As November is now in full swing, have you noticed an increase in adverts promoting Black Friday, 29th November? Cyber Monday is coming up fast too. It's estimated that in the UK 1 in 3 purchases will be returned to the retailer. Here are some tips for navigating the push to spend your money all in the name of saving a few ££
Tip 1:
Work out what you actually, if anything, need to buy.
If you are looking to purchase Christmas or birthday gifts, make a list and do some research before these sale events so that you can benchmark costs. Only buy if it’s actually a bargain.
Tip 2:
If you are thinking of upgrading your tech, think about why and how your current devices aren’t working for you at the moment. It’s very easy to get seduced into buying the latest gadgets, IT kit, kitchen appliances etc when big discounts are promoted. But do you actually need to replace the items you currently have? Think, pause, and delay a purchase if you haven’t researched the spec that you need. Saving ££ on something that doesn’t do the job for you can cost you dearly.
Tip 3:
Got a Christmas party to go to and see a beautiful outfit discounted on line? It may look a great deal but have a think about the sustainability of buying brand new especially if you may only wear the outfit once or twice. There are some amazing bargains to be had on preloved clothing sites and Facebook groups. Check these options out instead.
Tip 4:
Avoid the “only 4 of these items left at this price” urgent message that you can see on websites. Chances are there are plenty more in stock of the “item you never knew you needed”! It’s a marketing tactic to get you to part with your money. Remember these events now go on for a lot longer than one day!
Tip 5:
Still worried about your will power and ability to resist? Try some of these strategies:
Delete retailer email subscriptions from your email and phone to reduce the messages coming directly to you
Delete apps from your phone so that you aren’t tempted to continue scrolling and see product and discount adverts. You can reinstall after the sales period has finished
Set a spending limit and find an accountability buddy. Tell them what you are prepared to spend and ask them to check in on you to keep you straight on your spending
Focus on the positive environmental impact by not have lots of delivery drivers coming to your door
Remember, a bargain is only a bargain if you actually needed the product! If you didn’t then you’ve spent your hard-earned money on an item or service that you may not like or need. Spending on things that you don’t need adds more unnecessary stuff to your home with the potential for greater overwhelm, possibly a tad of guilt or embarrassment and the no small issue of trying to return the item.
Enjoy a calmer Black Friday and Cyber Monday experience.
Jen x
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