Black Friday is all about making a steal or saving money on those items you’ve been eyeing all year but your budget held you back from buying. Although it’s a sale some retailers can take advantage of the craze. Rather be prepared so you don’t fall into debt.
“The best solution is having a strategy in place to help you navigate Black Friday without overspending,” saysCommercial Director at Payflex, the South African shop-now, pay-later payment fintech. He offers the following tips:
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Have a plan of action
Know what you want and where to get it. Do your research to discover the best deals. Check the ads to know what’s out there. That way, you make conscious shopping decisions rather than being swept up in the spirit of a “great deal.”
Have a Budget
Be realistic. Know what you can afford. It’s fantastic to get great deals, but it’s even better if those deals don’t plunge you into debt. Decide on the maximum amount you’re going to spend and allocate spend on must-have items and then a small amount to use freely to treat yourself to something special.
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The big question
“Do I want this or do I really need it?” Differentiate between what you really need versus what’s nice to have.
Make a shopping list
Resist the need for immediate gratification by writing down exactly what you’re going to buy before you shop. A shopping list will keep you focused.
Shop Online
Exhausted at the thought of long queues? Then online shopping is the way to go. Just thumb your way through a catalogue of your favourite items together with a few clicks, and voila – the item is yours at a great price, with no need to queue.
If you plan ahead and research the deals you’d like, you enjoy Black Friday shopping minus the guilt when you see your bank balance later. Happy shopping!
