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Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become the ultimate shopping days of the year, offering incredible discounts and deals that can be hard to resist.
While these events present opportunities to save on everything from gadgets to clothing, they also come with the risk of overspending on items you don’t need.
Whether you’re hunting for deals in-store or shopping online, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy and make impulse buys. However, with a little preparation and a few simple strategies, you can shop smart and stick to your budget.
We have put together a list of steps you can follow to avoid impulse buys and make the most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday without blowing your budget!
Set a Firm Budget Before You Shop
Setting a strict budget before you begin shopping is a highly effective method to steer clear of impulse purchases. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday lure you in with enticing sales, having a clear spending limit in mind can assist you in staying on track.
Be Specific: Break your budget down by category. For example, decide how much you want to spend on gifts, homeware, or electronics. If you’re not careful, it's easy to let the deals pile up and end up spending more than planned.
Track Your Spending: Whether you're shopping in-store or online, it’s easy to lose track of how much you're spending. Keep a tally of your purchases to make sure you stay within your limits.
Make a List and Stick to It
A clear shopping list is a game-changer when it comes to avoiding impulse buys. Before Black Friday or Cyber Monday rolls around, make a list of what you actually need.
Prioritise: Focus on items you’ve been meaning to buy, whether that’s a new phone, a winter coat, or gifts for loved ones. Only add items to your list that you truly need or have planned for.
Stick to the Plan: As tempting as it may be to grab that extra item “on sale,” stay disciplined. If it’s not on your list, it’s not a priority.
Use the 24-Hour Rule
Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday are known for their flash deals and limited-time offers, but you don’t need to act on every promotion that comes your way. A great way to avoid impulse buys is to apply the 24-hour rule.
Pause Before Buying: If you see something that’s not on your list but seems like a great deal, sleep on it. Often, after a little time, you’ll realise you didn’t need it after all.
Revisit Later: If you still want the item after 24 hours, go back and research it further - check reviews, compare prices, and see if the deal is really as great as it first appeared.
Focus on Needs, Not Wants
With so many promotions during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s easy to get caught up in buying things that are more about desire than necessity. Make sure you focus on what you really need, not what just seems like a good deal in the moment.
Assess the Item: Before adding something to your online basket (or grabbing it from the shelf), ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” If the answer is no, put it back or skip it online.
Consider Long-Term Value: Ask yourself whether the item will bring lasting value. Will you use it regularly, or will it gather dust? If it’s something that doesn’t have long-term utility, it might be best to pass.
Avoid Adding to Your Basket Just Because It's on Sale
Online shopping on during these sales Monday makes it easy to load up your basket with things you didn’t plan on buying, and the "Add to Basket" button can be a temptation. But just because something is discounted doesn’t mean it’s a smart purchase.
Set Limits: Some online stores allow you to fill your online basket without checking out immediately. If you find yourself adding items to your basket, walk away and revisit your selections later. More often than not, you’ll reconsider and remove things you don’t truly need.
Stick to What’s on Your List: Avoid browsing for things you don’t need, especially when online stores constantly show you recommendations based on your browsing history. Stick to the list you created, and don’t let "recommended for you" sections sway you.
Watch Out for "Urgency" Traps
Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday come with time-sensitive offers, like countdown clocks and “only a few left” warnings. These tactics are designed to create a sense of urgency and encourage you to buy quickly, often without thinking.
Don’t Rush: If you’re shopping online, don’t let a timer push you into an impulse buy. Take a deep breath and give yourself time to think before making the purchase. Most offers will be available again or can be matched at a later time.
Think it Over: If an item seems like it’s only available for a limited time, pause and ask yourself if it’s truly a “must-have” or just a reaction to the time pressure.
Practice Mindful Shopping
Mindful shopping is all about being aware of your emotions and motivations while you shop. On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the constant sales and flashing deals can make it hard to think clearly.
Take Breaks: If you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of deals, step away for a bit. Go for a walk, take a break, or grab a snack to reset your mind before you go back to shopping.
Shop with Intent: Instead of browsing for fun, set specific goals for your shopping session. If you’re shopping online, limit your time on each site to avoid falling down the rabbit hole of endless browsing.
Use Cash or a Prepaid Card
Using cash or a prepaid card is a great way to keep impulse purchases under control, especially when shopping in-store or online during the sales.
Set Limits with Cash: If you’re heading out to physical stores, withdraw the exact amount you’re willing to spend. Once the cash is gone, stop shopping.
Prepaid Cards Help Control Spending: A prepaid debit card is another smart option for sticking to a set budget. Since you can load only the amount you want to spend, there’s no risk of overspending.
Don’t Feel Pressured to Buy
Lastly, remember that you don’t have to make purchases just because everyone else is. Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday are marketed as one-time events, but the reality is, there are deals year-round.
Pause Before You Buy: If you're unsure about a purchase, give yourself time to think. Don’t let the pressure of the sales environment make the decision for you.
Stick to Your Goals: If you’ve set a budget and created a list, remind yourself of your goals. It’s easy to get distracted by great deals, but staying focused will help you make better decisions.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to score deals, but they’re also prime time for impulse buying. By following these strategies: setting a budget, making a shopping list, and by practicing mindful shopping, you can avoid overspending and stick to your shopping goals.
Don’t let the excitement of a 'bargain' cloud your judgment. With a little discipline, you can enjoy the thrill of the hunt without the regret of buying things you don’t need.
Happy shopping, and remember, there will always be another sale!
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