Flash sales are fantastic at sabotaging our efforts to keep our finances on track so I’m here to help you enjoy Black Friday and be responsible!
?Black Friday is on 26th November in 2021.?It is more than that however as it seems to be lasting longer and longer each year with many stores promoting Black Friday Weekend.
?Amazon, Curry’s, John Lewis, and Argos are just a few of the stores that will be slashing prices on specific goods and many big bargains are to be had – BUT….
?Here are some top tips to get the best out of Black Friday… and then .. Cyber Monday:
- Go in prepared!?Do your homework and know what you want before you go shopping.?Read reviews of what you are buying so you can choose with knowledge.
- Be wary of unusual brands.?Again, do your research.?Just because it looks like a good spec it may not be a reliable brand.
- Check that the price you are getting really is cheaper and by how much.?You can check many products price history on CamelCamelCamel or PriceRunner.
- Don’t buy something just because it is in the sale.?Do you really want it? Can you afford it??Will you use it??The temptation of a sale can trigger excitement and might tempt you to buy without proper thought.?Look at the price – not the saving.
- Keep receipts and check the return status.?If you change your mind you want to be able to return it.?
- Use your credit card if the item is over ￡100.?Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act will take equal responsibility with the seller if there is a problem.
- Set up online accounts in advance.?If you want to bag a bargain and make sure it does not sell out, set up accounts early and add your payment details for that swift researched purchase. Some outlets allow you to set up a wish list which will make purchasing even quicker
- Cashback sites may offer even more discount.?Quidco and Topcashback are great – but treat them as a bonus only.?Cashback is NOT guaranteed so don’t use it as the lure.
- There are lots of fake black Friday deals.?Be wary every step of the way. Check everything – check the small print. Read offer exceptions, be wary of WAS prices.?
- Feel happy to let Black Friday pass you by.?To not want anything or need anything is totally fine.?You are not missing out.?You may well be less stressed and save yourself a lot of money!
Shall I Buy? – Questions to Help You Decide
I recommend printing this section out and attach it to your pc, phone, laptop or wherever you “buy” from.
- Did I want this item before it was in the sale??
- Have I researched this product thoroughly?
- How much am I saving? Use price history checker sites Camelcamelcamel for Amazon and Pricerunner for other stores to see.?Both sites give you previous prices listed.
- Have I done a price comparison with other stores?
- Can I afford it?
- Do I really need it?
- How much will I use it?
- Is the money better used for something else?
I am a big fan of happy spending. That means that every purchase is made with a happy heart, guilt-proofed by research and avoidance of panic or rushed buys. Guilt creeps in when the purchase is not made fully consciously – so be conscious!
?If you think that you’ll be tempted to make rash purchases here are some tips to protect you from post-purchase regret.?
- Remove the pre-filled credit card details from your devices.
- Take your credit card from your wallet or purse and put it somewhere where you must really think before retrieving it – the loft maybe? If that’s not possible try freezing it in a tin can of water (use a tin can so that you can’t defrost it in the microwave) to give you more thinking time!
- If you go out and don’t want to be tempted, take only cash with you
- Focus on what you have planned for your money pre-sale and how important it is to keep that money specifically for that goal.
- When you are researching and decide NOT to buy a certain product, write it down.?Keep a list of what you have decided NOT to buy and stick it up somewhere so that you can see it easily.?This is your "I WILL NOT BUY "list, leaving no confusion or temptation when you see it in the sale.
If, however, you have wanted something for ages but have not been able to stretch to the asking price, now is the time to see if that item is reduced enough to fit your budget. If it does and you have asked all the Shall I Buy Questions and the answers lead you to the purchase, then go ahead and do it!
?Smile about it and feel good about it!
?I hope you embrace Black Friday happily and consciously!
Ending trauma on a global scale one family at a time and it starts with healing ourselves! ??
2 年Very interesting article, thanks for sharing!