When Black Friday rolls around, shoppers everywhere get excited about huge discounts and special deals.
Some wake up early to stand in line, while others scroll through online sales from the comfort of their homes. But as fun as it is, Black Friday can also be a trap for people who don’t plan.
In 2024, global online Black Friday spending reached about $74.4 billion, a 5% increase from the previous year. That means people are spending more than ever and not always wisely.
If you want to enjoy great deals without emptying your wallet, you need to learn how to save money on Black Friday and avoid falling into debt.
Let’s talk about how to do that step by step.
Key Takeaways
- Black Friday offers discounts that can trick you into thinking you’re not overspending. But you should pay more attention to caution, as it makes you a smarter shopper.
- To save money on Black Friday, make a list, set a budget, always compare prices before any purchase, and avoid impulse buying.
- If you’re still wondering whether it’s necessary to save on Black Friday, look back at the last items you bought. Did you make use of everything you purchased? If not, that means you spent money you could have added to your emergency fund.
Why You Need to Save Money on Black Friday
Before we talk about ways to save, let’s first understand why learning how to save money on Black Friday really matters.
Many people think they’re saving money because of the discounts, but they actually overspend on Black Friday by buying things they don’t need.
The excitement of sales, bright “70% OFF” signs, and limited-time offers can make you lose track of your budget.
If you’ve ever felt guilty after shopping or realised you maxed out your card on things you barely use, you already know why budgeting is important.
Saving money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Black Friday; it just means you shop smarter.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Save Money on Black Friday
1. Plan Before You Shop
The first and most important rule for saving money on Black Friday is to have a plan. Planning helps you stay focused and avoid buying random items just because they’re on sale.
- Make a Shopping List
Write down the things you actually need, maybe a new pair of shoes, a laptop for school, or gifts for family.
Stick to this list when shopping. It keeps you from being distracted by “flash sales” that seem good but aren’t necessary.
- Set a Budget You Can Afford
Before the sales start, decide how much money you can comfortably spend. Use the 50/30/20 rule or 70/20/10 budget rule to guide your spending.
- 50/30/20 rule: Spend 50% of your money on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings or paying off debt.
- 70/20/10 budget rule: Spend 70% on living expenses, 20% on savings, and 10% on giving or debt repayment.
These rules remind you that budgeting is important and that shopping shouldn’t take away from your savings or bills.
2. Compare Prices Before You Buy
Not every Black Friday deal is as amazing as it looks. Sometimes, prices are raised before the sale, then “discounted” to look cheaper.
Take a few minutes to compare prices at different stores. You can check prices online a few days before the sale and note the average cost. That way, you’ll know if the Black Friday deal is truly a good one.
This small step is one of the easiest ways to save money on Black Friday without falling for marketing tricks.
3. Avoid Impulse Buying
Impulse buying happens when you grab something just because it looks like a great deal. You didn’t plan for it, you just saw it and couldn’t resist.
Here’s how to control it:
- Take a pause: If you see something interesting, wait at least 10 minutes before adding it to your cart.
- Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Will I use it next month?
When you pause and think, you often realise you don’t need half the things you were about to buy. That’s a powerful way to save money on Black Friday and avoid overspending.
4. Take Advantage of Store Loyalty Programs
One smart way to save money on Black Friday is by using store loyalty programs.
Many major U.S. retailers, from Target and Walmart to Best Buy and Macy’s, offer exclusive deals, early access to sales, and points redeemable for discounts.
Signing up ahead of time can give you extra savings, members-only coupons, or even free shipping, all of which help you snag the deals you want without overspending.
Being part of these programs means you’re not just shopping blindly; you’re making strategic choices that stretch your dollars further.
Plus, it often costs nothing to join, making it an easy win for anyone looking to shop smart this holiday season.
5. Use Cash Instead of Credit Cards
Credit cards can make it easy to overspend on Black Friday because you don’t feel the pain of paying immediately. But the bills always come later, and sometimes with interest.
To stay debt-free, use cash or a debit card for your purchases. When your wallet is empty, you’re done shopping.
This simple trick keeps you within your budget and helps you truly save money on Black Friday.
6. Shop Early but Wisely
Many stores now start Black Friday sales days or even weeks before the actual date.
Shopping early can help you beat the crowd and grab deals before they sell out. But remember, just because the sale starts early doesn’t mean you should buy everything right away.
Stick to your list and budget, that’s how you save money on Black Friday while still getting the best offers.
7. Focus on Value, Not Just Price
Sometimes, the cheapest item isn’t the best deal. For example, buying a $10 gadget that breaks in a week isn’t a good way to save money on Black Friday.
It’s better to pay a little more for quality that lasts longer. When you focus on value instead of just price, you make smarter choices and avoid wasting money later.
8. Learn From Past Spending Mistakes
Look back at what you bought last Black Friday. Did you use everything you purchased? Did you regret buying some things?
Reflecting on your past spending helps you improve. Maybe you’ll notice you tend to overspend on Black Friday when shopping online or get tempted by “buy one, get one” offers.
Once you know your weak spots, you can plan better this year and truly save money on Black Friday sales.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday is exciting, no doubt. But while everyone else rushes to grab every “doorbuster,” you’ll be the one smiling because you shopped smart.
You’ll have gotten what you needed, spent wisely, and avoided debt. Remember, the goal isn’t to buy everything that’s on sale; it’s to save money on Black Friday by focusing on what truly matters.
So this year, skip the stress and shop with confidence. Enjoy the deals, celebrate your savings, and step into the holiday season knowing you made smart money moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Early Should I Start Preparing for Black Friday?
Start at least two to three weeks ahead. The earlier you prepare your list and set your budget, the more control you’ll have over your spending.
2. Is it Better to Buy Before or on Black Friday?
It’s usually better to wait until Black Friday to buy, because most stores offer their biggest discounts that day. However, you can grab early deals if the prices are too good.
3. Can I Still Enjoy Black Friday if I Have a Small Budget?
Absolutely. A small budget doesn’t mean no fun; it just means you choose carefully. Focus on the deals that truly add value to your life.
4. Which Budgeting Rule Works Best For Black Friday: 50/30/20 or 70/20/10?
It depends. If essentials fit into 50%, go 50/30/20. If they take more, 70/20/10 is realistic. The key is staying consistent and adjusting it to your lifestyle for smart Black Friday spending.
