just make sure you have a plan and you’ll be set for success!