How to enjoy the Black Friday sales...without regrets.

I have areally good trick to stop overspending on Black Friday, and its not just planning my purchases. I like to call it aligned spending...that is spending in line with the me I want to be. Do you want to know how? It's a quick thing to do...and you can do it right now!. Have a look at the last few transactions on your banking app and answer:

What has brought you joy?

What feels aligned with your values?

What is the purchase that is your favourite on the list? and

What would you erase if you could?

You see, to me money is about life enhancement. I don't want to be going crazy at K Mart, but I also don't want to be living a joyless life with the aim of paying off my home loan in five years. Money is all about balance, its the now and the then, the present and the future! So check in on your spending just like that occasionally! And if you are doing that it gets easy not to go crazy on the Black Friday sales. You see its not just planning and knowing what you want - it is about the things that you are buying adding value to you. So when you are looking at a shopping cart ask yourself: Will I still value this purchase in six months? Particularly with Christmas coming up and the temptation to go crazy buying stuff for the family.....it’s worth taking a moment to reflect. Are you buying things that truly add meaning to your celebrations, or are you filling the cart just because they’re on sale?

Here’s how to keep your spending aligned with your values this Black Friday:

1. **Create a Purpose-Driven Gift List**
Think about the people on your gift list and ask yourself, *What would genuinely bring joy or utility to their lives?* A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to be the most expensive or flashy item; it’s the one that shows you care.

2. **Set a Budget and Stick to It**
Decide ahead of time how much you’re willing to spend overall and for each person. Having a clear limit helps you resist the temptation of those “extra 20% off” sales that encourage overspending.

3. **Pause Before Hitting ‘Buy’**
When you find something you like, take a moment to visualize how it will fit into your life—or the recipient’s life. Ask yourself:
- Does this reflect the kind of person I want to be?
- Will it improve someone’s day or add clutter?

4. **Practice Gratitude Before Shopping**
Before you dive into the sales, take a moment to appreciate what you already have. Gratitude puts you in a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity, making it easier to resist impulse buys.

5. **Shop Mindfully for the Future You**
Imagine the version of yourself that you’re working toward—whether that’s someone more financially secure, less stressed, or surrounded by meaningful experiences instead of things. Will this purchase help or hinder that vision?

Black Friday sales are designed to make you feel like you’re missing out if you don’t act now, don't fall for it!! Aligned spending reminds you that every purchase is a step toward the life you want to live.

So, as you browse those tempting deals, remember: the goal isn’t to save money on things you don’t need. It’s to spend intentionally on the things that truly matter.

**Your money is a tool. Use it wisely, and let it reflect the values that make your life rich in all the right ways.**

And always enjoy the journey!!