Black Friday, Cyber Monday & Boxing Day Week Deals Guide

How to Prepare Your Budget for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day Deals

Holiday shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day are some of the best times to score incredible deals on everything from electronics to clothing. However, the flood of promotions and discounts can also make it tempting to overspend. That’s why preparing your budget ahead of time is crucial to getting the best value without breaking the bank.

Why Budgeting Matters for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day

Each of these shopping events offers unique opportunities to save money, yet they also come with intense marketing and limited-time deals that pressure shoppers into impulsive purchases. Having a clear budget helps you:

  • Control your spending: Avoid unexpected expenses by setting a realistic limit before the sales begin.
  • Prioritize your needs: Focus on items you genuinely want or need, rather than chasing every deal that appears.
  • Reduce buyer’s remorse: Sticking to a budget minimizes regret over unnecessary purchases.
  • Plan for multiple events: Since Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day usually happen within weeks of each other, budgeting helps space out your expenses.

Step 1: Review Your Holiday Shopping List and Prioritize

Start by making a comprehensive list of products you want to buy during these events. Include gifts for family and friends, personal items, and household essentials. Then, rank these items by priority:

  • High priority: Items you must buy, such as gifts with specific recipients or essentials like a new laptop.
  • Medium priority: Items you want but can wait for a good deal, like home appliances or clothing.
  • Low priority: Non-essential items or things you’re tempted by but can do without.

This ranking will guide your budget allocation and keep your spending focused on what really matters.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Overall Budget

Determine how much you can comfortably spend in total across Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day sales. Consider your monthly finances, holiday expenses beyond shopping, and any anticipated income changes. A good rule of thumb is to allocate a percentage of your holiday budget to each event, based on where you expect the best deals or the most important purchases.

For example, you might assign 50% to Black Friday since it often has the widest range of deals, 30% to Cyber Monday for tech deals, and 20% to Boxing Day sales for last-minute gifts or household items.

Step 3: Break Down Your Budget by Category and Store

Dividing your budget into categories (electronics, clothing, toys, etc.) helps you avoid overspending in one area and neglecting others. Additionally, if you plan to shop at specific retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, or Amazon, allocate funds based on where you expect the best deals.

  • Example: Allocate $300 for tech gadgets on Best Buy Cyber Monday deals.
  • Example: Set aside $150 for clothing during Kohl’s Black Friday sale.

This method also simplifies your shopping experience, allowing you to track spending easily and adjust as deals roll out.

Step 4: Use Tools to Track Spending and Deals

Leverage budgeting and deal-tracking apps or simple spreadsheets to monitor your expenditures and spot price drops. Many websites provide Black Friday ads and Cyber Monday preview flyers for stores like Walmart and Home Depot, which you can use to align your budget with actual prices.

Be sure to factor in taxes, shipping fees, and any membership discounts or cashback offers, as these can affect your final spend.

Step 5: Plan for Flexibility and Unexpected Deals

While sticking to a budget is key, holiday sales often feature flash deals or unexpected markdowns on popular items like a Nintendo Switch or Hulu subscriptions. Keep a small portion of your budget reserved for such opportunities, but avoid letting excitement derail your overall plan.

Remember, the goal is to maximize savings without overspending across Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day combined.

Bonus Tips for Budget-Friendly Holiday Shopping

  • Set price alerts: Use tools to notify you when an item drops below your budgeted price.
  • Compare multiple retailers: Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals vary widely between stores like Target, Amazon, and Kohl’s.
  • Check Black Friday and Cyber Monday ads early: Previewing ads helps you identify the best deals and avoid impulse buys.
  • Use cashback and reward programs: Add extra savings by using credit card rewards or store loyalty programs.
  • Avoid last-minute purchases: Boxing Day sales offer a second chance to shop for holiday deals, often at even better prices.

By carefully preparing your budget and shopping strategy, you can confidently tackle Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day sales, securing the best deals while keeping your finances in check. Happy shopping!