Waiting for the Black Friday sale to shop is a wise decision to save money. But those hefty discounts can instantly make you buy things you don’t need. So, how to break that cycle and stop overspending? Let us help.
Mindful Shopping Strategies for Black Friday Savings
Follow these simple and practical tips to save your hard-earned money:
Identify Personal Spending Triggers
Do you tend to shop unnecessarily when stressed, excited, or bored? Document moments when you feel the urge to spend impulsively. Note the time, place, emotional state, and what triggered the desire to buy. You’ll notice patterns over time. So the next time you’re in that state, you’ll have more control over your tendency.
Understand Genuine Sales Vs. Marketing Tactics
Carefully understand Black Friday sale offers and their terms to determine whether they are genuine sales or marketing tactics designed to encourage you to spend more. For example, some Black Friday sale offers will give you 50% off, but you have to spend a minimum of AED 2,000 to avail of the offer. This is a marketing tactic designed to make you spend more. Some genuine sale offers include deals such as Buy One Get One Free which allows you to buy two items at a price of one.
Create a Detailed Shopping List with Prices
Write down precisely what you intend to buy. Research average prices beforehand. Set a maximum price you’re willing to pay for each item. Buy only what’s on your list.
Implement the 24-Hour Rule
We often regret impulsive decisions. If you want to buy any non-essential items, then wait 24 hours. This pause lets you assess your true needs. And, you usually realize that the item isn’t as necessary as it originally seemed.
Practice Needs vs. Wants Analysis
List all the items you want to buy. Label them as ‘needs’ or ‘wants.’ Needs are essentials required for daily living or well-being. Wants are extras—nice to have but not essential. Cover needs first. Set a strict spending limit or consider postponing ‘wants.’
Use Cash or Prepaid Cards Only
What is the total amount you’re willing to spend during Black Friday? Withdraw this amount in cash or load it onto a prepaid card. When cash or prepaid funds run out, your shopping stops.
Remove Saved Payment Methods Online
Check your online shopping accounts. Remove saved payment details. While manually entering payment information, you’ll have time to reconsider the purchase.
Unsubscribe from Retail Newsletters
Retailer emails flooding your inbox with deals? Unsubscribe them. Fewer promotional emails mean fewer opportunities for unplanned purchases. You can always resubscribe after the Black Friday season.
Schedule Shopping Times
Decide when you will shop, online or in-store. Limit your shopping to these periods. You can use alarms or calendar notifications to start and end your shopping sessions.
Summing Up
Mindful shopping begins with understanding your needs and buying patterns. Once you determine that, these tricks can prevent you from overspending and getting trapped by marketing tactics. Understand the sale offers properly and analyze what you need. Saving money through Black Friday offers is a good way to spend less on essential items, but it should not let you overspend.
Happy Shopping!
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