Shop smart this Black Friday and beyond

1. Check if it’s really a deal 

Not every “50% off” is what it seems. Some shops may bump up prices before discounting them or promote items that are always on sale.  

Here are some easy ways you can check so you don’t get caught out on Black Friday 

• Use price-checking tools like PriceRunner or CamelCamelCamel to see the price history. 

• Compare prices across different retailers before you buy. 

• If the deal isn’t better than previous prices, it might not be worth rushing for. 

A quick check can save you from falling for “fake deals” and keep your budget on track. 

2. Don’t buy on impulse 

Black Friday is designed to make you feel like you’re missing out if you don’t buy something, but impulse spending often leads to regret. 

Ask yourself: Would I want this if it wasn’t on sale? If the answer’s no, skip it. 

• Make a list before the sales start and stick to it. 

• Think about your spending goals, is this helping you or holding you back? 

The best deal is one that fits your life, not one that drains your wallet. 

3. Watch out for scams 

Black Friday is prime time for scammers. With fake websites, dodgy links, and too-good-to-be-true offers everywhere. 

Stay safe by: 

• Buying from trusted retailers only. 

• Looking for “https” and the padlock symbol in your browser  

• Avoiding clicking links from emails or texts unless you’re sure they’re genuine. 

If something feels off, trust your instincts. For more advice, check out this guide to spotting Black Friday scams. 

4. Plan your spending 

Black Friday leads straight into Christmas, making this an expensive time of year. A clear budget now can help you avoid more financial stress in January. 

Ideas to keep on track: 

• Set a spending limit and stick to it. 

• Use budgeting tools like this Christmas budget planner from Aspire Money 

• Think ahead to next Christmas, planning now can make it easier later  

Want to start saving for Christmas? Our Christmas Saver option makes it easy to set money aside so you know exactly how much you can spend.  

5. Don’t let deals cause debt 

It’s tempting to use credit cards or buy now, pay later offers, but interest and late fees can turn a bargain into a burden. 

Keep it manageable: 

• Only spend what you can afford to pay off comfortably. 

• Avoid high-cost credit options that can spiral out of control. 

If you need extra support, our small, affordable loans can help you spread the cost of Christmas without turning to high-cost credit.