Avoid impulsive spending and financial stress this Black Friday
FNB shares tips on how to manage your money during Black Friday sales.

The month of sales, commonly known as Black Friday, has arrived, and consumers are enticed to spend their hard-earned cash. But this is a year that we need to be more cautious about our spending, especially in light of inflation and the economic climate.
However, there is still a chance to find good bargains and stock up for the festive season or buy those big school items at lower prices before the new year.
Ester Ochse, the product head at FNB Integrated Advice, says, “It is important for consumers to be intentional with their budget this Black Friday and base their purchases on what they can really afford.
“Having a structured Black Friday purchase plan will help to find those key items they really need and save them a bit of money. This will put them in a better position that will not cause financial stress down the line.”
Ochse shares these tips to help consumers navigate Black Friday deals:
• Create a list
Build a list of items you would like to buy during this time, then categorise them into three categories: needs, wants, and nice to have. The needs can be items such as stationery for next year or groceries.
Wants will be items you will use, but they form part of discretionary spend usually. Examples are clothing and cosmetics. The last category will be nice to have. These will be things like a new smart TV or air fryer.
• Set a budget
Look at how much you can comfortably afford without needing to take credit to buy the items. This will stop you from overspending and feeling a financial burden. Now, you need to allocate the set budget to the items you listed above.
Start with the needs, then the wants and then the nice to-haves. If the budget runs out at the needs, then that is where the focus remains. Don’t overstretch yourself to try and get to the wants and nice to haves.
Setting a budget and keeping an eye on it is easy with Smart Budget on the FNB app under nav»Money.
• Do your research
This needs to start earlier in the year so you are fully aware of how much an item usually costs and also compare between different retailers. This will ensure what you are spending is a discounted price. Look at common retail websites and sales advertisements before you start shopping. This will also help in allocating your budget.
• Use your loyalty programmes
This is a great time to use your loyalty points, such as eBucks. You can use them to pay for some of your shopping items and look for travel deals if that is on your list.
• Shop safely
Be vigilant when shopping. Use your virtual card when shopping online, as it will give you extra protection. The other added benefit of using your virtual card is you could earn eBucks, which will help categorise your spending in the Smart Budget app.
If you are shopping online, make sure the website is trusted and that it is, in fact, the retailer’s website. Also, remember not to give your card or PIN to anyone, and your bank will not phone you and ask for those details.
“Black Friday is a great opportunity to pick up a bargain and buy a few things you have been looking at for a while or stock up on necessities at a discounted price.
“But if not managed properly, it can lead to financial stress in the months following. When shopping for bargains, remember these tips to help you so that you do not overspend,” concludes Ochse.