As Black Friday approaches, many stores are offering discounts and sales. It’s easy to get excited and want to buy many things, but if you receive a SASSA grant, it’s important to use your money wisely. Black Friday can help you save on things you need, but it can also tempt you to spend more than you can afford. With the festive season on the way, and back-to-school expenses coming up in 2025, good planning can help you make the most of Black Friday to stretch your grant money.
“Black Friday can be a good time to save on essentials, but it’s important to plan ahead and not get caught up in overspending,” explains Tshidi Russon-Sithebe, Head of Retail Banking Propositions at EasyPay Everywhere. “With a bit of planning, your money can go further.” She offers six useful tips to help SASSA grant recipients shop smartly and avoid overspending this Black Friday:
- Buy what you need, not what you want – Black Friday deals can be very tempting, but before you buy, ask yourself, “Do I really need this item?” Make a list of things you really need, like groceries, toiletries or school supplies for your children. Then focus on looking for good deals on these important items first, so you don’t waste money on things you don’t really need. “Making the most of specials on essential items now will help you avoid money stress later,” Russon-Sithebe says.
- Set a budget and stick to it – Before you shop, decide how much money you can afford to spend. This way, you won’t be tempted to spend more. “Many people spend too much because of the big discounts over Black November,” warns Russon-Sithebe, “but by setting a budget and making sure you stick to it, you can make sure you have enough money to pay for what you need in December.”
- Check prices carefully to make sure it’s really a deal – Not all Black Friday deals are as good as they seem. Some stores raise prices before Black Friday to make their discounts on the day look better. Take some time before Black Friday to make a note of the prices of things you want to buy. That way, you can check if the shop says there are discounts on these items on Black Friday, you will know if those discounts are really good value.
- Plan ahead for the holidays and January 2025 – Even if there are some good Black Friday deals, think carefully before spending money on them. Remember, there are expenses coming up in December and January, like festive season groceries, travel and back-to-school supplies. Be sure to put some money aside for these important expenses and only spend money what is left over on deals. “Families often face financial pressure in January due to school costs and other expenses,” Russon-Sithebe says, “but planning ahead can help reduce that stress.”
- Use lay-by and stokvels instead of credit – If you see a good deal on something important that you can’t afford right now, consider putting it on lay-by instead of taking out a fast loan with unregulated loan sharks to pay for it. Lay-by allows you to pay for items in small amounts over time, without paying any extra interest. This helps you get what you need without going into debt.
- Use a card instead of carrying cash – Black Friday is a very busy day. Unfortunately, criminals know that there will be a lot of people carrying cash during this time. Instead of putting yourself and your money at risk, rather use a debit card to pay for your Black Friday shopping. If your card gets lost, it can be blocked and you won’t lose any money; but if your cash is lost or stolen, it is gone forever. An EasyPay Everywhere card is a secure way to manage your money and swipes at till are free. It lets you shop safely and check your balance anytime, so you always know how much you can spend.
Black Friday can be a great time to get discounts on those items you have had your eyes on, but it’s also important to shop wisely. “Every rand saved today can make a big difference in the months ahead,” says Russon-Sithebe. “So, use Black Friday to buy what you need for less money, and don’t let the excitement make you spend money you’ll need later.”
