What Black Friday Can Teach Us About Smart Financial Decisions
Every year, Black Friday arrives with the same energy: flashing discounts, “today only” offers, and a flood of deals that seem too good to ignore. For many people, it’s the day they spend more in a few hours than they have all month.
But while Black Friday is all about getting a bargain, it’s also a perfect moment to step back and think about how we make financial decisions — not just with shopping, but with saving, investing, and protecting our long-term future.
Here are a few timeless money lessons Black Friday brings into sharp focus.
1. If You Don’t Have a Plan, You’ll Spend More Than You Intended
The same way people walk into Black Friday “just to browse” and come out with three TVs, many people approach their finances without a plan.
And just like impulsive shopping, impulsive financial decisions can cost you.
How this relates to your financial life:
Without a retirement plan, you’re more likely to under-save.
Without an investment strategy, you may chase trends instead of following a proven path.
Without reviewing your insurance, you may be overpaying or under-protected.
A plan helps you stay intentional — not reactive.
2. Big Discounts Can Distract You from What You Actually Need
Black Friday can be a masterclass in FOMO. Suddenly, everything feels urgent and essential… until it arrives and sits unused in a cupboard.
The same thing happens with money.
A hot tip. A trending stock. A new bank offering a small short-term perk.
It all feels exciting — but does it actually move you toward your long-term goals?
The real value is in long-term gains, not short-term hype.
In investing, in insurance, and even in KiwiSaver, it’s the consistent, boring, steady strategy that usually wins.
3. Short-Term Emotions Can Cost You in the Long Run
Black Friday plays on emotion — urgency, scarcity, excitement, fear of missing out.
Markets do the same.
When markets dip, many investors feel the same emotional pressure as someone staring at a countdown clock on a Black Friday deal: Act now or regret it later!
But with investing, reacting emotionally can mean:
Selling at the bottom
Missing the recovery
Locking in losses
Straying from your plan
Emotion-driven decisions are one of the biggest wealth destroyers.
4. The Best Deals Are Actually the Ones You Plan Ahead For
Think about the people who do Black Friday well — they:
Know what they need
Set a budget
Compare prices
Make informed choices
It’s the same with financial planning.
When you understand your goals and have a clear strategy, you get the financial equivalent of “buying on sale” throughout your whole life:
Lower insurance premiums if you protect yourself early
Higher investment growth if you start sooner
Fewer fees if your products are set up correctly
Better retirement outcomes through consistent contributions
Financial planning is basically Black Friday for your future self — without the chaos.
5. The Smartest Money Move You Make This Black Friday Might Not Involve Shopping at All
Black Friday is designed to make you buy things you don’t need.
One of the most powerful things you can do is flip the script:
Instead of spending more, set yourself up to earn more, save more, or protect more.
This could look like:
Increasing your KiwiSaver contributions
Reviewing your insurance to reduce gaps
Setting up an investment plan
Reassessing your budget
Getting advice before making a big financial decision
The best deal you’ll ever get is a strong financial future — not a discounted gadget.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday is fun, frantic, and full of temptation — but it’s also a great reminder of how easy it is to make quick money decisions that don’t support your long-term goals.
Take the lessons from the sales frenzy and apply them where it matters most:
your financial wellbeing, your future lifestyle, and your long-term security.
Whether it’s planning, investing, or protection, now is always a good time to make a smart financial move — and unlike Black Friday deals, the benefits can last a lifetime
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Legaseed NZ Ltd (FSP1005404) holds a licence issued by the Financial Markets Authority and provides financial advice in relation to financial & retirement planning, investments, KiwiSaver and personal risk insurance. Our disclosure information can be found on our website www.legaseed.co.nz, or is available on request and free of charge.
