Black Friday, when retailers promise huge bargains and shoppers scramble to snap up the deals, is fast approaching.
Although Black Friday is officially scheduled for 28 November 2025, it has grown far beyond a one-day event over the years, with early bird sales, pre-Black Friday discounts, and “coming soon” emails flooding inboxes ahead of time.
Meanwhile, Buy Nothing Day is also planned for 28 November. In a bid to protest against mass consumerism, this event is effectively the opposite of Black Friday, encouraging people to “buy nothing” for 24 hours.
While you may take a firm side in the “buy nothing” or “buy everything” debate, most people fall somewhere in between, seeking a bargain but also wearily worn down by the barrage of “buy me” communication.
Read on to find out how to strike a balance between Black Friday and Buy Nothing Day.
From a day of sales to a November takeover, Black Friday has grown in scale over recent years
In its early years, Black Friday tended to be a specific retail event at brick-and-mortar stores. It was followed by Cyber Monday, which mainly featured technology promotions from online retailers.
However, Black Friday has now expanded its remit, with sales starting well beforehand, and in-store and online deals offered by most retailers. Cyber Monday tends to serve as the culmination of the sales frenzy.
While there are undoubtedly good deals to be had, you can end up spending a lot of money on things you don’t really want, caught up in the hype.
According to the Independent, shoppers are expected to spend a staggering £14 billion over this year’s Black Friday weekend. If you’re planning to be part of the spree, it’s a good idea to go in with a clear plan.
Do your own research
It can seem as though everything is a great offer, but this isn’t always the case. If you know what you’re looking for, research how much it cost before the sale. Some retailers increase their prices in advance of Black Friday so they can lower them again, making it seem like you’ve landed a deal when you might actually have only saved a few pounds.
If you’re not sure ahead of time, then there are a number of price tracker apps and tools you can use to get an instant view of previous prices versus current reductions.
Make a budget
It can be easy to get carried away with sales, especially if you’re shopping online, as it can feel like you’re not really spending anything. Give yourself a realistic budget – and stick to it.
Watch out for unknown brands
There can be a lot of unfamiliar brands popping up around this time, offering deals that are simply too good to be true.
Often, you’ll end up with poorly made, low-quality products and a costly or complicated returns process. Stick to what you know and trust.
Beware of “FOMO”
Fear of missing out (FOMO) could lead you to buy things you don’t want or need, simply because you don’t want to miss a bargain. Clever marketing can tell you “just a few remaining” or “last chance to buy”, driving you into a panic-induced spending spree you could later regret.
Buy Nothing Day encourages you to step away from spending, but it is unlikely to change your habits
The flip side of the coin is Buy Nothing Day. This concept started in Canada in the early 1990s and has since been adopted worldwide.
Its ethos is to protest overconsumption and consumerism. The aim is simple: avoid unnecessary purchases for 24 hours and use the time to consider more sustainable alternatives in the future.
By stepping away from shopping for one day – and one significant day, in this case – you can give yourself a break from the sometimes-exhausting hamster wheel of consumption.
As a participant, you’re encouraged to actively use the day for reflection, spending time with friends and family, and getting out into nature.
However, while this sounds like a nice idea, it’s important to manage your expectations.
You won’t change your spending habits in one day
Patterns of consumption are often deeply ingrained, and simply taking 24 hours out won’t reset your habits. If you think you’re overspending regularly, then you need to do some due diligence, looking at your income and outgoings and working on a budget.
We can help you put a clear financial plan in place that looks to the long term, not just for one day.
Consumerism isn’t going to go away
Economies are driven by consumerism. There is an argument that it can go too far, and there’s absolutely no harm in reflecting on your own habits and asking if you could buy less. However, a single day of protest is unlikely to create any kind of lasting domestic change.
Get in touch
For most people, Black Friday and Buy Nothing Day represent opposite ends of the spectrum. There’s a good chance you fall somewhere in the middle, enjoying a few deals and making some savings, while not taking it too far.
However, if you feel that you aren’t in control of your spending and would like some help creating and sticking to a financial plan, we can help.
Please get in touch by emailing hello@fingerprintfp.co.uk or calling 03452 100 100.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.