New to Black Friday? TheFitFinance is here to turn this shopping frenzy into your ultimate Financial Fitness Test. Imagine Black Friday as a marathon rather than a sprint: chaotic stores, frenzied crowds, and online carts filling up at lightning speed. According to the National Retail Federation, 81.7 million shoppers hit stores on Black Friday 2024 up from 76.2 million on 2023 – like being in a packed stadium at kickoff! But just like in a real race, the unprepared often crash and burn (cue the stress).
Whether you love the adrenaline of deals or usually sidestep the madness, the question is: “Are you planning to spend money on Black Friday or do you avoid it?” This guide will flip the script. We will train your wallet with Black Friday shopping tips for beginners, so that when the starting gun fires, you are not an impulsive sprinter but a well-prepared financial athlete.
By the end, you will have a bulletproof game plan to conquer Black Friday and keep your budget unscathed.
Black Friday is like a financial marathon – train your budget now so you’re ready for race day.
What Is Black Friday & When Does It Come?
Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, known for massive discounts, limited-time deals, and retailers competing to offer the best prices right before the holiday season. Originating in the United States, Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving, typically the fourth Friday of November. Over the years, it has evolved from early-morning, in-store doorbusters to a global online shopping phenomenon that now stretches across the entire weekend—and sometimes even the whole week.
For many people, Black Friday marks the official start of holiday shopping, while for smart budgeters, it’s an opportunity to secure planned purchases at significantly lower prices. Whether you are buying essentials, upgrading electronics, or stocking up on gifts, Black Friday can be a powerful money-saving tool—but only if approached strategically. That is why guides like this one become essential, especially for beginners trying to navigate the hype without falling into overspending traps.
Black Friday Shopping Tips for Beginners: Are You a Financially Fit Shopper or an Impulse Spender?
First up, check your mindset. Black Friday isn’t just another day; it’s a mindset test. A financially fit shopper treats deals like weights in a gym – with strategy and caution. An impulse spender treats them like shots of espresso – thrilling but hard to calm down afterward. Which one are you? Maybe you’ve fought the urge to wake up at dawn for a TV sale, or maybe you’ve found yourself elbow-deep in discount racks with no plan. Here’s why millions get pulled in:
Why Do People Get Obsessed with Black Friday? (The Psychology of a Sale)
Black Friday frenzy taps into deep psychology. Retailers use scarcity tactics to create fear of missing out (FOMO), making you feel like if you don’t act now, the deal vanishes. Researchers explain that limited stock announcements and flashing countdown timers trigger an urgent “buy it or cry later” panic. It’s like seeing the last slice of pizza at a party – suddenly everyone wants it and is about to fight for it.
Social proof and herd mentality amplify this. Shoppers look around and think, “If they are grabbing it, it must be good.” In fact, studies show people are heavily influenced by what others buy during sales. It is human nature: we trust the crowd. So when you see neighbors, friends, and influencers celebrating a deal, it feels smart to follow suit. This herd mentality can cause even careful shoppers to second-guess themselves and jump on a sale.
Finally, there is the thrill of the chase. Black Friday lights up the reward circuits in our brain – that little “cha-ching” buzz of saving money can feel like a mini-endorphin hit. According to experts, shoppers often feel emotional gratification from snagging bargains, which can cloud judgement. In short, the excitement and promise of a win feels fantastic… and sometimes causes us to buy things we wouldn’t normally.
Bottom line: Knowing these tricks – FOMO, social proof, and that adrenaline rush – is half the battle. Remind yourself that retailers are the cagey boxers here: they trained for this, setting traps like a magician’s illusions. You have to stay sharp.
Must Read: Stopping Impulse Spending on Black Friday: The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Temptation
Your Pre-Black Friday Training Camp: Budgeting and Planning
Before Black Friday hits, put your wallet through a mini bootcamp. Plan ahead – it’s your financial training camp! Start by auditing your finances. Check your bank account, review upcoming bills (rent, utilities, etc.), and figure out your total disposable income for holiday shopping. Then set a NON-NEGOTIABLE budget. This is your financial game plan, so be ruthless. It might help to break it down by category or person: for example, allocate a certain amount for tech gifts, another for kitchen gadgets, etc. One expert suggests setting a budget for each person you are shopping for and then even trimming it by 10% as a bonus saving strategy. This way you know exactly how much you can afford to spend without derailing your whole holiday budget.
