Black Friday: Are you really saving money?
26/11/2025
Black Friday, one of the most important shopping days of the year, is approaching. Brick-and-mortar stores and digital platforms compete on the basis of attention-grabbing discounts, free shipping and limited-time sales. But the tags offering 70% off may conceal a trap, making you think you are saving, when in fact you are spending more than you should on things you may not need. False economies arise when we buy something only because it is on sale, not because we need it or had planned to get it.
Why do we fall into this trap? Our brain interprets discounts as immediate gratification, and advertisers know how to leverage this:
- “Only today”: triggers “fear of missing out” (FOMO).
- “50% off”: makes us think about how much we gain, not what we spend.
- “Free shipping”: minimises our awareness of the total cost.
Real savings come not from discounts, but from buying what we intended to buy. If the purchase was planned, you compared prices and it is within your budget, then it is a good opportunity. But if you didn’t need it, spending €60 on something marked down from €120 is not saving; it is spending €60.
Advice to avoid false economies:
- Make a list of what you really need.
- Shop around before you buy.
- Keep your purchases in line with your budget.
Black Friday can be an opportunity, but it can also be a trap for spur-of-the-moment consumption. Plan, compare and buy only what adds value to your life.
