How To Set And Stick To Your Black Friday Budget
How To Stay On Track This Black Friday
Smart Shopping Tips To Maximize Your Savings
Shop Smart, Build Credit, And Enjoy Black Friday With Arro
FAQs
Black Friday is a great chance to score some amazing deals. In fact, last year, U.S. consumers spent $10.8 billion online on Black Friday, up 10.2% from the prior year. But let’s be honest: without a plan, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and end up buying things you don’t really need.
Source: Black Friday Statistics
In this article, we’ll show you how to shop smart, stay within budget, and still take advantage of those awesome deals. With a little bit of preparation, the right tools, and some simple budgeting tips, you can have a stress-free shopping experience and feel good about the decisions you make.
Key Takeaways
Create a budget and set clear spending limits.
Research prices before you start shopping to spot the real deals.
Stick to your shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.
Be mindful if you plan to use credit, make sure you have a plan to pay it off.
Focus on buying what you actually need, not what’s just on sale.
How To Set And Stick To Your Black Friday Budget
Black Friday is a time when the deals are everywhere, and the excitement can be contagious. But here’s the thing: without a clear budget, it’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy and end up spending more than you planned. Retailers know exactly how to tempt you, whether it’s through limited-time offers, "exclusive" sales, or those flashy discounts on things you didn’t even know you wanted.
To truly save on Black Friday, you need to take a step back and plan ahead. Budgeting isn’t just about limiting yourself; it’s about prioritizing the things you actually want or need, so you don’t waste money on impulse buys.
Here’s how to do it:
Look At Your Monthly Expenses
Before diving into the sales, take a look at your regular expenses: rent, utilities, groceries, etc. Once you know what’s already committed for the month, you can easily figure out how much you have left to spend on Black Friday without stretching yourself too thin.
Set Specific Spending Limits
Once you’ve assessed your available budget, break it down into categories. Maybe you want to spend $100 on gifts, $50 on personal items, and $50 on electronics. Allocating a specific amount for each category helps you stay on track and ensures you don’t overspend on things you didn’t plan for.
Stick To Your Limits
The most important part: once you hit your budget limit, walk away. The deals will still be there, but your financial health is the top priority. Remember, staying disciplined now means less stress later, and you won’t have to worry about paying off credit card debt in the new year.
By sticking to your budget, you’ll avoid the stress later, and you can enjoy the holidays without the weight of post-shopping debt.
How To Stay On Track This Black Friday
Black Friday is one of the best times to score big, but it’s easy to get swept up in the rush of all the “amazing” deals. In fact, according to Demandsage, holiday spending is expected to hit $241.1 billion in the U.S. With so much money being spent, it’s crucial to keep your spending in check.
The key to staying on track is to plan ahead. Saving up for your Black Friday purchases in advance means you can skip the impulse buys and make purchases that really matter.
Keep Your Streak Going, As Every On-Time Payment Counts
Using credit cards this Black Friday? That’s totally fine, just make sure you stay on top of your payments. The goal isn’t just to shop smart now; it’s to build habits that help you win long term. Every on-time payment helps build your credit and sets you up for financial success.
By sticking to your budget and making payments on time, you’ll enjoy the best deals now and avoid any financial headaches later. It’s all about creating a plan you can stick to and making Black Friday work for you.
Stick to these smart shopping and financing habits, and you’ll feel confident in your purchases now and in the future, without the stress of overspending.
Smart Shopping Tips To Maximize Your Savings
Once you’ve set your budget, it’s time to make those Black Friday deals work for you. Use these innovative shopping strategies to snag the best discounts without going overboard:
Start Early
Black Friday deals often start well before the big day. Many retailers offer early sales or previews of what’s to come. Getting ahead of the rush means you’ll have more time to shop the deals that matter and avoid scrambling at the last minute.
