Black Friday: How to score the deals without blowing your budget

With the cost-of-living crisis, Black Friday is more tempting than ever. In fact, over half of shoppers now rely on discounts to stretch their budgets, according to consumer analyst Mintel.

But remember, Black Friday’s not so much about giving you a bargain, it’s about getting you to spend.

The golden rule before hitting the ‘buy’ button is simple: ask yourself - Do I really need this? Can I afford this? Or am I just buying it because it's at a discounted price? If you’re unsure, walk away!

That said, genuine deals are up for grabs. Follow these steps to avoid buyer’s remorse!

Shop early, beat the rush

Like Christmas, Black Friday seems to creep up earlier each year. Avoid the chaos of crashed websites and long queues, by shopping before the actual day (29 November). Trust us, deals before Black Friday are often just as good as the ones on the day itself. So get ahead.

Set a budget (and stick to it!)

Sure, that cosy new dressing gown is a deal, but it's not free! Set a limit on what you can realistically afford. Even small purchases add up, so know your budget and don’t go over it just because it’s discounted.

Do your homework

Half-price doesn't always mean half-price. Use sites like PriceRunner or Camelcamelcamel to see if the discount being offered is really that great. You'll be able to compare prices and know if you’re truly getting a deal.

Set price alerts

Found something you want but it’s still too costly? Set up price alerts. Use apps like PriceRunner to get notified when prices drop, so you can jump on a great deal without spending more than you want to.

Use price matching to your advantage

Retailers like Currys, AO and Richer Sounds will match a lower price you find elsewhere. This means you get the same product, but at a lower price from a trusted retailer. Just check the T&Cs before you buy.

Sign up early

Beat the Black Friday rush and bag the best deals by registering for accounts ahead of time. It’ll save you precious seconds at the checkout and some retailers even throw in extra discount codes for members.

So, there you have it - set a budget, stay smart and enjoy a guilt-free Black Friday!