Hi, and welcome to this week’s blog post, where I want to explore the “madness” that is Black Friday, and give you some food for thought.
I’ll leave you with some tips and take-home message at the end.
(Other opinions also available! Don’t kill the messenger…)
I am not a big shopper, I buy what I need when I need it, and am sensible about how I spend my money – my downfall is when my favourite band is on tour, but also then I curb my enthusiasm and give myself a limit.
I prefer shopping on a weekday when it’s quieter and avoid the shops on weekends when it’s busier.
I can’t deal with it all!
…And I don’t need to deal with any of it, so I don’t…
The title for this post is a bit of a play on words.
My title question should have the emphasis on the word “do” – why DO we need this day in our lives?
Let me rephrase: Do we really need Black Friday?
Let’s look at some positives and negatives of Black Friday
Positives
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It’s a social activity that everyone can comment on and join in with (read on for the counterpart of this social activity)
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We can get good deals on some things
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If you are a business – it might boost your sales!
Negatives
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Social activity gone-wrong: it can bring the worst out in people – aggression is part of it as people fight over the same TV set or pair of shoes!
Discounts are not really discounts – they just change the tag to make it look like you’re getting a great deal, but in reality you are paying the usual price or more!
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Pressure to buy stuff that you might not really need – shopping guilt might set in, or you might have needed the money for something else more pressing.
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Stress, anxiety and other “symptoms” might arise from trying to get there first and get the items we are after – they are most likely on a limited time or quantity.
It is within each of us to decide what is best for us. If Black Friday works for you, then go for it and enjoy it!
I will stay within the quiet, calm and safety of my home and assess when I need things and whether they are absoulutely necessary right now, or can I wait to get them when I’ve saved up for them.
I prefer to save my hard-earned cash to go on holidays and meals out with my husband.
Making memories and eating good food is my priority over shopping for the latest gadget or joining on on popular shopping days like Black Friday.
Black Friday can work for some people, but not for others (like me!)
The take-home message I would like to leave you with in this post can be summed up in these bullet points:
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Do what feels right for you.
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Look after yourself by having your priorities clear and acting accordingly.
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Curb your enthusiasm in regard to “shiny objects”, but if you really want said shiny object, then go get it! You only answer to yourself.
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Have a budget.
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Set boundaries with others but also with yourself, this will keep you from resenting yourself for an unnecessary purchase or doing something that you don’t want – learn to say no!
To end this post, I’d like to leave you with some articles to read about Black Friday. I found these interesting and light reading!
