As we approach holiday season that means we will encounter more reasons to spend. Black Friday is one of those days that make even the most disciplined spender neglect their financial priorities. From the constant ads on social media, the countdown timer, larger than normal discounts and limited time offers makes spending money easier with less of a thought process and more urgency because you feel like you cannot afford to miss these deals.

However, as one who is intentional with their financial journey it is imperative to remember it is possible to get a great deal and still make poor financial choices.

The mission is never to cheat yourself out of nice things or never participate in sales. The goal is to ensure all spending aligns with your financial goals rather than being driven by triggers and excitement.

As we approach Black Friday these are seven spending habits worth implementing in your spending to help you maintain financial discipline and remain with budget.

1. Create a Shopping List Before You Browse

Overspending happens easiest when you don’t what you are shopping for and why. Be intentional about your shopping. Take note of everything you desire to purchase and determine if the purchase will be worthwhile. If not, the constant promotions and ads will quickly influence you to make unnecessary purchases. Use a list to help you narrow down purchases and not repetitive ads.

2. Set a Spending Limit Before the Sales Begin

After you have decided all the things you desire to purchase calculate how much it could possibly cost you and determine your spending limit. This limit will allow you to clearly identify what you want and what you can comfortably afford.

Before Black Friday ensure to examine your monthly budget. Prioritize your bills, savings, contributions and upcoming expenses. This will help you to determine a realistic amount of disposable income remaining for splurging.

Also remember, your spending limit shouldn’t be adjusted every time you find another attractive deal.

3. Practice the 24-Hour Waiting Rule

Every purchase doesn’t require immediate action. Retailers often use certain marketing tactics to trigger impulse spending. You may feel like you are missing out if you don’t act now, but always sit with the thought of purchasing the item especially if it was never on your list.

During the waiting period ask yourself:

• Was this on my list?
• Does this purchase fit within my budget?
• Will I feel good about the purchase tomorrow?
• What goal can I use the money to support instead?

Allowing yourself to truly sit with the thought gives you clarity on whether it was a genuine need or just temporary excitement.

4. Review Your Financial Goals Before Spending

Due to the excitement of the season you may easily lose sight of your long term financial goals. These include debt payments, emergency funds, and savings. Always review and ensure you are on track with these goals before splurging. Take note if spending this money will help you make progress or hinder your progress.

Again, it’s not about depriving yourself. It’s ensuring you remember that today’s splurging shouldn’t take precedence over your long term financial security.

Your goals deserve a place in your spending decisions, too.

5. Learn the Difference Between a Discount and Actual Savings

A 50% discount may feel like an opportunity to save money, however this is only the case if the purchase was necessary or planned.

If an item costs $200 and is marked down to $100, you haven’t automatically saved $100. You’ve spent $100.

On days like Black Friday it is important to make this distinction as discounts and ads become more appealing leading you to purchase things you have no business purchasing. Always try to figure out the true value of a purchase versus the discount percentage.

6. Stop Browsing When You’re Bored or Emotionally Triggered

Impulse purchases often derive from triggers.You may have a deep love for shopping and become easily entertained by finding new things you like. Other times it may just be a way to improve your mood, relieve stress and escape undesirable feelings. During sale oriented times of year such as Black Friday it becomes easier to endlessly browse to find new offerings making you more susceptible to make frivolous purchases.

Identifying what encourages you to shop unnecessarily. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I browse endlessly when I’m bored?
• Do I purchase things after a stressful day?
• Does doom scrolling leave me feeling like I need to upgrade my lifestyle?

Identity your triggers and create healthy alternatives for your moods such as journaling or taking a walk when you feel to browse storefronts.

7. Track Your Purchases and Review Your Spending

Being disciplined with your finances doesn’t end when you make a purchase. You have to understand how the purchase has impacted your finances. As we approach Black Friday and peak spending season remember to track your purchases, dollar amount and what is left of shopping budget.

Review your spending and ask yourself:

• Did I stay within my budget?
• Was every purchase planned?
• What purchases were impulse purchases?
• What influenced my spending decisions?
• What could I do differently during the next Black Friday sale?

This review isn’t to judge yourself and your spending habits. It’s to help identify your patterns and learn from your decision so you can approach future shopping seasons with more awareness.

Protect Your Financial Progress This Black Friday

Black Friday shouldn’t become a season of financial regret. However with poor preparation it could possibly be. A little intention in regard to your finances goes a long way and you will thank yourself in the future for maintaining control of your finances. Start developing these habits in time for this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday and the rest of the holiday season so you can have the right mindset entering the season.

Always remember, being disciplined with your finances isn’t about never spending money. It’s about knowing when, why, and how you spend it.

The best purchases are not the ones with the biggest discount it’s the ones that support your finances.

At Your Money Diary, the goal is to help you become more aware of your spending habits, determine what may be holding your financial progress back, and make the right decisions that support the life you’re working toward. Your money deserves a plan, even during the biggest sales of the year.