Finally, make a “priority purchase list.” List out what you actually need or have been planning to buy (new laptop, winter coat, etc.), and what you want to get as gifts. Stick to it. Write it on paper if needed – research shows a written list helps you stay committed to your goals. If an item is not on the list, it’s off-limits.
1. Audit Your Finances. Check your bank balance and upcoming expenses. Know exactly what you can spend.
2. Set a Firm Budget. Decide a total (and per-person) cap. Consider shaving 10% off for extra savings .
3. Make a Priority List. Write down the essentials: laptop, winter clothes, groceries, gifts. Stick to the list and don’t wander.
For example, say Sarah needs a laptop for work and new tires for her car. She checks sales history and decides she can spend up to $800. She lists “Laptop – up to $600” and “Car tires – $200”, plus a few smaller gifts. When Black Friday arrives, she searches only for deals on those exact items – and ignores a flashing 70% off gadget that’s not on her list. This focus saved her $300 on tires and kept her from splurging on random tech knick-knacks. You can do the same.
Is Black Friday Another Marketing Trick? (Spoiler: Sometimes, Yes!)
* * * * IS IT MARKETING TRICK ?
Sometimes, those jaw-dropping deals are too good to be true – because they are not all genuine markdowns. Smart shoppers know to spot the sleight of hand. Many “original prices” are inflated so the discount looks bigger. Limited-time “doorbuster” deals may actually have been planned long before, giving an artificial scarcity. As one former retail insider bluntly puts it, “Black Friday deals weren’t designed for your benefit” – they’re designed to part you from your money.
If you hunt for news around Black Friday, you will find examples: Retailers occasionally advertise a sale as “50% off” even when the item was quietly marked down beforehand. The minimalists blog warns that “the deals aren’t actually that good” and they create false scarcity to push impulse buys. Do not fall for countdown timers or “only a few left” pop-ups without checking the details.
Sometimes, those jaw-dropping deals are too good to be true – because they are not all genuine markdowns. Smart shoppers know to spot the sleight of hand. Many “original prices” are inflated so the discount looks bigger. Limited-time “doorbuster” deals may actually have been planned long before, giving an artificial scarcity. As one former retail insider bluntly puts it, “Black Friday deals weren’t designed for your benefit” – they’re designed to part you from your money.
If you hunt for news around Black Friday, you will find examples: Retailers occasionally advertise a sale as “50% off” even when the item was quietly marked down beforehand. The minimalists blog warns that “the deals aren’t actually that good” and they create false scarcity to push impulse buys. Do not fall for countdown timers or “only a few left” pop-ups without checking the details.
How to verify a deal: Before clicking “Buy,” pause and question it. Use price-tracking tools (like Honey or CamelCamelCamel for Amazon) to see if the “sale” price is really a low price or a recycled tag. Check competitor sites: is the discount unique, or are others offering similar or better? Read reviews – sometimes the “doorbuster TV” might have poor ratings. Remember, if it was not on your list before the sale, you’re not saving money by adding it – you’re just spending 100% more than planned. In short: stay skeptical. Treat each deal like a gym instructor inspecting your form – make sure it’s legit.
The Main Event: Your Game-Day Strategy for Black Friday
Here comes game day. You have your budget and your list – now apply these Black Friday shopping tips for beginners as your winning strategy. Think of this as two playbooks: one for online, one for in-store.
Black Friday Shopping Tips for Beginners: The Online Playbook
Online Black Friday can feel like a blitz – endless tabs, flash sale timers, and placebo carts filling themselves. But you’re prepared. Before the frenzy:
• Bookmark & Alert: Favorite the pages of items you want today, and set up price-drop alerts (there are browser extensions/apps for this). This way, when deals go live, you won’t waste time digging around.
• Early Access: Some sites unlock deals slightly early for app users or email subscribers. If comfortable, sign up to get alerts so you can snag deals the instant they drop.
• Autofill & Payment Prep: Save your payment info in your browser (safely) to speed checkout. Slow clicks can mean missing the deal.
