I bet that your inbox is exploding with all the Black Friday deals and offers around this time. I know firsthand how overwhelming this can be, and if you have been friends with me for a while, you know that sales are always my biggest triggers! I love a good deal; it gets me super excited, but there is also a danger in it. I am spending too much and spending on items I don’t need. Today we will talk about how to shop Black Friday deals this year or, better say, every year!

As a recovering shopaholic, some will say I have not recovered yet and that I am in the I admit I have a problem phase; Black Friday is a period I have always looked forward to and get excited about. When I moved to the US, I was so happy to experience Black Friday in this part of the world (told you I had a real problem). I don’t know how it is now, but shopping was a lot more expensive in Europe.

In Amsterdam, I might have had a similar experience with sample sales from my favorite brands. I loved going to these sales with my friends and find unique treasures. But I would also buy way too many and items I was not looking for.

So how to shop Black Friday deals this year? I believe in making lists and stick to them (if it works), and give yourself a budget. Due to the pandemic, a lot of shopping will be online, and I believe there is a danger in that. When you do not see the money, it is so much easier to spend it.

How to shop Black Friday this year these are my tips.

Make a list

Let’s assume we don’t need anything. Talking about wants and needs is a whole other subject. I believe in making a list of the items you want.

Since we are decorating our cottage, I am hunting for dinnerware, furniture, and a tv.

I am also looking for some clothing for my children. Children grow very fast, and I do love quality items for them. Especially for my sons because it means my youngest can have some hand me downs from his brother. I do not want to break the bank when shopping for them, so Black Friday is perfect. I also like to shop for some of the beauty items I use every day because I know I will use them.

This year I am also shopping for a camera if I can find one, and it is within the budget I am comfortable with. That brings me to the next point.

Set a budget

I talked about making a list, and when you have that list; it is up to you to decide how much you want to spend. I believe in setting a budget and stick to it. I love to have a budget and spent less than that, it becomes a bit of a game for me, and you can only spend your money once. I must admit that if I don’t set a budget, I lose control because sales are my triggers, only to feel the shame and guilt afterward.

For my fashion lovers out there. And maybe I should have started with this. This step becomes before making a list shop your closets!! How many times did you notice you bought the same item or something very similar over and over again. I have made that mistake way too many times. So purge before you shop and shop your closet.

As a fashion and clothes lover, I love to shop for a good investment piece during Black Friday. Like the boots that I just can’t justify paying for full price. Or that fantastic jacket I have been eying like forever. Our some Celine sunnies.

Anyway, this is just my advice on how to shop Black Friday deals this year. I also saw a quote on Instagram today, and it really resonated with me:

“You don’t have to spend a dime on Black Friday. Everything (including your bank account) will be just fine if you keep your coins and keep it moving.”

Any thoughts? What are you shopping for this Black Friday, or are you not shopping at all.