Black Friday: The FIRE-Savvy Approach to Avoiding Post-Holiday Regret

Several years ago, I made a “killer” Black Friday score. I’d been eyeing a sleek set of headphones, and after tracking prices for months, I finally scooped them up at what felt like a bargain. For me, the hunt for a deal sets my nucleus accumbens off more than the purchase itself.

The thrill was real — until the headphones arrived. I realized I’d been so focused on “getting a deal” that I’d hardly thought about whether I actually needed them. In the end, they sat unused, an unfortunate reminder that even the most well-intentioned can fall for the lure of a good sale.

Black Friday can be tricky for anyone who values financial independence, especially for those who have embraced the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement full-on.

This annual fête of extravagance and material consumption can be spine-shivering.

But before you write off Black Friday as a hopeless, lost cause, there might be a way to approach it through a more FIRE-savvy lens. Rather than overindulging in this glut of savings, Black Friday can be an occasion to make purposeful decisions that support, not sabotage, our long-term financial goals.

Why Black Friday Has Such a Powerful Hold on Us

Black Friday isn’t just another sale. While it may have started as a one-day event, Black Friday has come to encompass a whole season of deals. The event thrives on urgency, scarcity, and the thrill of getting a total “steal.” It also tends to have some of the best deals of the year in actuality.

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Doorbusters, webbusters, and once-yearly deals all conspire to transform even the savviest of shoppers into impulsive, #FOMO spenders. And for those following the FIRE movement, Black Friday purchases rarely align with the FIRE lifestyle and long-term goals of early retirement and financial freedom.

Yet it’s hard to be the Grinch Who Says “No” when our mother-in-law loves rousing everyone out of bed at 5 a.m. to hit the Midtown Mall. Or you see your kids making long wish lists for Santa in the same way you marked up toy catalogs as a kid. Insidiously, Black Friday is intertwined with nostalgia and family.

Black Friday Can Be at Odds with FIRE (But Doesn’t Have to Be)

While Black Friday seemingly exists at odds with the FIRE financial movement, it doesn’t have to.

Some Black Friday promotions offer genuinely good value, and for items you want to buy (independent of any holiday sale). You don’t have to boycott all deals just because many other consumers overindulge.

Patience and discipline are key. Instead of browsing the sales aimlessly, know what you need and when the best time to buy it is. Many of these items could be cheapest during Black Friday when retail companies set prices enticingly low.

Like we’ve always said a cup of coffee or avocado toast alone doesn’t prevent you from achieving FIRE, “You can buy yourself a toaster and still achieve financial independence early.” You just need to leverage Black Friday the right way so you can make it a tool in your FIRE kit, not a roadblock.

Smart, FIRE-Friendly Black Friday Strategies

So, how can we approach Black Friday and keep FIRE values intact? Here are some FIRE-friendly tips for navigating this holiday mindfully.

Set a budget and be real with yourself

The simplest way to stay on track with your FIRE number is to decide how much you’re willing to spend on holiday gifting and stick to it. This approach is practical for everyone, but especially for FIRE followers. Will this coffee maker help me retire earlier? Will my sister love me less if I gift her a book?

Create a list and stick to it

Santa’s got the right idea here. Make a list. Don’t impulse buy. Ideally, you have a year-long wishlist (Amazon or elsewhere) to track the items you genuinely need or believe could enhance your life.

A ride-on lawn mower, a Nespresso machine, or upgraded home exercise equipment are a few examples. From this list, you can buy the things you’ve wanted and waited for — if now is genuinely the best time to buy. Shop off your list, not the sales ads.

Use price trackers to spot real deals

Not all “deals” are as great as they seem. Websites like CamelCamelCamel, Honey, and Keepa track price histories, allowing you to see if the item’s current price is the best deal. If it’s not a genuine bargain, wait for better sales to come along.

Leverage price-match policies

Many stores offer price-matching or price protection, which can help you secure the lowest price without having to venture out to the stores and deal with long lines and crowded aisles.

Additionally, you may be able to stack the savings. If you purchase online, you can earn cashback rebates of 20% or more by using cashback apps.

Steer clear of derivative products made for black friday

A lot of items advertised during Black Friday are created specifically for this season and often at a lower quality with cheaper parts. This includes “doorbuster” items or products from brands you wouldn’t normally trust.

