You have probably been getting emails, app notifications and mail for days — maybe even weeks — about all the ways you could save this Black Friday. Even if you’ve evaded personalized marketing, signs, commercials and billboards exist. Avoiding overspending amidst all this noise is challenging but possible. Here’s how.
1. Check The Price History
Are you actually getting a good deal? Many retailers mark up prices weeks or months ahead of Black Friday, allowing them to offer seemingly deep discounts. In reality, they are selling those items at their usual cost or offering meager discounts — meaning you’re tricked into taking advantage of what you think is a great deal, causing you to overspend.
Marking up prices to make discounts look better is technically illegal. However, many retailers still do it because it’s hard to prove — you’d have to track a product’s price for months if not years. The silver lining is that many free price history tools exist. If you’re shopping online this holiday season, use one to see whether you’re actually getting a good deal.
2. Plan Purchases In Advance
Have you been shopping around for solar panels but haven’t been able to find a good deal? Do you urgently need an energy-efficient heater this Winter? If you plan your purchases, you’re less likely to overspend. Make sure to categorize items in separate “needs” and “wants” lists. This way, you can prioritize the first list.
3. Consider Future Costs
Some items you can buy on sale will ultimately save you money. For example, LED bulbs last 25 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs while using 75% less energy. Considering long-term costs puts deals into perspective — especially if you plan on making a big purchase — helping you avoid overspending on flimsy or resource-intensive items.
Think of your purchases as investments. You can calculate the return on investment (ROI) by subtracting the item’s cost from the gains and then dividing that number by the item’s price. Say you spend $950 on a solar panel, which saves you $1,500 in electricity costs that year, leaving you with $550. Plug that figure into the formula, and you get a 57% ROI in year one.
4. Pay With Cash Or Debit
It’s easy to overspend with a credit card. According to one survey, about 37% of credit card holders reached their credit limit — or came close — from March 2022 to October 2024. On Black Friday, you may be tempted to put more things on credit than you usually do, reasoning away your worries with the knowledge that you are getting great deals. Pay with cash or debit to keep from burdening yourself with high payments. Your future self will thank you.
5. Double-Check The Fine Print
Have you ever thought you were getting a great deal only to find out at the register that it didn’t apply? Whether the discount was offered online only, the store limited the number you could buy or your item was excluded from the sale, the feeling can be frustrating. Plenty of retailers count on you to overlook the fine print. Don’t give them the satisfaction this year — check if you need to spend a certain amount, have a store card or show up at a specific time.
6. Remember Other Opportunities
Do you remember Small Business Saturday? It’s kind of a big deal. People collectively spent $17 billion at the country’s more than 34 million independent businesses in 2023. They may not have as much variety as large retail chains, but supporting local businesses is an excellent way to sustainably source products.
What about Cyber Monday? Online shops offer deep discounts on thousands — sometimes millions — of items. If you’re tempted to purchase something but the deal isn’t satisfactory, wait a few days. Remember, there will almost always be another opportunity to get the goods you want at a price that you feel is fair.
7. Set And Stick To A Budget
Overspending usually means buying more than you can afford. The average person spent about $390 on Black Friday in 2022. Is that within your budget? If you haven’t already, decide on the maximum amount of money you’re willing to part with. Once you set it, stick to it. For more control, create a breakdown of how much you want to spend on each item you plan to get.
8. Consider The Product’s Longevity
Overspending does not necessarily mean spending more — it can also mean spending more than you should. Would you rather buy a durable organic cotton shirt at 40% off or a thin, cheaply made polyester shirt at 98% off? Even though the latter seems like a better deal, it won’t hold up as well over time.
Avoid overspending on Black Friday by getting items that will save you money in the long run. Review each product’s warranties, reviews and materials to see whether they will hold up over time. This approach is not only environmentally conscious but also guarantees you get the most out of your purchases.
Keep These Tips In Mind While Black Friday Shopping
The temptation to take advantage of deep discounts is strong, but you’re stronger. Prepare accordingly and remember these tips while shopping to avoid overspending on Black Friday. If you don’t get all your shopping done, you can absolutely reuse these tips for Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
Author Bio
Jane is an environmental writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.