• Compare Quickly: Have two devices open if possible – one with your top pick, another for a backup. Sometimes the first choice sells out; a backup plan keeps you from panic-shopping.
• Cart Integrity Check: Keep an eye on your cart total. Some stores will add quick “related deals” or “protective plan” at checkout. If it’s not on your list, delete it.
For example: Jamal’s eye is on a gaming console. He has the console’s Amazon page bookmarked before Black Friday. As the clock strikes sale time, he refreshes and sees it’s $150 off. He clicks “Buy,” but immediately checks the cart summary: did they sneak in an extra charger at full price? Nope, just the console. He also had a second tab open with a similar console from another retailer as backup. When his first option sold out, he switched quickly without emotional panic.
Black Friday Shopping Tips for Beginners: The In-Store Playbook
If you plan to hit the stores (or their doorbusters outside the door), the game is physical. Preparation and timing are key. On a shopping floor:
• Dress Light and Plan the Route: Wear comfortable shoes and light layers. Many Black Friday shopping areas are crowded and can be hot. Check the store’s layout online or on a map: plan to hit your highest-priority items first.
• Take Someone With You (If Possible): Two heads – or more – are better than one. A friend or spouse can cover a different aisle or help carry a large TV. Plus, you’ll be safer and more alert.
• Use Technology: Even in-store, your phone is a tool. Price-check on sites to confirm the sale is real. And use retailer apps; some let you scan barcodes on the spot to see stock at other locations (or the true pre-sale price).
• Bring Cash: If you’ve really set a strict budget, consider bringing only cash in that amount. This mental trick often curbs overspending. If you must use cards, decide on a max credit line for the day and leave others at home to avoid swiping beyond plan.
• Check Receipts Immediately: Before you leave the counter, glance at the receipt. Sometimes discounts don’t apply properly, or you might notice an extra “sale” fee. If there’s a glitch, fix it on the spot.
• Avoid Doorsales Bargains if It’s Not On Your List: Those long lines for doorbusters (e.g., “first 20 TVs at 6am!”) are thrilling, but only join them if it’s for an item you need. Otherwise you may waste your early-morning energy (and the deal) on something irrelevant.
Bullet-proof tips help. For example, prep your timing: if a store opens at 5am, decide if it’s worth braving the cold. Maybe plan to go mid-morning after crowds thin. And if you do line up, keep warm and bring a snack to avoid exhaustion.
The Smart Shopper’s Secret Weapon: Stocking Up on Boring Necessities
“Anyone else using Black Friday to stock up on boring necessities? Smart move!” It sounds funny, but this is a pro strategy. Think of it like bulk buying protein powder when it’s on sale: not sexy, but financially savvy. Use this day to replenish items that you use regularly and need anyway.
To Save Money, What Essentials Do You Usually Stock Up On?
Make a list of everyday or recurring items your household goes through. Categories can include:
• Household Supplies: Vacuum cleaners, slow cookers, cookware, light bulbs, cleaning supplies (detergents, soaps), toilet paper, paper towels. Long-life goods that don’t spoil.
• Groceries & Pantry Staples: If your grocery store is in on deals, buy extra rice, pasta, canned goods, coffee, or any bulk items you’ll consume in 6–12 months. (Just be sure you really will!)
• Tech & Office: External hard drives, SSDs, computer monitors, phone chargers, batteries. These tend to go on sale and are useful. One Black Friday, we snagged a deal on noise-cancelling headphones for under $50 – got one for home office, one for travel.
• Personal Care: Stock up on multi-packs of toiletries: toilet tissue, shaving supplies, toothpaste, shampoo, or that expensive electric toothbrush head refill. Many retailers bundle personal care items into gift packs at deep discounts.
• Clothing Basics: Socks, underwear, plain T-shirts, or winter gear like gloves and hats. These often go on major sale, and you wear them anyway.
• Baby/Kid Items: Diapers, formula, wipes – if you have infants or toddlers, Black Friday deals on baby goods can save hundreds.
• Seasonal Bulky Items: If holiday decorations or winter gear (like air fryers, heaters, luggage) will be needed later, buy them on sale now.
It is smart to treat “boring necessities” as a secret weapon. Imagine this: a year ago, our friend used Black Friday to buy a new vacuum cleaner and extra air filters. He thought, “Well, we need these eventually,” and sure enough, later he couldn’t find a sale that cheap. He ended up saving about 30%.