These aren’t designed to last and can undermine your savings and investment growth goals. And really, the world doesn’t need another $5 dorm-room waffle maker, does it?

How Black Friday Can Support FIRE Goals

If you decide to participate in Black Friday, approach it with an eye toward making long-term investments — not purchases — in items that will enhance your life or save you money.

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Buy things that will save you money long-term

Look for high-quality, long-lasting items that will save you in the future. Durable kitchenware, energy-efficient appliances, or even quality tools can help you avoid multiple future purchases.

Consider items that support your FIRE goals rather than work against them. Do research on return policies, warranties, and check consumer reviews.

Focus on bulk buys or essentials

Buying in bulk can be a great way to take advantage of deals on essentials, especially if you find discounts on household staples or items you’ll need for the coming months.

For example, stocking up on non-perishable foods or toiletries can provide you with savings well beyond Black Friday — although for holiday-themed items (tubes of toothpaste with mistletoe), it may be even cheaper to wait until December 26.

Gift an investment instead of material items

When it comes to friends and family, think outside the box and consider giving gifts that build financial security instead of traditional presents.

 Contributing to a 529 plan (college fund) for a niece or nephew, for example, or setting up a small custodial investment account is a unique gift idea that aligns perfectly with FIRE.

Charitable gifting

Consider gifting your kids and other family members the chance to give. Rather than a physical present, gift a charitable donation they can direct to a meaningful cause.

A social giving app allows donors to pick a cause — like giving funds to a local classroom or supporting animal shelters. This “gift of giving” teaches empathy and the value of using money to make a difference. Alternatively, you could help your kids research local charitable institutions for contributions.

You’re also building a tradition of kindness over materialism.

Have your kids buy gifts for others

Gifting can be a two-way experience, and teaching kids to think about others’ needs is a powerful lesson. Encourage them to pick out simple gifts for friends or family, which helps develop kindness and consideration.

By raising kids who know that spending thoughtfully can bring joy to others, we set them on a path of balanced, value-based living that aligns with the best of the FIRE philosophy.

Watching your kids buy gifts for others can also bring a lot of joy and humor into an often stress-filled season.

Last year, I took my five-year-old daughter to a holiday-themed church rummage sale. In the children’s shop, she had $7 to buy seven presents, and her picks were quite aligned with each person’s interests and personality.

For me, she selected a pair of used, nickel-plated earrings, which have since required only minimal dabs of Batitracin.

What Are the Real Deals on Black Friday?

We can’t talk about Black Friday without addressing the deals. The short answer: Yes, there are real deals — but not always with big-box chains

According to deals editors at Wired, “Most of the time, Black Friday deals are the best we see all year, and they set the precedent for what dictates a good price in the months that follow,” but proceed with caution. Many Black Friday deals aren’t compelling — or often you’ll find repeat Black Friday deals from previous years’ sales.

To get the best deals, Consumer Reports (CR) suggests using price trackers and loyalty programs to catch the best prices across different categories.

As a deal-seeking mom, I personally see the best deals for Black Friday when it comes to independent shops and brands like Jamie Kay (apparel for children and babies), Fat Brain Toys, and Candylab Toys.

Some larger direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands like Lululemon can also offer worthwhile savings.

A Different Perspective: Reflecting on What Black Friday Means for You

As long as you’re intentional with your spending, you don’t have to sit on the sidelines for Black Friday.

The end of the year is a good time to consider your annual expenses and spending, examining the “why” behind your money choices. What motivates you to buy on Black Friday? Is it pressure from family? Or the thrill of a bargain? Or, is it to save money on gifts and items you’ve had earmarked for several months?

Many FIRE followers think about their purchases as steps —forward or backward —in their journey to financial freedom. If the dollars you save from a Black Friday deal can improve your quality of life — bringing you more time with loved ones or for your hobbies — they may be worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

In the end, Black Friday is just another day (or season) on the calendar. It comes every year, and if you stay intentional, it shouldn’t impact your path to financial independence. In fact, the sales holiday could be a good occasion to practice the FIRE mindset and make investments in “deals” that genuinely align with your long-term goals, as well as teach your children about hype, intentional spending, and the gift of giving to others.