Does anyone else have mixed feelings about Black Friday?
Most of the year, I’m pretty frugal. I plan my expenses carefully and try not to buy unnecessary things. But when Black Friday comes, something in my brain just switches off. The moment I see the word “discount,” I convince myself I’m saving money, even though I usually end up spending more than ever.
Some of the spending feels reasonable. Like this year, I plan to get some Christmas sweaters and decorations for my family, which are more like traditions than luxuries. I also want to buy a new H2ofloss water flosser because my old one broke months ago, and I’ve been waiting for this sale to replace it.
But then there’s my impulsive side. I start adding random things like shiny DIY materials to my cart because I tell myself it’s cheaper to make jewelry myself. In reality, I just end up with more craft supplies I barely use.
I love the excitement of the discounts, but I hate the guilt that comes after. I honestly don’t know if I’m saving money or just finding new ways to spend it.
TL;DR: Black Friday makes me feel like a smart shopper, but deep down I know I’m just buying more than I need.
I Swear I’m Frugal… Until Black Friday Shows Up
byu/Sparrowx0x1x inFrugal
Posted by Sparrowx0x1x
5 Comments
I stock up on Black Friday. I buy my skin care for the year. I use clean Indie brands. I buy my deodorant, and laundry detergent, and other things like that from smaller brands that make better quality products that I feel good using from companies I feel good supporting. and I stock up for the year. So I budget for it, I anticipate it, and besides buying gifts for my daughter and boyfriend I don’t veer from that. I have a spreadsheet with the original prices and the sale prices and I plan ahead and stick to that.
The nice thing about something like Black Friday. If you are frugal the rest of the year, it can be seen as treating yourself (within reason).
I haven’t had a Black Friday spending problem, but spend way too much time watching prices. For items on Amazon, I put them in my cart and save them for later, which triggers price notifications when looking at the cart again. Watching items fluctuate in price wildly over the year is enough to make me pause even longer before considering purchasing anything, especially when seeing prices jump up before Black Friday to make the discounts a draw.
Enjoy decorating with your family and building good memories!
never understood the appeal tbh, it’s 99% last year’s garbage
Stay home and Craft with your crafting supplies that day.
Water flossers are cheap and valuable to prevent pain and expensive dental work. Just buy it.