Do Your Research
Deals can be tempting, but not every discount is a deal you need to jump on. Take a little extra time to compare prices before you commit. A quick look at other retailers, checking reviews, or using comparison tools can help you see if that “deal” is really worth it.
Create A Shopping List
Impulse buys are one of the biggest traps on Black Friday. Stick to a list of what you actually need, and you’ll avoid wasting money on things that just look good in the moment. Whether it’s a new tech gadget or a specific gift, focusing on the items that truly fit your needs will help you stay on track.
Don’t Buy More Than You Need
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of “saving” more, but don’t let the sales pressure you into buying things you don’t need. Keep your goals in mind and remember that the best deal is the one that actually fits into your life, not just the one with the biggest discount.
Stick to these smart shopping strategies, and you’ll walk away with the best deals that truly align with your needs, without the stress of overspending.
Also read:
Understanding the Money Stigma and 3 Ways to Build Your Money Confidence
Getting (and Staying) Out of Debt
Where Do I Start? How to Build Credit if You Don’t Have a Credit Score
Shop Smart, Build Credit, And Enjoy Black Friday With Arro
Black Friday doesn’t have to be a stressful spending spree. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can enjoy the deals without the financial hangover. Set a budget, stick to it, and with Arro on your side, you’ll shop smarter and feel good about every purchase.
At Arro, we believe building credit should be straightforward and rewarding. That’s why we created a credit card that helps you learn, earn, and grow, all in one place. No hard credit checks, no deposit required, and 1% cash back on gas and groceries, just simple, straightforward rewards. Plus, Artie, your personal AI Money Coach, is here 24/7 to guide you, help you stay on track, and celebrate your wins.
Every on-time payment, every lesson learned, and every small step forward helps you build better credit and unlock higher limits. Thousands of people are already using Arro to build stronger credit and have fun while doing so.
Ready to get started? Download the Arro app today and see how easy it is to shop smart, build credit, and feel confident every step of the way.
Stay in control of your wallet: Arro's got your back
FAQs
1. What are the best ways to track Black Friday deals and discounts?
To stay on top of Black Friday deals, use price tracking tools like Honey or Capital One Shopping. These tools can notify you when prices drop to your target level. Additionally, signing up for retailer newsletters can help you get early access to sales and flash deals. If you're eyeing a specific item, tracking prices over a few weeks can give you a clearer idea of whether Black Friday truly offers a better discount.
2. How do I know if a Black Friday deal is truly a good discount?
Not all “discounts” are created equal. To determine if you’re getting a true deal, compare prices across different retailers before Black Friday. Use tools like PriceSpy or check historical pricing data to see if the deal actually offers a better price than usual. If the discount feels too good to be true, it might be inflated, so do your homework to avoid falling for deceptive pricing tactics.
3. How can I handle returns if I end up buying something I don’t need?
It happens! If you end up with an impulse buy, check the store’s return policy before making a purchase. Some retailers extend return windows during the holiday season, so you may have a bit more time to change your mind. Keep all receipts or digital proofs of purchase, and make sure to return items within the specified period. If you bought an item online, some stores offer free returns or exchanges, so be sure to review their terms before you hit "buy."
4. Is it worth waiting until Cyber Monday to buy items I missed on Black Friday?
Cyber Monday can offer even better deals than Black Friday, especially on smaller electronics, software, or online-only discounts. However, it’s not guaranteed that the exact item you want will be discounted again. If you miss a deal on Black Friday, don’t panic. Check if the item is still available at the same price on Cyber Monday or take advantage of post-Black Friday clearance sales.
5. How do I avoid the pressure of Black Friday sales and stay calm while shopping?
The key to staying calm during Black Friday is having a plan. Before you even think about shopping, take a few minutes to write down your priorities. Focus on the essentials and remind yourself that deals will be available throughout the season. If you feel overwhelmed by the hype, take a break or walk away from the screen or store to refocus. Remember, the best deal is the one that fits your budget and needs, not the one you’re pressured into buying.
