Simple Tips to Shop Smart and Spend Less on Black Friday

Black Friday in 2025 is expected to be bigger than ever, with retailers offering deals in stores and online starting as early as the week before. While this day is known for big discounts, it's also a time when many people overspend or get tricked into buying things they don’t need.

To help you avoid wasting money, here are 10 smart and simple ways to save money during Black Friday based on advice from trusted finance and shopping experts.

1. Set a Clear Budget and Stick to It

Before you even start browsing deals, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Make a budget and break it down into categories like:

• Electronics

• Clothing

• Gifts

• Home goods

According to Finance Monthly, shoppers who create a detailed budget before Black Friday are less likely to go into debt or regret purchases.

Tip: Only use money you already have, avoid using credit cards unless you plan to pay the full balance quickly.

2. Make a List of What You Need

Write down exactly what items you plan to buy and for whom. This includes gifts, household items, or products you’ve been saving for, like a new laptop or TV.

The team at Good Housekeeping recommends making a list early, so you can track prices and avoid being distracted by flashy deals on things you don’t actually need.

3. Check Prices in Advance

Many stores raise prices before Black Friday and then offer fake discounts. To make sure you're really saving:

• Use websites like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to track price history on Amazon and other online shops.

• Compare past prices with current deals.

The Motley Fool advises checking at least 2–3 weeks before Black Friday so you know the real value of the items you want.

4. Compare Prices Across Retailers

Different stores may sell the same product at different prices. Before you buy:

• Use comparison websites like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or ShopSavvy.

• Look out for price-matching policies, stores like Target and Best Buy often match lower prices from competitors.

This tip alone could save you hundreds, especially on big-ticket items like electronics.

5. Start Shopping Early

Many Black Friday deals begin before the actual Friday. In fact, in recent years, big retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target have started rolling out discounts in early November.

Shopping early gives you:

• A better selection of products

• Less chance of items going out of stock

• More time to compare deals

According to Andover Bank, early shopping also helps you avoid last-minute panic buying, which often leads to overspending.

6. Sign Up for Store Emails and Loyalty Programs

Many stores offer exclusive deals or early access to sales for their email subscribers or rewards members.

• Sign up for newsletters at least a week before Black Friday.

• Some retailers, like Kohl’s or Macy’s, also send out promo codes or coupons to subscribers.

Good Housekeeping recommends setting up a separate email just for shopping to keep your inbox organized.

7. Use Discount and Cashback Tools

Before you finalize your online purchase, always check for extra coupons or cashback offers. Using Liveoff Coupon, you can find discount codes from thousands of stores, helping you save even more on top of Black Friday deals, to Cyber Monday deals.

Simply search for your retailer on Liveoff Coupon to see available coupons and promo codes that can reduce your total cost. This easy step can add up to significant savings without any extra effort.

8. Watch Out for “Doorbuster” Traps

Doorbuster deals are limited offers designed to get people into stores or onto websites. While some are genuine bargains, others are just low-stock or older models with exaggerated savings.

Toxigon warns that these deals can trick you into buying something quickly without research, which leads to poor spending decisions.

Advice: If it’s not on your list or in your budget, skip it no matter how “hot” the deal looks.

9. Know the Return Policy

Before you hit "Buy," check the store’s return policy. Some items bought during Black Friday have limited or non-returnable conditions.

• Check if there are restocking fees

• Ask how long you have to return or exchange items

• Get receipts and save confirmation emails

According to Andover Bank, knowing your return rights protects you from wasting money on bad purchases.

10. Avoid Impulse Buying with the 24-Hour Rule

If you see a deal you didn’t plan for, don’t buy it immediately. Give yourself at least 24 hours to think it over.

Ask yourself:

• Do I really need this?

• Will I use it in the next month?

• Can I afford it?

Most deals come back or are similar on Cyber Monday or during December sales. So don’t rush.

Conclusion

Black Friday 2025 is full of opportunities to save, but only if you plan smart. These tips can help you take control of your spending, avoid traps, and still get great deals.

By setting a budget, making a list, using tech tools, and avoiding pressure-buying tactics, you'll be able to shop smarter, not just cheaper.