It’s Black Friday, and the shops are shouting about “bargains” left, right, and centre. But not every deal is a steal – and let’s face it, spending on stuff you don’t need isn’t really saving. So, how can we bag real bargains and dodge the duds? Quids in! has us covered.
1. Make a List and Stick to It
Before we even start scrolling or hitting the shops, write down what we actually need. New winter boots? A toaster that doesn’t burn everything? Fine. A unicorn onesie or a third air fryer? Probably not.
Black Friday is all about flashy ads trying to make us think you can’t live without their products. Spoiler: we probably can. Stick to our list, and don’t get distracted.
2. Do your homework
A big “50% OFF” sign might catch our eye, but is it really a deal? Some shops hike up prices just before Black Friday to make discounts look better than they are.
Check the item’s price history on websites like CamelCamelCamel or PriceSpy. That way, we’ll know if it’s actually a bargain or just a con.
3. Set a Budget – and Don’t Budge
Decide how much we can afford to spend. Whether it’s £20, £200, or nothing at all, stick to it like glue. If we’re using a credit card, ask ourself: “Can I pay this off next month?” If not, it’s not worth the stress.
4. Watch Out for Dodgy Websites
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Only shop on trusted websites. Look for a padlock in the browser bar and avoid sites we’ve never heard of. No one needs a cheap TV if it comes with a side of credit card fraud.
5. Don’t Buy Just for the Sake of It
It’s tempting to click “Add to Basket” just because it’s cheap. But remember, a bargain isn’t a bargain if it ends up gathering dust.
Final Tip
Black Friday is great for grabbing something we need at a lower price, but it’s not worth getting into debt or buying things we’ll regret. Be smart, shop safe, and keep our hard-earned cash in our pockets for the things that really matter.
Stay savvy and don’t let Black Friday burn a hole in our wallet!
Image: Iryna Budanova / Shutterstock
