How to plan before you swipe on Black Friday

Black Friday frenzy is here. You hear about it in the radio and you are swamped by online advertising. How are you going to keep your wits about you when you hit the shops at the mall or online? All those discounts look so tempting – just think of all the money you can save!

In addition, Black Friday is not just a day anymore, bit a full-blown season of deals, flash sales and digital buzz. For many South Africans, it is where saving meets spending and the thrill of “getting it right” feels like a win. But behind the excitement lies a choice: shop with purpose or get swept up in the hype and end up broke.

Last year, FNB customers directed most of their purchases toward groceries, clothing, entertainment and travel. These categories reflect not only seasonal priorities, but also a shift toward spending with purpose, where purchases intersect with real needs, enhance quality of life, or support planned goals, Ester Ochse, product head of Integrated Advice at FNB.

“Black Friday is a major retail event that can offer value to consumers, but only if approached with planning and discipline. It is easy to get swept up in the excitement, but emotional spending during sale periods often leads to regret. Budgeting ahead and identifying genuine needs can help consumers make intentional purchases and avoid unnecessary debt.”

Ochse shares five smart ways to prepare for Black Friday:

#1: Know your financial bandwidth

Start with your budget, not the sale flyer. Review what is left after your essentials and savings. That is your real spending room. Having that number in mind keeps you grounded when discounts start flashing across your screen.

#2: Build your “priority purchase” list

Scroll through your year’s wish list and identify what truly matters. Whether it is a home appliance, a data plan, or a much-needed upgrade, focus only on what fits into your existing goals. A clear list reduces the temptation to buy what looks exciting but serves no purpose.

#3: Research before the rush

Compare prices now, before Black Friday. Many retailers release early hints or previews. Knowing the baseline cost helps you to spot genuine savings versus marketing noise. Ochse notes that informed consumers spend more confidently because they recognise value, not hype.

#4: Use your digital tools for control

Set up spending alerts on your banking app or use your app’s budgeting features to track how your money moves during the sale period. These real-time insights can serve as small reminders that protect you from unplanned taps. “Technology gives you visibility. Visibility gives you control,” Ochse says.

#5: Pause before you buy

Even with the best planning, it is easy to get caught in the moment. When you feel the urge to buy, give yourself a few minutes. Walk away, review your list and decide whether the item supports your financial goals. Most of the time the deal, or the desire, will still be there later.

A smarter way to spend

Ochse says planning helps protect your financial confidence. The satisfaction of sticking to your budget and buying only what you’ve planned for lasts far longer than the fleeting thrill of an impulsive deal.

And for those using rewards programmes like eBucks, Black Friday can be an opportunity to stretch value even further, especially when paired with partner discounts or travel bookings.

“The power is in how prepared you are. A well-planned purchase gives you peace of mind and keeps your money aligned with your goals.” Ochse says therefore, this Black Friday, remember to plan first, swipe later and let your decisions, not your emotions, lead the way.