Retail experts even agree: now is the time to stock your pantry and home. As The Spruce points out, it’s often better to “stock up on everyday essentials” during Black Friday sales, rather than splurging on impulse. By doing so, you turn Black Friday into pre-holiday planning, and your future self will thank you when you’re pulling from those extra supplies instead of paying full price later.
Use Black Friday to refill your pantry and household supplies – a true win.
The Cool-Down: Reviewing Your Post-Black Friday Financial Health
Congratulations, you have crossed the Black Friday finish line! But the race isn’t over until you’ve checked your form. Now is your cooldown: take a few steps back and evaluate. First, review your receipts and statements. Did any unauthorized charges or returns-eligible items sneak through? If you spot an impulse buy that makes you cringe (that novelty gadget you don’t actually need), check the return policy now and send it back.
Next, tally up your spending. Compare it with your budget. Did you stay under? If you’re slightly over, maybe skip an extra dinner out or hold off on one holiday splurge to balance it. The point is to ensure your credit card doesn’t wake up with a shock.
Finally, celebrate wins and learn lessons. Did that price-tracker tip save you $40? Did sticking to your list prevent wasteful spending? Give yourself credit. On the flip side, note if any tactic failed. Maybe you waited too long for a deal and it ran out of stock. Or maybe a “deal” was a dud. Use these insights to train harder for next year’s “financial fitness test.”
Black Friday Financial Fitness Quiz
Ready to test your Black Friday savvy? Take our quick quiz and see if you’re a Financial Fitness Pro, On Your Way, or Needing More Training. For each question, choose the letter that best matches your instinct.
1. You see a 50% off big-screen TV you didn’t plan on buying. You:
• A) Snag it immediately before it’s gone!
• B) Pause, check your budget, and see if it’s truly cheaper than usual.
• C) Shake your head and walk away – sticks to the list no matter what.
2. You have a $100 gift card. You:
• A) Splurge on one large purchase because “hey, it’s free money.”
• B) Use it on several small essentials you were going to buy anyway.
• C) Save it for groceries or something practical later.
3. A store’s ad boasts “Only 3 left! Don’t miss out!” for a gadget. Your move:
• A) Rush out to buy it – it must be a steal!
• B) Check if that was the regular stock number anyway (some stores do this all year).
• C) If you need the gadget, cool – if not, you ignore the hype.
4. You stick to your Black Friday budget. How do you feel on Cyber Monday?
• A) Proud – you crushed the day without going broke. (Financial Fitness Pro!)
• B) A bit challenged – you stuck almost to plan (On Your Way!).
• C) Overwhelmed – you overspent or gave in a lot (Needs More Training!).
5. After Black Friday, you check your bank account and see you’re slightly over budget. You:
• A) Remain calm, adjust by cutting back next week and moving on.
• B) Feel guilty, but note it as a lesson learned for next time.
• C) Panic, thinking “This ruined everything!” and stress.
Scoring: Mostly A’s: Financial Fitness Pro – You handled Black Friday like a champ! Mostly B’s: On Your Way – You’re getting there with smart habits. Mostly C’s: Needs More Training – No worries, you just got your starting line. Focus on that budget and prep for next year’s marathon.
Conclusion:
You have sprinted through this guide from novice to Financial Fitness Champion. Remember the core message: Black Friday is a test of discipline, not a free-for-all. With the right mindset, planning, and strategy (and a hearty dose of humor), you can tackle it head-on. Use our Black Friday shopping tips for beginners to stay on track: audit your finances, set the budget, stick to the list, and celebrate the wins.
Now you have the playbook. Black Friday isn’t about adrenaline and impulse anymore; it’s about smart shopping with purpose. So tighten your laces – your wallet is trained and ready. Go out there and pass the test.
How did you do on the Financial Fitness Quiz? Share your result in the comments below! 👇 Want more painless personal finance tips? Subscribe to TheFitFinance newsletter for your weekly workout of financial wisdom. Still feeling unsure about your budget? Check out our Master Budgeting Guide to build a rock-solid monthly budget before the holidays – because the best financial gains start with a plan.
