By Michelle Skinner, Communications Director

You may already be listening to Christmas music, and the snow has definitely fallen this season. It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas — especially when your inboxes start to fill with Black Friday “Sales.” Before you act fast to secure the best deals on all the latest toys and gadgets, check out these five ways to actually save money on Black Friday.

Just Say No… To FOMO

I’m in marketing, but I’m still a sucker for a good gimmick or social media post. That’s why I have to be particularly on guard once Black Friday promos hit my social media feeds. Retailers use countdown timers, “door-buster” sales, and “limited quantity” messaging to create urgency. It’s driving an emotional response in you, and it works. Check out the psychology behind Black Friday spending in this blog.

Remember that while some deals are legitimate, these tactics can encourage purchases you hadn’t planned to make — or budgeted for. If an item isn’t on your list, take a step back and consider whether you truly need it or if you’re just being influenced.

Pro tip: I’m not a pro, but I did read somewhere that adding to an online cart without actually making the purchase produces almost as many endorphins as buying the item(s). I probably learned it from an influencer.

Your Budget is your Seasonal Bestie

The best way to avoid overspending is to decide in advance exactly what you plan to buy and how much you’re willing to spend. The goal is to buy things you would have purchased anyway, but now at a better price, thereby maximizing savings and ending up with exactly what you wanted.

Here’s a fun fact: Shoppers who enter Black Friday with a list are less likely to make impulse purchases that can quickly erase any savings, like your emergency fund, which, in fact, is not for emergency shopping sprees at Ann Taylor’s “Friends & Family” sale.

Pro tip: From the actual pros this time. One of the smartest ways to save this holiday season is to start planning with your credit union. From holiday club accounts and budgeting calculators to personalized financial guidance, credit unions offer tools designed to help members save with confidence. Whether you’re setting a gift budget, tracking spending, or finding a safe and affordable way to pay for purchases, your credit union can help you stay focused on your financial goals while enjoying everything the season has to offer.

Research Purchases Like They’re Your Ex on Instagram

Much like said ex, A 50% discount isn’t always as impressive as it initially looks. Some retailers raise prices before sales events, making discounts appear larger than they really are. Tracking prices ahead of time using tools like Google Shopping and Consumer Reports can help you determine whether a deal is genuinely worth it.

Also, don’t assume the first sale you see is the best deal available. The same product may be discounted differently at competing retailers. Taking just a few minutes to stalk… err… compare prices online can result in significant savings.

Why Play Tetris When You Can Stack Discounts?

One of the easiest ways to maximize savings is by combining discounts. Look for store coupons, cashback offers, loyalty rewards, and credit card promotions that can be used together. Financial experts recommend “stacking” discounts to reduce your final purchase price even further.

Pro tip: Review your credit card’s offers page before shopping. Many issuers provide seasonal rebates or statement credits with select retailers.

But Wait; There’s More

A great deal can become less of a bargain once you factor in shipping fees, tariffs, and necessary warranties. It’s like all of the extra fees when purchasing airfare. Many shoppers — but not you, since you’re reading this and therefore more informed than the “average shopper — focus on the advertised discount and overlook these extra expenses, which can quickly add up and cut into your overall shipping budget. I don’t know about you, but I would rather spend my budget on actual things instead of shipping and fees.

Pro tip: Look for retailers that offer free shipping minimums (or as I call it, the treat-yourself-to-a-pair-of-earrings-to reach-the-shipping-minimum method), free in-store pickup, or loyalty perks that can offset additional costs.

The Bottom Line

The biggest Black Friday savings often come from thoughtful planning rather than flashy discounts. Forget FOMO, make a list, set a budget, compare prices, stack your savings, and treat yourself… I mean… watch out for hidden fees. Your wallet will thank you long after the holiday shopping season ends.