Black Friday is an exciting time to snag great deals, but it’s also a prime opportunity for overspending and regrettable purchases. Retailers design this shopping event to encourage impulsive decisions; without proper planning, you might waste money instead of saving it.

To make the most of your Black Friday shopping, here are seven common mistakes to avoid:

1. Shopping Without a Budget

Failing to set a budget is one of the easiest ways to overspend on Black Friday. The endless discounts and flashy deals can tempt you into buying items you don’t need.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Create a shopping list of essential items before the big day.
• Set a clear spending limit and stick to it.
• Ask yourself: Would I buy this at full price? If the answer is no, reconsider the purchase.

2. Falling for ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Schemes

Many retailers offer “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) options, which let you purchase products without paying upfront. While convenient, these schemes can lead to unexpected financial trouble if you miss payments.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Read the fine print carefully to understand fees, interest, and repayment terms.
• Only use BNPL if you’re confident you can pay off the balance on time.

3. Impulsive Spending

Black Friday sales are designed to create urgency with countdown timers, limited stock, and one-day-only deals. This pressure often leads to buying items you don’t need.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Take a moment to pause and evaluate before making a purchase.
• Stick to your pre-made shopping list and budget.
• Remember: A good deal isn’t worth it if the item wasn’t on your radar.

4. Not Checking the Original Price

Some retailers inflate the original price to make the discount look bigger. This deceptive marketing trick can make you think you’re getting a better deal than you are.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Compare prices across multiple stores using price-checking tools like Google Shopping or Shopzilla.
• Use price-tracking websites like CamelCamelCamel to check the price history of items on Amazon.

5. Ignoring Return Policies

Black Friday purchases often come with stricter return policies, especially for discounted or clearance items. Overlooking these details can leave you stuck with something you don’t want or need.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Review the store’s return policy before making a purchase.
• Keep all receipts and documentation for returns or exchanges.
• Verify whether the item has a no-return or shorter return window policy.

6. Not Researching Products

Buying without researching can lead to disappointment if the product doesn’t meet your expectations. Some deals focus on lower-quality models or outdated versions of popular items.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Look up product reviews and ratings on reputable websites like CNET or Wirecutter.
• Check product specifications to ensure they match your needs.
• Be cautious of deals that seem “too good to be true.”

7. Getting Distracted by Flashy Advertising

Retailers spend heavily on eye-catching advertising to lure you into buying more than you intended. These promotions can easily pull you away from your original plan.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Stay focused on your shopping list and avoid browsing for items you don’t need.
• Take time to evaluate whether an advertised deal aligns with your priorities.
• Remember: The best way to save money is by not buying unnecessary items.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday can be an excellent opportunity to save money on must-have items, but only if you shop strategically. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you stay on budget, find genuine deals, and prevent buyer’s remorse.

Plan ahead, do your research, and shop with intention to make the most of this year’s Black Friday sales.